Hordes of people have made the move to the picturesque and vibrant Gold Coast region in recent years, in search of a lifestyle dominated by surf and sand.
So popular has the South East Queensland hotspot been with Covid refugees from southern states that median property prices have increased by a staggering 54.6% since the onset of the pandemic.
“To put this growth into context, prices across the region in the past decade increased by a total of 114%, so half of that amount has been in the past two years,” Cameron Kusher, director of economic research at PropTrack, said.
“It hasn’t just been property prices that have risen dramatically, the cost of renting has too. Over the 12 months to July, rental prices were 19.2% higher. Since March 2020, they have increased by 30.5%.”
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var result = minutes + “:” + (seconds < 10 ? "0" + seconds : seconds); return result; } })(window.videojs); Despite that growth and the sustained popularity of a sea change, a Gold Coast lifestyle doesn’t need to cost a small fortune. There are countless properties on offer for less than $500,000 – a budget that won’t get you much in the big cities. These are some of the best bargains currently on the market across the Gold Coast region. Cheap and cheerful surf city unit A six-figure price tag with a three in front won’t get you much in the major cities, but on the Goldie you can nab a modern unit on the water. Located at 3/5 Holborow Close in Surfers Paradise, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a car space is suited to first-home buyers, investors, or those in search of a cheap holiday pad. The unit sits in a tidy complex with an unbeatable waterside position. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy It’s had a recent renovation, including floating floorboards, a crisp and clean kitchen, and a bright repaint throughout. The low-maintenance unit is within a tidy waterfront block that’s just moments to the vibrant heart of Surfers Paradise. A recent refresh gives the home a crisp and contemporary feel. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy And with an estimated weekly rental return of $400 – and ultra-low body corporate fees – it’s a landlord’s dream. It has a price guide of $339,000 and is available for inspection now. Tidy townhouse in a prime location The investment potential of this three-bedroom, one-bathroom townhouse is evident when you explore the local Southport neighbourhood. The property itself at 34/97 Edmund Rice Drive is neat and tidy, with living over two levels and a practical floorplan, tucked away in the back of the quiet complex and backing onto parklands. This townhouse is in a quiet community backing onto parklands. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy But the real selling point is its position across from the Griffith University campus, and a few minutes’ walk to the Gold Coast Hospital and a light rail station. There’s room to add value with a refresh, although the main bathroom has been recently updated. As well as its prime location, the home's spacious floorplan is a big plus. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy It has a price guide of offers over $449,000. Piece of paradise in a gated community Spacious and modern, nestled in a resort-style community, moments to all the action of the Coast, with a bargain price tag? That’s what buyers can nab with 405/33 Clark Street in prized Biggera Waters, with this two-bedroom and two-bathroom unit. This spacious unit has one of the best spots in the complex. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy Its position on the first floor gives it a pleasant and leafy outlook from the enormous balcony, while retaining privacy. The large open plan living area is perfect for entertaining, and the contemporary kitchen is a home cook’s dream. The interiors are modern and very well-maintained. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy With a basement car park, the peace of mind of a secure complex, and the Broadwater just down the road, the property has lots of potential, with a price guide of $450,000 to $470,000. Best of both the bush and beach This one-bedroom, one-bathroom villa offers secluded sanctuary in a semi-rural setting, while being a short trip to the beach. And both the Gold Coast and Brisbane are an easy drive in either direction from 2/400 Ruffles Road in Willow Vale. This chalet-style property offers bush living near the beach. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy The property sits within Willow Vale Mountain Resort, a 74ha gated community with resort facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis court, and multiple walking trails. The light-filled home has distinct chalet vibes, with soaring exposed wood ceilings. The floorplan is simple but spacious, and the veranda takes in the stunning natural surrounds. The outlook is about as peaceful as they come. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy While it feels like you’re a million miles from everything, Westfield Coomera is about 10 minutes away. This unique property is inviting offers over $295,000. A modern home seconds to the beach Fancy starting and finishing the day with a surf at a beach you can walk your board to? This recently renovated unit is 150m from the sand. As far as Broadbeach pads go, this top floor apartment at 9/15 Britannia Avenue has a lot going for it. This beauty has just been given a chic refresh throughout. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy From its light and bright interiors, recently refreshed with a contemporary reno, to its secure basement car space and inground plunge pool in a boutique complex, the price guide of offers over $475,000 is mighty appealing. The location is just as impressive, being a block back from the beach and two blocks from the heart of bustling and uber-trendy Broadbeach. This spot just steps from the beach is a dream. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy It could be an owner occupier’s home, a rental investment, or a lock-up-and-leave holiday property. And if desired, it can come with a furniture package included. Priceless ocean views for a song You’d expect to pay a pretty penny for a property with a vista taking in the famed Surfers Paradise beachfront. But this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment takes in a jaw-dropping view from its fifth-floor position, just steps to the sand, without breaking the bank. Views like this at a price like that don't come along often. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy While being moments from the action of Surfers, 502/12 Enderley Avenue is sheltered enough that it feels like an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle. The interiors are neat, tidy, and very liveable but there’s plenty of scope for a buyer to bring their own personality and add value with a renovation. The spacious unit has good bones and a lot of potential. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy The unit is spacious and features a good-sized kitchen, a standalone laundry, a large balcony, and secure car parking. It’s all within a well-maintained complex that features a heated pool, spa, and tennis court. With a guide price of interest over $460,000, it could be an ideal home, investment property, holiday letting asset, or beach holiday pad. The post Six properties for under $500,000 on the booming Gold Coast appeared first on realestate.com.au.