Editor’s Note – Winter 2025

WORDS: Brian Usher - [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

As we head into winter, one issue is becoming increasingly impossible to ignore — the pressure-cooker that is the Gold Coast property market.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on real estate over the past year, you’ll know that property prices across the region continue to surge at rates far exceeding the national average. Whether it’s a beachside apartment, a suburban family home, or a new development, demand is fierce and supply remains critically low. It’s a perfect storm — and one that’s making waves across every corner of the community.

The reasons for this ongoing boom are varied. The Gold Coast continues to be seen as one of Australia’s most desirable lifestyle destinations, with strong interstate migration, investor confidence, and local buyer activity all pushing demand to record levels. But what’s not keeping pace is supply. New builds and releases are simply not coming fast enough — squeezed by rising construction costs, planning delays, and available land becoming increasingly scarce. The result? A rapidly rising median house and apartment price that’s leaving many, particularly our younger generations, locked out of the market altogether.

Affordability is now a real and urgent concern. For first-home buyers, the dream of home ownership on the Coast is drifting further out of reach. And for renters, the story is just as tough. Vacancy rates have fallen to historic lows, and rents have surged — placing huge strain on singles, young families, and essential workers who call this city home. The housing shortage is no longer just a real estate headline — it’s a social issue that’s impacting the broader fabric of our community.

So, where to from here? There’s no silver bullet, but it’s clear we need more collaborative effort — from developers, policymakers, councils, and financial institutions — to address the supply side of the equation. We need smart, sustainable growth that allows the Gold Coast to retain its unique character while ensuring it remains an accessible place to live for all. More investment in affordable and diverse housing options, faster planning approvals, and support for build-to-rent developments could all be part of the answer.

At Ocean Road, we remain committed to keeping these conversations alive — to shining a light on both the successes and the challenges of life on the Coast. In this edition, we explore the stories behind the market’s momentum, speak to the people on the ground, and hear from developers and designers shaping the future of our skyline.

The Gold Coast has always been a place of possibility. As we move through 2025, it’s time to ensure that possibility extends to everyone. Enjoy the issue.

Warm regards,
Brian Usher
Editor, Ocean Road Magazine

Email- Brian @oceanroadmagazine.com.au