Where “Beach Village” Still Means Something
Where “Beach Village” Still Means Something
There aren’t many places left on the Gold Coast that feel untouched. But Tugun, nestled quietly between Currumbin and Bilinga, remains a suburb where you’ll still see kids riding bikes, locals chatting at the bakery, and surfers walking home barefoot from the beach.
As of 2025, Tugun is one of the last true beach suburbs holding onto its village-like feel while gradually transitioning into a hub of family-friendly residential growth and modest gentrification.
This guide explores everything you need to know about buying property in Tugun — whether you’re looking for a coastal forever home, a renovation-ready investment, or a place to retire without the crowds.
Suburb Profile: Tugun in 2025
Category | Key Info (2025) |
|---|---|
Median House Price | $1.42M |
Median Unit Price | $835,000 |
School Zone | Palm Beach-Currumbin SHS |
Distance to Airport | 5 minutes |
Key Demographic | Families, retirees, surfers |
Development Style | Low-rise homes, duplex, villas |
Who’s Buying in Tugun?
Tugun buyers fall into five main categories in 2025:
1. Young Families
Upgrading from Burleigh Heads or Miami
Want bigger yards, safer streets, and community feel
Typically looking under $1.5M
2. Downsizers from Brisbane
Selling homes in Indooroopilly or Bulimba
Prioritising beach lifestyle and single-storey layouts
Active buyers in the $1.2M–$1.7M range
3. Renovators and Owner-Builders
Targeting older brick homes or fibro cottages
Looking for dual-living conversion or rebuild
Buy-in price: ~$1M–$1.3M
4. Long-Term Investors
Purchasing duplex-ready sites for 2-dwelling redevelopment
Focused on land near beach and Tugun Village
Holding for capital growth, not short-term gains
5. Interstate Tree/Sea Changers
Work-from-anywhere professionals
Buying turnkey homes for $1.6M–$2.2M
Highly motivated and often cash-ready
Housing Types in Tugun
Type | Description | Price Guide (2025) |
|---|---|---|
Original Brick Homes | 1970s–1990s, often on large blocks | $1.2M–$1.5M |
Beachside Cottages | Timber, low-set, renovation candidates | $1.4M–$1.8M |
Modern Duplex Homes | 4-bed, 2-bath, coastal façade | $1.5M–$2.2M per side |
Beachfront Apartments | Boutique blocks, direct sand access | $850K–$1.5M |
New Builds / Custom Homes | Rare stock, often elevated | $2M+ |
Lifestyle-Driven Appeal: What Tugun Offers That Other Suburbs Don’t
Tugun isn’t for buyers who want high-rises or a bustling nightlife. Its core offering is simplicity, space, and soul.
Tugun Village: Cafés, local grocers, post office, and health food stores
Golden Four Drive: A protected pocket running from Bilinga to Currumbin, perfect for walking, cycling, and surfing
No High-Rises: Most streets are 1–2 storey max, preserving ocean views and airflow
Community Events: Tugun Lights Up, Sunday markets, surf club functions
Quiet Streets: Less through-traffic than Palm Beach or Coolangatta
Local Buyer Insight: Who’s Selling Right Now?
Original owners from 1970s–1990s now retiring
Families upgrading to larger homes elsewhere
Investors moving equity into Brisbane or Byron Bay
Many sellers are motivated but selective — they want the right buyer, not just the highest offer. Norton’s assists in matching seller goals with genuine buyer intent to create long-term property wins.
Investment Insight: Is Tugun Good for Capital Growth?
Yes — with some conditions.
Land value is increasing due to zoning constraints
Rental yield is moderate: 3.9–4.4% for houses, ~5.1% for units
Vacancy rate is low (under 1.6%), driven by hospital staff, FIFO workers, and young families
But:
Airbnb in residential areas is limited by local regulations
Large-scale development is not viable due to zoning restrictions
That’s what makes owner-occupier-driven growth more sustainable.
Renovator Opportunities
Older homes in Tugun are often:
Structurally sound but dated
Located on generous blocks (600–800m²)
Built with renovation potential: under-house storage, flat yards, and non-heritage zoning
Cost to renovate 4-bed brick home:
Cosmetic (paint, floors, kitchen): $80K–$120K
Full structural + dual-living conversion: $180K–$300K
Estimated uplift post-reno: 20–35% depending on street and build quality.
Streets to Watch
Street Name | Why It’s Popular |
|---|---|
O’Connor Street | Walk to beach + Tugun Village |
Golden Four Drive | Beachfront prestige + no high-rise zone |
Toolona Street | Quiet pocket with elevated views |
Teemangum Street | Wide blocks + duplex potential |
Kallara Street | Hilltop location with views to Cooly |
Buyer Mistakes to Avoid in Tugun
❌ Ignoring zoning overlays — Some streets near Currumbin Hill are slope-restricted
❌ Underestimating traffic flow — Golden Four Drive is beautiful but busier during holidays
❌ Waiting too long — Properties under $1.5M sell within 7–12 days on average
❌ Not checking strata — For units, check for sinking fund contributions + holiday letting rules
❌ Buying without pre-approval — Cash buyers dominate the sub-$1.8M market
Final Take: Should You Buy in Tugun in 2025?
If you want:
Coastal charm
Community over congestion
Liveability over high-rise
Family and future-focused capital growth
…then Tugun is a suburb you should act on now.
It may not be the flashiest postcode, but it is one of the most authentic, walkable, and stable residential pockets left on the Gold Coast — and that’s exactly what today’s smart buyers are chasing.
Work With Norton’s in Tugun
As local agents, Norton’s Real Estate provides:
Access to off-market and upcoming listings
Seller and buyer match-making
Renovation-ready homes with feasibility assessment
Beachside property sourcing for families, retirees, and investors
Development site analysis for duplex builds and re-zoning checks
⚠️ 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 selling real estate.