The Gold Coast, located in Queensland, Australia, is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant lifestyle, and booming real estate market.
As the demand for property investment continues to rise and with vacancy rates still extremely low around 1%, savvy investors are seeking opportunities in lesser-known suburbs that offer both growth potential, strong rental yields, and a high quality of life.
“I truly believe that the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s top locations to invest in property”.
With the ocean to the east, hinterland to the west and several waterways (Canals) in between, the Gold Coast has a very short supply of land making it a hotspot for investors looking to capitalise on future growth.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best suburbs on the Gold Coast for real estate investment, focusing on Ashmore, Carrara, Highland Park, Nerang, and Molendinar.
1. ASHMORE
Nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast, Ashmore stands out as a suburb with a perfect blend of residential charm and proximity to key amenities.
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Ashmore is home to numerous parks, schools, and shopping centres. The suburb’s strategic location, situated between the beach and the hinterland, makes it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet well-connected lifestyle.
With a mix of housing options from traditional family homes to modern apartments, Ashmore presents diverse opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on its growth potential.
Carrara is a suburb that has been steadily gaining attention from investors due to its central location and ongoing development projects.
Famous for hosting the Carrara Markets, one of the largest permanent markets in Queensland, this suburb offers a unique blend of entertainment, shopping, and recreational options.
Carrara is also home to the Metricon Stadium, contributing to the area’s vibrancy. The ongoing infrastructure improvements and the diverse range of housing options make Carrara an attractive choice for investors seeking long-term growth in the Gold Coast property market.
Highland Park, situated in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city life while still offering convenient access to amenities.
The suburb is characterized by its picturesque surroundings, including lush greenery and stunning views of the coastline. Highland Park boasts a strong sense of community and is well-equipped with schools, parks, and local shops.
As the Gold Coast continues to expand, Highland Park’s affordability and potential for capital growth make it an increasingly appealing option for real estate investors.
Strategically located at the crossroads of the Pacific Motorway and the Nerang River, the suburb of Nerang is a thriving residential area with a rich history.
Nerang offers a diverse range of housing options, from traditional family homes to modern apartments, attracting a broad demographic of residents. The suburb’s proximity to major transport links, shopping centres, and schools enhances its appeal for both homeowners and investors.
As the Gold Coast’s infrastructure continues to evolve, Nerang stands out as a suburb with significant potential for future growth as it gentrifies over the coming years.
Molendinar, often overlooked in favour of its more well-known neighbours, is emerging as a hidden gem for real estate investors.
Located inland, Molendinar provides a quieter alternative while maintaining accessibility to key amenities. The suburb is home to the Gold Coast University Hospital, a major economic driver and contributor to the area’s growth.
Molendinar’s diverse housing options, coupled with its strategic location, position it as an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to tap into the Gold Coast’s evolving real estate market.
The Gold Coast’s real estate market continues to evolve, and these five suburbs—Ashmore, Carrara, Highland Park, Nerang, and Molendinar—offer unique opportunities for investors seeking both capital growth and strong rental yields.
These suburbs border with two of the Gold Coast’s top performing suburbs being Bundall and Clear Island Waters with median price ranges at $1.8m. So if you’re thinking “where should I buy on the Gold Coast” these suburbs should be at the top of your list.
Why Travis at Blue Key Buyers Agents personally loves these top 5 suburbs for an investment grade purchase,
- They have owner occupier appeal.
- Low vacancy rates.
- They border with Gold Coasts affluent suburbs.
- Ability to purchase an investment grade home under median price range.
- Significant number of well-established homes that are unrenovated, which means there is potential to generate equity through renovations.
- Large parcels of land. (remember the value is in the land component, land appreciates, and the dwelling depreciates over time).
I hope this helps you with your next investment purchase.
Travis Meade – Managing Director
Want to know more?
In the ever-evolving real estate market, enlisting the expertise of a buyer’s agent has become an increasingly popular choice for individuals looking to navigate the complexities of property acquisition. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, teaming up with the right buyer’s agent can significantly streamline the buying process and ensure a successful purchase. Before taking the plunge and engaging a buyer’s agent, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to guarantee a seamless and fruitful partnership. Here are my top 5 five questions you need to ask before working with a buyer’s agent:
1. What's Your Level of Experience and Expertise?
A fundamental aspect of selecting a buyer’s agent revolves around their proficiency and knowledge of the Gold Coast real estate market. Inquire about their experience in facilitating property purchases, particularly in your desired location. A seasoned agent should be well-versed in market trends, property values, and neighbourhood dynamics, enabling them to offer valuable insights and strategic guidance throughout the buying process. Additionally, probe their expertise in handling specific types of properties, such as luxury homes, investment properties, or first-time homebuyer residences, depending on your individual requirements.
This is where Travis at Blue Key Buyers Agents stands out form the rest, with over 13 year’s experience within the real estate industry. Blue Key Buyers Agents is a fully licensed independent Buyers Agency with a desire to offer our clients something unique. A personalised one on one experience were we specialise in all types of property on the Gold Coast, from first time home buyers with a low budget, to luxury homes in the hinterland and canals through to investment grade properties.
Gaining insights from previous clients can provide a comprehensive understanding of the agent’s approach, professionalism, and success rate. Request a list of references or case studies from recent transactions to gauge the agent’s ability to deliver satisfactory results. Contacting these references can offer valuable firsthand information regarding the agent’s communication style, negotiation skills, and overall client satisfaction. Additionally, consider reading online reviews and testimonials to gather a broader perspective on the agent’s track record and reputation within the real estate community.
