Southport Property Market 2025:
Southport Property Market 2025: Gold Coast’s Most Diverse and Strategic Suburb
Why Southport Continues to Outperform in 2025
Southport remains the Gold Coast’s most strategically important suburb, combining high-density residential living with commercial, educational, and medical infrastructure. As the city’s CBD, Southport delivers a rare combination of:
Affordability for first-home buyers and investors
High rental demand from students, professionals, and medical staff
Major infrastructure access including G:link, university, and hospitals
Waterfront lifestyle with Broadwater parks and cafes
Zoning flexibility encouraging redevelopment and mixed-use projects
With strong migration, increasing rental yields, and low vacancy rates, Southport is forecast to remain one of the most resilient and versatile property markets on the Gold Coast through 2025 and beyond.
Location and Lifestyle Advantages
Southport sits just north of Surfers Paradise and is bordered by the Broadwater, Labrador, and Ashmore. It’s a transport and education hub, offering excellent walkability and access to:
Gold Coast University Hospital
Griffith University Gold Coast Campus
TAFE Queensland (Southport campus)
G:Link light rail to Broadbeach, Helensvale, and the university
Broadwater Parklands and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Australia Fair Shopping Centre and Chinatown dining precinct
The area is popular with students, hospital workers, professionals, downsizers, and retirees, making it ideal for both investors and owner-occupiers.
Market Performance Snapshot: 2025
The Southport property market continues to perform strongly, driven by strong investor demand, long-term infrastructure projects, and its status as the Gold Coast CBD.
Property Type | Median Price (2025) | Annual Growth | Gross Rental Yield | Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Units (2-bed) | $700,000 | +5.3% YoY | 5.5% | 1.2% |
Townhouses | $920,000 | +5.0% YoY | 4.7% | 1.0% |
Houses | $1.12M | +4.5% YoY | 3.9% | 1.1% |
Student Accommodation | N/A (high demand) | N/A | Up to 7.0% | 0.9% |
Units dominate the local housing supply, especially in the central business district, with townhouses and duplexes becoming more common in older residential pockets.
Who’s Buying in Southport?
Southport is popular with a diverse group of buyers, drawn to different parts of the suburb based on price, zoning, and lifestyle goals.
Buyer Type | Property Type | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
Investors | Units / Townhouses | Rental returns and future development |
Medical professionals | New-build apartments | Proximity to GCUH and low-maintenance living |
University staff/students | 1–2 bed units near Griffith Uni | Affordable accommodation near tram stop |
Downsizers | Broadwater-facing units | Lifestyle, lift access, water views |
First-home buyers | Duplex or townhouse | Entry into coastal market |
Southport offers something for every buyer type, and that diversity is part of what makes the market so dynamic.
Best Performing Areas in Southport
Southport’s micro-locations vary significantly. Some precincts are high-density, others have zoning uplift potential, and some are longer-term redevelopment sites.
Key Sub-Pockets to Watch:
Marine Parade / Broadwater Front – High demand for water views, walkability, lifestyle
Light rail corridor (Scarborough St / Nerang St) – Investor appeal, strong transport access
Griffith Uni / GCUH precinct – Units and shared housing in constant demand
Chirn Park Fringe – Gentrified homes, dual-living potential, community vibe
Southport Central & Sundale Towers – Popular with investors, short-term letting potential
These areas offer rental consistency, future growth opportunities, and a wide range of price points.
Rental Market Strength and Trends
Southport remains a renter-dominated suburb, with an estimated 60–65% of dwellings tenanted. It offers one of the highest concentrations of rental demand on the Gold Coast, driven by:
Proximity to education (Griffith Uni, TAFE)
Medical workforce demand (GCUH, GC Private Hospital)
Short-term stay demand from tourism and business travellers
Rental Market 2025:
Property Type | Weekly Rent | Tenant Type |
|---|---|---|
Studio / 1-bed unit | $470–$550 | Singles, students |
2-bed apartment | $620–$740 | Couples, medical workers |
3-bed townhouse | $720–$880 | Families, professionals |
Broadwater-view unit | $850+ | Downsizers, retirees |
Investors are increasingly targeting modern, furnished units with Airbnb approval for dual-purpose letting (short-term and long-term).
Why Investors Are Targeting Southport
Southport is considered an investment-grade suburb for several reasons:
Zoning uplift under the City Plan for future development
Strong demand from permanent and transient tenants
Low vacancy rates compared to coastal tourist areas
Favourable yield-to-entry-price ratio
Future infrastructure including hospital expansions and light rail Stage 4
Buyers looking to build a portfolio or secure yield stability view Southport as one of the safest bets on the Gold Coast.
Challenges and Considerations for Buyers
While Southport has many strengths, buyers should consider:
Body corporate fees in some towers may be high
Older buildings may require capital works or renovation
Zoning changes mean some areas will undergo redevelopment
Short-term letting is not allowed in all buildings
Doing proper due diligence is essential. Engaging with a local expert helps identify buildings with strong returns, good management, and compliant letting policies.
What Makes Southport Ideal for Long-Term Living?
Beyond investment, Southport also suits owner-occupiers, particularly those seeking:
Water views without Main Beach prices
Easy access to schools, hospitals, and shops
A car-free lifestyle with public transport and walkability
Vibrant urban amenities with a local community feel
Suburbs like Chirn Park offer a quieter, community-based lifestyle, while CBD-adjacent streets appeal to professionals and couples.
Selling in Southport? Work with Local Experts
At Norton Real Estate, we are specialists in the Southport market — from high-rise units and investment properties to family homes and waterfront apartments.
With excellent experience on the Gold Coast, we offer:
Detailed suburb and zoning knowledge
Access to off-market buyer networks
Strategic marketing tailored for both local and interstate investors
Expertise in strata, body corporate, and letting approvals
📧 nortons.re@gmail.com
📞 Steven Norton: 0488 496 777
📞 Lawrence Norton: 0415 279 807
🌐 www.nortonsrealestate.com
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or property advice. Norton Real Estate Agency and its agents make no guarantees regarding the accuracy of data or commentary. Readers should conduct their own research and seek advice from qualified professionals before making property-related decisions.