Spring is upon us, and with it comes a busy season for the Gold Coast property market.
Sellers emerge from hibernation, buoyed by the promise of active buyers, while buyers look forward to greater choice and the chance to settle into a new property before it’s time to hang tinsel on the Christmas tree.
The first half of 2025 provides clues and context as to what’s in store for the Gold Coast market, with a range of factors influencing sale prices, competition and property preferences.
1. STOCK LEVELS
Stock levels remain a major factor that is set to have a sustained influence on market dynamics as we move into spring. While higher mortgage costs and living expenses caused many southern markets to contract in early 2025, the Gold Coast largely avoided a drop in prices. Instead, the local market saw a slowdown in transaction volumes, a result of tight supply rather than falling demand. This ongoing scarcity is set to further fuel competition among buyers, tipping those areas where stock is low in favour of sellers.
2. INTEREST RATES
Interest rates have played a central role in market conditions this year. The RBA has cut the cash rate three times in 2025, most recently this month to 3.60%. These adjustments have improved borrowing power for qualified buyers, supporting market confidence. Looking ahead, the RBA is expected to maintain a cautious approach, with any further changes dependent on economic conditions such as inflation and growth, which also provides reassurance for sellers.
3. TURN-KEY APPEAL
The growing preference for new or recently renovated homes has been a feature of the Gold Coast market this year that’s not going away any time soon. The surge in construction costs has narrowed the gap between buying and building, in some cases making existing homes up to 40 per cent cheaper than a comparable new build. As more people recognise the cost of renovation or replacement, demand for quality existing homes can only strengthen in spring.
4. APARTMENT LIVING
Demand for established and off-the-plan apartments, particularly those in beachside suburbs from Main Beach to Rainbow Bay, has been a feature of the local market this year that’s sure to blossom further in spring. Demand is being fuelled by an ageing population accessing superannuation to upgrade or purchase secondary residences, as well as downsizers moving from large homes into premium apartments by the beach. Limited new supply is further amplifying competition and supporting strong prices.
5. BIG INVESTMENT
Major infrastructure projects are enhancing the region’s long-term appeal. The extension of the Light Rail is improving connectivity along the coastal corridor, while the $500 million expansion of Gold Coast Airport will increase capacity and streamline travel. Preparations for the 2032 Olympic Games are further boosting the city’s profile and economic base. Combined with limited housing supply and strong buyer demand, these investments position the Gold Coast for sustained growth through the end of the decade and beyond.
6. ONGOING MIGRATION
Queensland remains a migration magnet. The Gold Coast saw a surge of 16,000 new residents and is forecast to average 18,000 per year over the next two decades. The gap between population growth and new housing supply will continue to put upward pressure on property prices. Beyond the lifestyle appeal of the Sunshine State, sharp increases in land tax and other state charges are making it less viable to hold property in some southern markets. A notable trend has seen high-net-worth investors, particularly from Victoria, selling assets interstate and redirecting their capital into Queensland.
Spring 2025 presents significant potential for those ready to seize it. Buying or selling, reach out to Kollosche today to explore fresh opportunities this spring season.
