Palm Beach's Dual Identity in 2025

Palm Beach's Dual Identity in 2025

Once known as the “quiet end” of the Gold Coast, Palm Beach has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in the region over the past decade.

In 2025, Palm Beach is no longer just a lifestyle postcode — it's a development corridor, a café capital, and one of the most in-demand suburbs for low-rise density, boutique living, and walk-to-the-beach buyers.

As selling agents in the area, Norton’s Real Estate has watched Palm Beach transition from underutilised lots and ageing fibro shacks to a premium, dual-zoned suburb where developers and homebuyers compete for the same blocks.

This blog explores what’s changed, where to buy, and how to plan your next residential or development move in Palm Beach, QLD.

Palm Beach Quick Market Snapshot

Residential Demand: The Beachside Pull Factor

Palm Beach’s entire eastern corridor, running from Jefferson Lane to the Gold Coast Highway, is made up of walk-to-beach blocks that remain highly attractive to:

• Professional couples relocating from Sydney and Melbourne

• Families from Burleigh or Miami wanting more space

• Downsizers trading luxury apartments for freestanding homes

• Owner-builders seeking ocean access with privacy

Unlike Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach, Palm Beach has retained its low-rise identity — with 2–3 storey height limits in most residential zones and strict setback controls.

Housing Types in Demand (2025)

A. Original Beach Shacks

• 1960s–80s timber homes

• Often in need of full renovation or removal

• Priced from $1.3M–$1.7M depending on block

B. New Duplex Builds

• 3–4 bed, double storey, high-end finishes

• Common across 400–600m² blocks

• Ideal for dual-living or owner/occupier + rent model

C. Architecturally Designed New Homes

• Luxury builds on existing lots or consolidated parcels

• Common in Jefferson Lane, 20th–28th Ave

• Price: $2.4M–$4.5M+

D. Boutique Units in Walk-Up Complexes

• 2–3 bedroom apartments in low-body corp builds

• Priced from $760K–$980K

• Limited stock, highly sought for AirBnB or long-term letting

Development and Zoning: The Gold Coast Plan 2025 Update

Key Zoning Types:

• Low-Density Residential (LDR)

• Medium-Density Residential (MDR)

• Neighbourhood Centre (NC)

• High-Density Residential (HDR) – only near Gold Coast Hwy

Norton’s works with town planners and architects to confirm development potential on a per-lot basis.

Common Development Types:

1. Dual Occupancy (Duplex)

2. Two-into-One Lot Consolidation

3. Low-Rise Multi-Unit (4–8 apartments)

4. Luxury Townhouse Projects (3–6 units)

Key Opportunity Streets: Townson Ave, Cypress Tce, Mawarra St, Third Ave, and 20th Ave (beachside)

What Developers Are Looking For in 2025

• Frontage: 15m+ preferred for duplex

• Flat, build-ready lots (avoid flood overlays)

• Sewer access and minimal overland flow

• Walking distance to beach + retail

• Corner blocks with dual street access

Buyer Categories:

Liveability Index: What Residents Love

Airbnb & Short-Term Letting: Still Viable?

Short-term letting is active in Palm Beach, but faces some challenges:

• Gold Coast City Council requires short-term letting registration

• Strata complexes may prohibit or limit Airbnb use

• Standalone homes within 800m of the beach offer the most reliable returns

Norton’s works with Airbnb management companies and buyer-landlords to assess viability before purchase.

Buyer Case Study: The Family Upgrader

Client: Jack & Lisa – Moved from a 3-bed townhouse in Burleigh Heads
Purchased: 4-bed home on 21st Ave (10 min walk to beach)
Price: $1.89M
Plan: Minor reno, live-in for 5 years, convert to dual-living when kids move out
Why Palm Beach: Less crowded than Burleigh, larger blocks, safer for kids

Suburb Growth Factors: Why It’s Still Early

1. Light Rail (Stage 4): Planned extension will boost east-west access

2. Population Growth: Families moving north from NSW

3. Retail Revamp: Ongoing upgrades to Palm Beach Avenue

4. Development Scarcity: Limited land = higher holding value

5. Short-Term Rental Growth: Tourist + working-holiday visitor base

How Norton’s Assists Buyers & Sellers in Palm Beach

For Buyers:

• Off-market property access

• Development feasibility checks

• Builder + planner referrals

• Lifestyle fit guidance for owner-occupiers

For Developers:

• Site sourcing with planning overlays

• Vendor negotiations + conditional contracts

• Joint-venture introductions

• Buyer matching for post-construction sale

For Sellers:

• Premium listing presentation

• Developer vs owner-occupier price modelling

• Buyer-type targeting (family, investor, builder)

• Clean, no-pressure marketing strategy

Final Word: Should You Buy or Develop in Palm Beach?

Palm Beach is one of the few Gold Coast suburbs offering:

• Walk-to-beach lots

• Low-rise zoning

• Urban-village lifestyle

• High resale liquidity

• Strong demand from both owner-occupiers and developers

Whether you're buying your forever home, subdividing a dual-lot site, or preparing your original beach shack for market — timing, location, and planning are everything in Palm Beach.

📞 Ready to Buy, Sell, or Develop in Palm Beach?

Norton’s Real Estate are active selling agents in the Palm Beach market. We offer:

• Site assessments and pricing strategy

• Development opportunity matching

• Off-market listing introductions

• Planning referrals and buyer advocacy

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only. Norton’s Real Estate Agency does not accept liability for decisions made based on this content. Always seek professional legal, financial or property advice before purchasing or developing real estate.