Coolangatta Commercial Property Outlook 2025
Why Commercial Investors Are Targeting Coolangatta in 2025
In a property cycle where high-density markets are softening, Coolangatta’s commercial strip is doing the opposite — holding firm and commanding attention from local and interstate investors.
Located on the southern edge of the Gold Coast, just minutes from the Gold Coast Airport, Coolangatta has always drawn strong tourism — but in 2025, it’s evolved into a year-round retail and hospitality ecosystem, backed by:
A growing population
Major infrastructure upgrades
Post-COVID regional migration
Permanent dining and boutique demand
Coolangatta’s beachfront appeal, walkable layout, and established commercial strip along Marine Parade, Griffith Street, and McLean Street make it ideal for owner-occupiers, food operators, and SMSFs.
Key Commercial Asset Classes in Coolangatta
1. Beachfront Shopfronts (Marine Parade)
Premium visibility + foot traffic
Favoured by cafes, boutique fashion, and service retail
Rarely available; typically 60–120m²
Priced: $1.2M–$2.8M, depending on location and lease profile
2. Hospitality-Freehold Properties
Long-term leased restaurants or bars
Investment-grade with 5–10 year leasebacks
Often located on Griffith or Warner Streets
Net yields: 5.2%–6%, lease-dependant
3. Strata-Titled Retail Suites
Inside mixed-use buildings (residential above)
Entry price: $620K–$950K
Appeal to small businesses, consultants, clinics
4. Mixed-Use Corner Blocks
Often acquired by developers or long-term SMSF investors
Can feature multiple tenancies or development upside
Price: $2.2M–$4.5M+, depending on zoning and lease mix
Buyer Types We’re Working With
Buyer Type | Primary Interest | Spend Range |
|---|---|---|
Owner-Operators | Café or shopfront with residence | $850K–$1.6M |
Passive SMSF Investors | Tenanted retail under lease | $650K–$1.8M |
Hospitality Groups | Restaurant/bar sites with kitchen | $1.2M–$3.5M |
Developers | Corner or dual-access sites | $2M–$5M+ |
Why Coolangatta Works for Commercial Buyers
✅ 1. Local and Tourism Traffic Blend
Foot traffic isn't seasonal anymore. Between Gold Coast Airport passengers, local residents, retirees, and Byron Bay overflow, businesses have consistent footfall across 12 months.
✅ 2. Limited Stock, High Retention
There is a shortage of new retail development in Coolangatta. Most properties are strata or freehold with long-term ownership. When stock hits the market, it moves quickly.
✅ 3. Rental Demand from Hospitality Tenants
Leasing demand is high for:
Bars + casual dining
Health + wellness (pilates, massage, skin clinics)
Creative service businesses (tattoo, hair, beauty)
Norton’s Buyer Services
As commercial selling agents in Coolangatta, Norton’s provides:
Lease review and rent benchmarking
Yield modelling for SMSFs
Off-market property alerts
Buyer matching for freehold hospitality assets
Exit strategy planning for retail owner-operators
Norton’s Insider Tips
Corner visibility matters. Tenants will pay premiums for signage opportunities.
Leases under 3 years? Renegotiate before you buy or risk discounting on exit.
Shop-top living? Some properties allow residence upstairs — ideal for lifestyle operators.
Body corporate reviews are essential. Even premium locations can hide bad strata management.
Case Study: Boutique Retail in McLean Street
Property: 78m² boutique shop, leased to designer homewares
Sold by Norton’s: $910,000
Lease: 4 years remaining, $54,000 p.a. net
Yield: 5.9%
Buyer: SMSF client based in Brisbane
Why it worked: Low outgoings, long-standing tenant, corner visibility
Where to Buy: Suburb Map Insights
Precinct | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Marine Parade | Cafés, boutiques, investors | Premium value, rarely listed |
Griffith Street | High-volume service retail | Tenanted shops and small office |
McLean Street | Local businesses, owner-operators | Quieter but stable |
Warner Street | Hospitality, bars, night trade | Check for licensing restrictions |
Is It a Good Time to Buy?
Yes — with vacancy still under 3% and rental growth projected at 4.5–5% year-on-year in this corridor, Coolangatta offers stable cash flow and capital preservation, even as interest rates fluctuate.
For buyers with a 3+ year time horizon, it remains one of the most balanced commercial markets on the coast.
📞 Thinking of Buying Commercial in Coolangatta?
Norton’s Real Estate has exclusive access to:
Off-market retail shopfronts
Restaurant-ready premises
SMSF-compliant leased assets
Live/work properties in mixed-use zones
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
This article is general in nature and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Norton’s Real Estate Agency disclaims liability for decisions made based on this content. Consult your accountant, solicitor, or commercial property advisor before acting.