There is no secret that Travis is the most trusted Buyers Agent on the Gold Coast. With 5 star Google reviews, and also hundreds of case studies at the click of a button here RESULTS
A buyer’s agent should prioritize your specific requirements and preferences throughout the property search and purchase process. Inquire about their approach to understanding your unique preferences, budget constraints, and long-term goals. A reliable agent will actively listen to your needs, provide tailored property recommendations, and offer comprehensive guidance to ensure that your purchase aligns with your lifestyle and financial objectives.
At Blue Key Buyers Agents this is discovered during the first initial meeting. Depending on your schedule and geographical location, our first meeting is arranged to either meet in person, via a zoom chat or a phone call if that is easier. It’s a no obligation chance for us to work out if we might be a good fit to work together, understand your individual goals and needs.
The general discussion of the meeting will be: You share your current situation and what it is you are trying to achieve, and any time frames you are working towards. The type of property that you are wanting to purchase and budget. I explain the services that I offer, fees and what you can expect throughout the process. I will also answer any questions or concerns that you might have about using a Buyers Agent.
Effective communication is essential in establishing a seamless partnership with a buyer’s agent. Clarify their preferred communication channels, frequency of updates, and availability for property viewings and discussions. A responsive and accessible agent will keep you informed about the latest market developments, property listings, and any potential challenges or opportunities that may arise during the buying process. Aligning expectations regarding communication protocols can foster trust and ensure a smooth and efficient transaction.
At Blue Key Buyers Agents, real estate is our passion. We are committed to achieving extraordinary results for our clients. The only way you can achieve these results is to provide a highly personalised one on one service from the beginning to the end. Our services are second to no other in Australia.
Our client in-take is exclusive to only a small number of clients at any one time. Our clients range from the novice first home buyer, interstate and overseas buyers, who are looking to relocate! Through to the savvy investor.
All our clients work directly with Travis throughout the entire process, this way you will never feel like just “another number” or be passed to a less experienced individual at any time throughout the journey.
Our clients are updated on a weekly basis, but of course if there are changes or updates that our client needs to be made aware of, then they will be contacted immediately.
A proficient buyer’s agent should possess strong negotiation skills and a comprehensive understanding of the intricate closing procedures involved in property transactions. Inquire about their strategies for negotiating favourable terms, securing competitive prices, and addressing any potential hurdles during the closing process. A competent agent will demonstrate a proactive approach to resolving issues, coordinating necessary inspections, and collaborating with legal and financial professionals to facilitate a seamless and timely closing. Understanding their problem-solving capabilities and attention to detail can instil confidence in their ability to safeguard your best interests.
Once we have selected a property, Travis will implement tough negotiation strategies, whether it’s at Auction, negotiated before Auction or Private Sale.
Not only is the price of the property negotiated but also the terms and conditions. Our aim is to secure the chosen property as quickly as possible, while providing you with the best possible outcome.
Your contract documents will be managed throughout the settlement period in conjunction with your nominated legal representative. If you are purchasing interstate, we can help align you with a conveyancer in the area.
Although we understand that once contracts are signed, the purchase becomes that of a legal nature, my team and I will oversee all aspects where possible, to ensure the purchase progresses smoothly through to settlement.
Travis will keep you up to date every step of the way and help guide you through the process until settlement. We will work with your conveyancer and broker to ensure that the special terms in the contract are satisfied.
During the settlement process my team and I will facilitate the handover to your chosen property manager and assist with preparing the property for tenancy. Travis will also attend the pre-settlement inspection right before settlement just to make sure that nothing has been missed or damaged during the settlement period.
When the contract becomes unconditional the success fee is payable to Blue Key Buyers Agents. Travis will continue to provide ongoing support for the remainder of the settlement period.
Partnering with a reputable and knowledgeable buyer’s agent can significantly simplify the property acquisition journey and ensure a successful and fulfilling purchase. By posing these essential questions and thoroughly assessing the agent’s credentials, approach, and communication style, you can make an informed decision and establish a collaborative partnership that aligns with your unique real estate objectives. Remember, a reliable buyer’s agent will not only guide you through the intricacies of the buying process but also prioritize your best interests to secure a property that perfectly matches your needs and aspirations.
Want to know more?
What is capital growth??
Capital Growth is the increase in value of your property over time.
It is measured by the difference between the current value, or market value, of your asset or investment and its purchase price, or the value of the asset or investment at the time it was acquired.
For example, you purchased a property for $500,000 two years ago, and it is worth $580,000 today, your capital growth is $80,000.
Land to asset ratio is a critical factor when assessing the quality of an investment property, yet isn’t readily understood by most investors.
The land-to-asset ratio is the proportion of the overall property value made up of the land component. For example, if a property has a purchase price of $1 million, and the land value alone is $500,000, the land-to-asset ratio is 50%.
Knowing the land-to-asset ratio of a property is important because rising land value is the primary driver of price growth, whereas on most occasions the dwelling is depreciating in value.
For this reason, it pays to have an optimal percentage of the property made up of the land value.
From an investment perspective, you should strive to select an asset where the land represents 70% of the value of the property, with 50% as the minimum.
80% location 20% property.
The location of a property has a huge impact on a property’s price growth potential.
The only thing you can’t change about a property is its location. This is why it is extremely important to complete your due diligence and locate the right investment grade property in the right location.
As a good rule of thumb, when it comes to price growth the suburb does 80% of the heavy lifting, and the property itself does the remaining 20%.
If you don’t understand what the “market value” of the property is, then you are more likely to pay too much. If you don’t have the time to do this on your own, this is where a buyer’s agent comes in handy. We know the market well and have a solid understanding of what a property is worth.
We can save you tens of thousands of dollars when negotiating a good price for your property.
Instant equity can be achieved on the way in, this means that you have secured a property under market value, instead of overpaying.
