Why the Southern Gold Coast Is Still Undervalued (And Where I saw the smart money go in 2025)
People love to talk about how “expensive” the Southern Gold Coast has become — but honestly, when you look at what you’re actually getting down here compared to other coastal markets, it’s still one of the most undervalued pockets on the east coast.
I’m on the ground every day across Coolangatta, Kirra, Tugun, Bilinga and Palm Beach, and the trend is pretty clear:
locals are holding, investors are circling, and smart buyers are moving early.
Here’s why.
The lifestyle-to-price ratio is unmatched
If you compare the southern end to other lifestyle markets like Byron, Noosa, Bondi, or even Lennox, the numbers don’t lie — you get way more for your money down here.
What you’re paying for is:
Walkability
Tight-knit community
Strong rental demand
Airport convenience
Access to world-class beaches
Entry-level opportunities still exist if you know where to look
People assume everything south of Burleigh is “priced out,” but there are still pockets of value if you’re sharp and move fast.
A few places I’m watching closely:
Kirra back streets: still one of the strongest entry-level buys for investors and first-home buyers.
Tugun back streets: great family homes that offer more space without the beachside premium.
Bilinga side streets: underrated for long-term growth, especially close to the airport and beach.
Coolangatta units: extremely tight supply and strong rental returns.
These pockets consistently outperform once people catch on.
Renovation potential is driving a lot of competition
Buyers love the “add value” angle right now — and the southern end is full of homes with good bones that just need a cosmetic lift.
A lot of older owners have held for decades. When those homes hit the market (often off-market), buyers jump quickly because they know they won’t find that kind of potential further north.
If you’re willing to renovate, you’ve got a genuine advantage here.
Land scarcity = long-term growth
One thing people forget: the southern end has a natural cap on supply.
We’ve got:
The airport
Limited land releases
Established beachfront zones
Protected green pockets
You can’t just “build more houses” here — which is exactly why long-term capital growth is so strong in these areas.
When supply is permanently limited, demand keeps pushing prices up.
What buyers should focus on in 2026
If you’re trying to buy smart down here, my advice is simple:
Focus on location first
Don’t overthink small cosmetic issues
Prioritise land size, elevation and walkability
Act quickly on well-priced properties
Keep an ear out for off-markets
Stretch slightly for the right home — it pays off down here
The best opportunities rarely look “perfect” online. They’re the ones you get into early, before the crowd.
