Adam Empringham,
Director of Sales at Image Property.
Gold Coast property market outlook for 2026 and beyond
As the Gold Coast moves into 2026, the property market continues to evolve under the influence of population growth, lifestyle demand and major infrastructure delivery across South East Queensland. While the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games remain an important milestone on the horizon, market conditions on the Gold Coast are being shaped just as strongly by near-term fundamentals already in play.
For buyers, investors and homeowners, understanding how these drivers intersect is key to navigating the years ahead with confidence.
The Gold Coast Property Market in 2026
Entering 2026, demand across the region remains supported by ongoing interstate migration, strong lifestyle appeal and limited housing supply in well-located areas.
Buyers are prioritising liveability, transport access and long-term amenity, while investors continue to monitor rental demand and vacancy rates closely.
Rather than sharp changes, the market is showing steady momentum. Confidence has been reinforced as infrastructure projects move from planning into delivery, alongside continued employment growth and population inflows.
Infrastructure Investment Supporting Growth
Infrastructure remains one of the most influential drivers of the Gold Coast property market. Projects underway in the lead-up to 2032 are already improving connectivity and amenity, with impacts being felt well before the Games arrive.
Key areas of investment include light rail extensions, road upgrades linking Brisbane and the Gold Coast, improvements to health and education precincts, and enhancements to public spaces across both coastal and urban areas.
Improved accessibility reduces commute times and increases the appeal of surrounding locations, supporting demand from both owner occupiers and renters.
Population Growth and Housing Demand
Population growth continues to play a central role in shaping the local property market. Interstate migration remains strong, with many people relocating from Sydney and Melbourne in search of lifestyle, employment flexibility and relative affordability.
As more people move to the region, pressure on housing supply continues to build. This is particularly evident in established areas close to transport corridors, beaches, schools and employment hubs. Limited new supply in these locations is contributing to competition and supporting price resilience.
What 2026 Means for Gold Coast Property Prices
Property prices across the Gold Coast have shown resilience in recent years. While market conditions will continue to fluctuate, 2026 is expected to remain competitive, particularly in areas supported by strong fundamentals.
Key influences include sustained demand for lifestyle-focused locations, continued interest in well-connected coastal areas, and growing attention on locations benefiting from infrastructure delivery. Suburb-level factors such as supply, amenity and accessibility will continue to influence outcomes across the region.
Rental Market Conditions
Rental demand remains elevated, with vacancy rates tight across many parts of the Gold Coast. Population growth combined with constrained rental supply continues to place upward pressure on rents.
For investors, this supports long-term rental demand and stability. For tenants, it reinforces the importance of acting early and remaining flexible as conditions evolve through 2026.
The Role of the 2032 Olympics
While the 2032 Olympics often draws attention, its influence on the Gold Coast property market is best viewed as a long-term confidence driver rather than a short-term trigger.
The Games are accelerating infrastructure delivery and reinforcing South East Queensland’s position on the global stage. However, property decisions being made in 2026 are more strongly influenced by everyday fundamentals such as employment, lifestyle, accessibility and housing supply.
Looking Ahead
The Gold Coast property market is entering 2026 supported by solid fundamentals, ongoing infrastructure investment and continued population growth. While the Olympics will shape long-term confidence, the outlook for the year ahead is grounded in factors already influencing the market today.
If questions are starting to form about what the year ahead could mean for property decisions, our team is here as a steady point of reference. Whether planning ahead or simply staying informed, local insight can help make the next steps clearer when the time feels right.
