Land Release: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

The Queensland Government has announced the release of 20 hectares of land in the Gold Coast region, with opportunities for homebuyers and developers to secure prime parcels of land.

This land release is significant, given the current median house price in Queensland of around $850,000, and the strong demand for housing in the Gold Coast, driven by its lifestyle premium and tourism recovery. The land release program is designed to increase the supply of housing and provide more opportunities for people to buy or build their own homes, particularly in areas like Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads, which are experiencing high demand.

In the Gold Coast, the land release program will be managed by the City of Gold Coast, in partnership with the Queensland Government's Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning. The program will involve the release of land in areas such as Varsity Lakes, Robina, and Nerang, with parcels ranging in size from 300 to 1,000 square metres. The Gold Coast City Council has identified these areas as key growth precincts, with access to amenities like the Robina Town Centre, Bond University, and the Varsity Lakes train station.

According to data from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, the Gold Coast has seen a significant increase in demand for housing, with a 15% increase in sales volumes over the past 12 months. The median house price in the Gold Coast has also increased, to around $920,000, with some areas like Mermaid Beach and Main Beach experiencing even higher prices, up to $1.5 million. The land release program is expected to provide a boost to the local economy, with an estimated 500 new homes to be built over the next two years, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. As of June 2026, the program has already received over 1,000 expressions of interest from potential buyers and developers.

How to Apply

To be eligible to apply for the land release program, buyers and developers must meet certain criteria, including being an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and having a satisfactory credit history. Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to first-home buyers and those who intend to build their own homes. The City of Gold Coast has established a dedicated website and hotline for the program, with staff available to provide information and support to potential applicants. The website will also provide details on the application process, including the required documentation and timelines.

For those interested in applying, it is recommended that they register their interest on the City of Gold Coast website, and attend one of the upcoming information sessions, to be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on July 15 and 22. The sessions will provide an opportunity to meet with council staff, and learn more about the program and the application process. With the strong demand for housing in the Gold Coast, and the limited supply of land available, it is expected that the program will be highly competitive, so potential applicants are advised to act quickly to secure their place.