One week on from the 2025 Federal Election, housing remains a central issue in national debate. While much of the conversation is focused on affordability and access for first-home buyers, established markets such as the Gold Coast are telling a different story – one of resilience, growth, and continued buyer demand.

New data from CoreLogic shows that two of the Gold Coast’s federal electorates rank among the strongest for house price performance over the past five years. In McPherson – home to Palm Beach, Burleigh Waters, Robina and Tallebudgera – median dwelling values have surged 73.9 per cent since 2019. The current median now sits at $1.22 million, reflecting the area’s enduring appeal among families and sea-changers seeking proximity to the beach, schools and village hubs.

Neighbouring Moncrieff, which includes Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach Waters and Main Beach, has recorded a 64.6 per cent increase in values over the same five-year period. Notably, Surfers Paradise has emerged as Queensland’s newest $4 million suburb, following a remarkable 123 per cent increase in house values since 2019. The milestone reflects the suburb’s transformation, with high-end homes and apartments commanding top-tier prices thanks to prime positioning and panoramic ocean views.

Rental growth across both electorates has added further strength to the market. Weekly rents in McPherson are up 5.2 per cent over the past year, now averaging $944, while Moncrieff has seen a 4.6 per cent rise to $834 per week. These figures, combined with historically low vacancy rates, continue to support investor interest – particularly in premium pockets where rental homes remain tightly held.

Although Labor’s housing policies are geared more toward improving affordability and entry-level supply, some reforms may have longer-term implications across all price points. The $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund and the new Help to Buy shared equity scheme aim to ease pressure by increasing housing supply and helping more buyers enter the market. Broader commitments to infrastructure and planning reform may also help improve development pipelines over time.

Still, for owners of high-end homes, these policies are unlikely to directly influence demand. Lifestyle factors, scarcity of land, and a steady stream of interstate and overseas interest continue to underpin values at the upper end of the market – particularly in prestige coastal suburbs.

With growth in key Gold Coast electorates far exceeding national averages, and no signs of a dramatic shift in conditions, the message for homeowners is reassuring. Whether held as a family home, long-term investment or weekend escape, quality real estate in lifestyle-led locations continues to perform – and remains one of the region’s most reliable assets.

Housing Under Labor – Key Policies

Two-Year Foreign Buyer Ban Foreign investors and temporary residents will be banned from buying existing homes for two years. New builds are exempt.

No Change to Negative Gearing or CGT Labor has confirmed there will be no changes to negative gearing or the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount.

Homes for Australia Plan Includes 100,000 additional homes for first-home buyers and $54 million in funding for prefabricated and modular construction.

Help to Buy Scheme Offers eligible buyers up to 40 per cent in shared equity support, with increased price and income caps.

Home Guarantee Scheme All first-home buyers can access 5 per cent deposit loans without paying mortgage insurance.

Construction Trade Support

• $10,000 cash bonus for apprentices
• $5,000 hiring incentive for employers
• Concessional loans for tradies to assist with living and study costs

$1.5 Billion Infrastructure Fund Fast-tracking roads, water and sewage to unlock housing-ready land.

Build-to-Rent Tax Incentives Tax breaks for investors to support delivery of 80,000 new rental units over 10 years.