The Gold Coast Prestige Market Remains Resilient

19 Mar

Strong annual price growth, tight rental conditions and rising yields continue to underpin the market — even as transaction volumes ease from recent highs.

3.9% Annual price growth

401 Annual sales (5yr avg: 330)

4.48% Gross rental yield

1.3% Vacancy rate

85 Avg days on market

Prestige sales have softened slightly, but remain above long-term averages

Gold Coast prestige sales (above $3m) totalled 90 transactions in Q3 — down 3% on the prior quarter and 25% year on year. But context matters: annual sales of 401 remain well above the five-year average of 330, confirming ongoing depth in the market.

Super-prestige sales ($5m+) now represent 29% of all transactions — a higher share than a year ago — signalling that buyer conviction at the very top end is holding firm.

Listings remain below last year's levels

New listings across Regional Queensland are 10.4% lower year on year, with total listings down 12.5%. Less stock for an active buyer pool continues to support values. At the same time, Australasia's wealthy population grew 3.9% — reinforcing the long-term demand story.

Homes are taking longer to sell

Prestige homes are averaging 85 days on market — 8 days longer than a year ago. Buyers remain active but increasingly selective. That makes strategic pricing, high-quality presentation and premium marketing more critical than ever to achieving a strong result.

Prices are rising, with further growth forecast

Prestige prices increased 3.9% over the past year, including 0.3% growth last quarter. McGrath Research forecasts a further 3% price growth in 2026, supported by economic stability, strong wealth creation and constrained prestige supply.

For those considering a sale, the trajectory is clear. For buyers, acting ahead of further growth builds in real advantage.

Rental conditions remain undersupplied

Gross rental yields have risen to 4.48% — well above the 3% benchmark for capital city prestige markets. With vacancy at just 1.3% and prestige rents up 5.7% year on year, undersupply is deeply embedded.

A further 3% rental growth is forecast in 2026. For investors, the alignment of yield and capital growth here is rare.

MCGRATH RESEARCH