Should I Accept the First Offer or Hold Out for More in Surfers Paradise?
Should I Accept the First Offer or Hold Out for More in Surfers Paradise?
Surfers Paradise is one of Australia’s most recognisable property markets—and one of the most complex to sell in. It’s driven by a mix of local owner-occupiers, interstate buyers, investors, and overseas purchasers. That mix means buyer behaviour here is very different from family suburbs or tightly held coastal villages.
So when the first offer arrives, many sellers ask the same question:
Should I accept the first offer, or hold out for more?
This guide breaks the decision down using Surfers Paradise–specific realities, in plain English, without generic advice that doesn’t apply to this market.
Why First Offers in Surfers Paradise Need Careful Interpretation
In Surfers Paradise, first offers can come from very different buyer types:
Investors crunching numbers
Downsizers wanting a lifestyle apartment
Interstate or overseas buyers acting quickly
Buyers hedging against missing out
Because of this, a first offer might be:
A genuine market-level offer
A strategic opening move
A test of seller expectations
Unlike low-volume suburbs, the meaning of the first offer here depends heavily on who the buyer is and what they’re buying.
Surfers Paradise Prices: What the Market Looks Like
As a broad guide (and noting prices vary widely by building, view, and age):
Median house price: around the low-to-mid $2 million range (limited supply)
Median unit / apartment price: roughly around the mid-$800,000s
Absolute beachfront apartments, riverfront homes, and newer luxury towers can sit well above these medians, while older walk-ups or high-density buildings may sit below. In Surfers Paradise, building-specific data matters more than suburb averages.
When Accepting the First Offer Often Makes Sense in Surfers Paradise
Accepting the first offer can be the right move when:
1. The offer aligns with recent sales in the same building or pocket
Buyers here compare very tightly. If the price stacks up against recent results, waiting for a jump can be risky.
2. The buyer is clean and decisive
Short finance clauses, clear conditions, or unconditional offers reduce risk—especially important in high-density buildings.
3. Buyer depth is thinner than it looks
High enquiry doesn’t always mean high-quality buyers. Sometimes the strongest buyer steps forward early.
4. The property is investor-driven
Investors often act once. If they walk, they rarely come back higher.
In these situations, rejecting a solid first offer can mean losing momentum rather than gaining money.
When Holding Out Can Work in Surfers Paradise
There are times when waiting is justified—but only with evidence.
Holding out may make sense if:
Multiple buyers are actively competing
The property has rare features (absolute beachfront, unique floor plan, premium views)
Enquiry remains strong after inspections
The first offer is clearly below comparable building sales
The key difference is strategy vs hope. Surfers Paradise rewards informed patience, not blind optimism.
A Common Mistake Surfers Paradise Sellers Make
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming more time automatically means more money.
In reality:
Buyers are spoiled for choice
Listings can go stale quickly
Investors may shift focus to another building
If momentum drops, price pressure often goes down, not up.
First Offer vs Best Offer: Not Always Different
In Surfers Paradise, the first offer is often:
From the most financially prepared buyer
From someone who understands building-level value
From a buyer ready to transact quickly
This is why negotiation experience matters. Often the best outcome comes from refining the first offer, not rejecting it outright.
How to Decide with Confidence
Before deciding, ask:
Does this offer reflect what buyers are paying in this building right now?
Are there genuinely other buyers ready to compete at this level?
What’s the real downside of waiting another two to three weeks?
The right decision balances price, certainty, and timing—not just the headline number.
Thinking of Selling in Surfers Paradise?
Every Surfers Paradise property—and every seller’s situation—is different. Whether the first offer is the right one depends on your property, your buyer pool, and your goals.
For clear, strategic advice before you decide:
At Nortons Real Estate, we help Surfers Paradise sellers make confident, well-timed decisions—without pressure or hype.
Disclaimer
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Market conditions, buyer behaviour, and property values can change at any time. For advice specific to your circumstances, seek independent professional guidance or speak directly with a licensed real estate agent.