Why Southport is Dominating Buyer Interest in 2025

Why Southport is Dominating Buyer Interest in 2025

Southport is no longer just the administrative centre of the Gold Coast — it’s the city’s most versatile, fastest-evolving property market, offering residential affordability, commercial flexibility, and significant government infrastructure support.

In 2025, Southport attracts buyers, developers, and business owners with:

• CBD zoning and building height freedom

• Direct access to the light rail and Broadwater Parklands

• Proximity to major institutions like Griffith University and Gold Coast University Hospital

• Mixed-use potential that allows both residential and business use

As local selling agents, Norton’s Real Estate offers unmatched insight into Southport’s development patterns, zoning overlays, and property types.

What Types of Property Can You Buy in Southport?

Southport’s core is split into two primary asset classes:

1. CBD-Fringe Residential Properties

2. Commercial / Mixed-Use Buildings

A. Residential: Old Meets New

Many older homes are located in the Low- to Medium-Density Residential Zone, ideal for future redevelopment (STCA).

B. Commercial + Mixed-Use

Infrastructure Driving Demand

Several major infrastructure projects are positioning Southport for long-term capital growth:

• Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4: Will connect Southport to Burleigh and Coolangatta

• Southport PDA (Priority Development Area): Eases development restrictions

• Health and Knowledge Precinct: Anchored by GCUH, Griffith Uni, and private R&D facilities

• Marine Precinct Upgrades: Expansion of Broadwater access and boating tourism infrastructure

These assets ensure foot traffic, transport access, and sustained tenant demand for both residential and commercial property owners.

Buyer Intent: Who's Active in Southport Right Now?

Commercial Owner-Occupier Spotlight

More buyers are exiting leases and purchasing their own premises in Southport. These include:

• Physios, osteopaths, and psychologists

• Migration and legal firms

• Boutique retail and coffee operators

• NDIS service providers

Norton’s has seen a spike in demand for:

• Strata offices (80–150m²) with parking

• Freehold commercial blocks with signage exposure

• Dual-use shop + dwelling on Nerang St and Queen St

Development Opportunities: Where Are They?

Most of Southport falls under the Southport PDA, which allows:

• Up to 50 storeys in select locations

• Mixed-use zoning with less red tape

• High-yield density if well-located near the light rail

Key development corridors:

• Scarborough Street

• Queen Street (medical/commercial fringe)

• Marine Parade (residential high-rise zone)

• Rail and tram intersection hubs

Norton’s works directly with developers and consultants to assess feasibility, resale models, and end-use value.

Why Southport is Not a "Speculation" Play

Southport’s appeal is not based on hype — it’s based on:

• Permanent infrastructure

• Education + healthcare institutions

• Job creation zones

• Year-round transport access

• Multi-type buyer interest (commercial + residential)

This makes it one of the most resilient suburbs on the Gold Coast when the wider market slows down.

Norton’s Local Advantage

As active agents in Southport, Norton’s offers:

• Off-market residential and commercial stock

• Buyer and tenant match services

• Lease audits and tenant profiling

• Council overlay and zoning analysis

• Asset repositioning advice for sellers and investors

📞 Call our Southport team

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer

This article is for general information purposes only. Norton’s Real Estate Agency accepts no liability for any decisions made based on its content. You must obtain independent legal, financial and planning advice before buying, selling or developing property.