Palm Beach in 2026: A Premium Market
🏖️ Selling in Palm Beach in 2026: A Premium Market With Strong Buyer Demand
By Norton Real Estate | Palm Beach Property Market Guide | 2,000 Words
🌟 Introduction: Palm Beach – A Coastal Icon with Long-Term Value
Located along the southern Gold Coast shoreline, Palm Beach has transformed over the past decade from a laid-back surf suburb into one of the region’s most prestigious lifestyle and investment destinations. With a mix of classic beach cottages, luxury new builds, architecturally designed duplexes, and coastal apartments, Palm Beach attracts a wide demographic — and delivers long-term capital strength for property owners.
In 2026, Palm Beach is experiencing a market recalibration. While median house prices have dipped slightly (-1.9%), the broader five-year trend still reflects strong capital growth. At the same time, unit prices have continued to climb (+7.8%), supported by rising buyer demand and the suburb’s increasing appeal to investors, downsizers, and interstate buyers.
For homeowners considering a sale, this year offers a valuable opportunity to leverage tight supply, buyer urgency, and the prestige reputation of Palm Beach.
🏡 Palm Beach House Market Snapshot (Jan–Dec 2025)
Metric | Value |
|---|---|
Median House Price | $1,765,000 |
Annual Price Movement | -1.9% |
3-Bedroom House Median | $1,720,000 |
4-Bedroom House Median | $1,967,500 |
Houses Sold (12 Months) | 108 |
Listings Available (Last Month) | 53 |
Median Days on Market | 44 |
Buyer Demand (Active Buyers) | 3,133 |
Rental Yield (Gross) | 3.2% |
Median Weekly Rent (Houses) | $1,250 |
Despite a slight price dip, the Palm Beach housing market continues to show resilience in 2026. Properties close to the beach or Tallebudgera Creek continue to attract premium buyer interest, especially those that are renovated, modernised, or offer dual-living capacity.
🏢 Palm Beach Unit Market Snapshot (Jan–Dec 2025)
Metric | Value |
|---|---|
Median Unit Price | $1,110,000 |
Annual Price Growth | +7.8% |
1-Bedroom Unit Median | $780,000 |
2-Bedroom Unit Median | $960,000 |
3-Bedroom Unit Median | $1,650,000 |
Units Sold (12 Months) | 231 |
Listings Available (Last Month) | 73 |
Median Days on Market | 49 |
Buyer Demand (Active Buyers) | 2,840 |
Rental Yield (Gross) | 4.0% |
Median Weekly Rent (Units) | $800 |
Unlike the housing market, the unit sector continues to grow, driven by strong demand from downsizers, investors, and second-home buyers. Three-bedroom beachfront apartments in boutique complexes remain in short supply and attract strong premiums.
📈 5-Year Price Trend – Houses and Units in Palm Beach
Median House Prices (2021–2025)
Median Unit Prices (2021–2025)
Over five years, both houses and units have shown strong compound growth. The slight drop in house prices in 2025 is seen by market analysts as a healthy correction following record-high price surges in 2023 and 2024.
👥 Who’s Buying in Palm Beach in 2026?
The Palm Beach market appeals to high-income buyers, many of whom are relocating from Sydney, Melbourne, and inner Brisbane. This buyer pool is cashed-up, lifestyle-driven, and often looking for either a forever home, second home, or high-yield investment.
Buyer Type | Profile Description | Preferred Properties |
|---|---|---|
Downsizers | Selling acreage or large suburban homes | Boutique apartments near the beach |
Interstate Buyers | Professionals and families relocating from cities | Renovated beach houses, modern duplexes |
Developers | Seeking corner lots or medium-density zoned land | Knockdown or dual-occupancy homes |
Investors | Looking for yield + capital growth in tourism zone | Units with strong Airbnb or rental appeal |
What Buyers Are Looking for in 2026
Houses
3–4 bedrooms with two bathrooms
Renovated interiors or scope to improve
Outdoor entertaining with pools or decks
Off-street parking and garage space
Walking distance to beach, schools, and cafes
North or east-facing blocks
Dual-living or granny flat options
Units
2–3 bedrooms with balconies or courtyards
Secure parking and lift access
Views of the ocean, creek, or skyline
Low body corporate fees
Short-term rental approval for Airbnb income
Modern kitchens and bathrooms
🏘️ What’s Selling Best in Palm Beach?
Property Type | Why It Performs Well |
|---|---|
Renovated beach cottages | Rare, tightly held, and high character appeal |
New duplexes and townhomes | Turnkey, low-maintenance, and modern |
Apartments in boutique blocks | Ideal for downsizers and high-yield rentals |
Corner block homes | Development potential and future value |
Properties near the beach | Always in demand with walkability premium |
🔑 Tips for Selling in Palm Beach in 2026
To achieve premium results, sellers must be strategic, realistic, and market-aware.
1. Highlight Lifestyle
Use your listing to sell not just the property, but the location. Talk about proximity to Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin, dog beaches, cafes, and walkways.
2. Invest in High-Quality Presentation
Professional styling (especially for homes targeting downsizers and families)
Drone footage and lifestyle photography
Clean, landscaped gardens and tidy exteriors
3. Use a Strategic Pricing Approach
With a slight house price adjustment in the past year, pricing must reflect current buyer expectations. Overpricing can lead to extended time on market.
4. Work with a Local Agent
Palm Beach is a micro-market. From Jefferson Lane to 19th Avenue, buyer expectations and values vary. A local agent understands the nuance.
💼 Rental & Investment Snapshot
Palm Beach continues to attract investors due to strong rental demand from:
Executives
Families relocating
Holiday guests
Students and health workers (Griffith University & Gold Coast Hospital)
Property Type | Weekly Rent | Gross Yield |
|---|---|---|
Houses | $1,250 | 3.2% |
2-Bed Units | $800 | 4.0% |
3-Bed Units | $1,100–$1,250 | ~4.2% |
Airbnb-friendly properties are achieving even stronger returns in the peak seasons, especially those near Jefferson Lane, the beach, or creekfront areas.
📍 Why Palm Beach Continues to Outperform
Palm Beach combines the Gold Coast lifestyle with accessibility and amenity. Key advantages include:
Proximity to Burleigh Heads, Currumbin, and Coolangatta
15 minutes to Gold Coast Airport
Zoned for Palm Beach Currumbin State High (PBC)
Public transport, surf clubs, boutique retail, and dining
Protected development zones preserving beachside character
These fundamentals ensure that Palm Beach remains one of the most tightly held suburbs on the coast — and why well-positioned homes always attract buyer attention.
📞 Work With Local Experts to Maximise Your Result
At Norton Real Estate, we understand what it takes to successfully sell property in a prestige market like Palm Beach
Whether it’s a beachside home, duplex site, or boutique apartment, we:
Provide real-time market insights
Help you prepare, stage, and promote your home
Market to local, interstate, and international buyers
Negotiate with confidence and discretion
Let’s unlock your Palm Beach property's full potential in 2026.
⚖️ Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Property data is current as of 2025–2026 and may change. Sellers are encouraged to seek independent professional advice before making any property-related decisions. Norton Real Estate and its representatives accept no liability for actions taken based on this content.