Gold Coast Light Rail Extension Sends Property Values Soaring Along Pacific Avenue

Property owners along the new light rail extension from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads are cashing in, with median house prices jumping as the project’s final stages reshape the southern Gold Coast. The G:link stage four, slated to open by July 2027, is reshaping neighbourhoods along the nearly 14km route, notably in Mermaid Waters, Miami, and Burleigh Heads.

Why improved transport means a new real estate contest

After two years of sluggish turnover and hesitancy with listings, the southern corridor’s resurgent appeal is directly tied to the $1.2 billion infrastructure build. Real estate agencies including LJ Hooker Broadbeach and Ray White Mermaid Beach have reported a notable uptick in inquiry—mainly from Brisbane professionals and downsizers, keen to lock in walkable access to the city’s surf, shopping and future tram stops. With national attention already drawn to the Gold Coast’s lifestyle premium, reliable public transport is now translating into hard figures for sellers.

The light rail extension passes through key locations such as Pacific Avenue, Nobby Beach, and terminates at Burleigh Heads’ James Street precinct—a spot already boasting some of the coast’s highest foot traffic outside of Surfers Paradise. Much of the current buyer competition is focused on the Miami stretch, where land values have climbed over 10% since construction fencing went up last August, according to data provided by CoreLogic. Miami’s median house price reached $1.48 million in June 2026, up from $1.34 million the same month last year. Units close to the coming Miami North station, such as at the Solisia and Sandbar apartment towers, are attracting competing offers above advertised price guides.

Tangible gains for homeowners

According to the Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, more than 400 residential properties across Mermaid Beach and Miami fall within 500 metres of a new or upgraded tram station. Local property manager Joanne Tse from Harcourts Coastal reported that rental yields have also nudged upwards. "Demand for townhouses near the Gold Coast Highway has risen—investors feel confident about steady annual capital growth," said Tse, referencing the 12.5% median price growth in Mermaid Beach in the past 18 months.

Developers are also reacting. Sunland Group has lodged plans for a mixed-use precinct near Alfred Street, comprising 120 apartments and a new retail laneway, capitalising on future tram passenger numbers. Meanwhile, Miami Marketta has begun early talks with council to extend its licensed hours and set up a new entry plaza directly facing the proposed Miami South station. Council report 24-379, tabled in May 2026, flagged additional traffic calming and pedestrianisation works for the most in-demand streets, including Hythe Street and Chairlift Avenue.

For current homeowners, the short-term benefit is clear: higher sale prices, and in some cases unconditional contracts from southern buyers eager to secure a foothold close to future tram stops.

Next stages and smart buyer strategies

With the 2026-27 financial year underway, planning officers at City of Gold Coast expect the project will reach full operational status by July 2027. Property professionals are urging first home buyers and upgraders to act before the opening, as "tram effect" price jumps tend to accelerate once services launch. Those already along the corridor should review their valuations and consider renovation or subdivision—especially for lots on secondary streets close to new stops like Montana Road and Kratzmann Avenue.

Further south, planning for a possible stage five into Tallebudgera is already being mapped out. For now, the extension from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads is the main event in town, giving fresh momentum to a Gold Coast property market that had been held back by patchy listings and buyer caution through 2025.