property
Where Downsizers Are Moving on the Gold Coast and Why
Retirees from Brisbane and northern New South Wales are targeting three beachside pockets where single-level homes sit within walking distance of the surf and local services.
How we reported this
Downsizers have lifted sales volumes in Burleigh Heads by 28 per cent in the past twelve months, with median prices for three-bedroom homes now sitting at $1.35 million.
The shift matters now because the Queensland median house price has held near $850,000 while Gold Coast stock in the $900,000 to $1.2 million band has tightened since tourism visitor numbers returned to 2019 levels in early 2025. Many owners who bought during the 2020-2022 period are releasing properties to move closer to medical facilities and flatter terrain.
Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach Waters draw the largest share
Buyers are concentrating on the western side of Gold Coast Highway in Burleigh Heads, particularly along Goodwin Terrace and Sixth Avenue, where 1970s and 1980s brick homes have been renovated into low-maintenance dwellings. Further north, Broadbeach Waters streets such as Hooker Boulevard and Margaret Avenue offer canal-front blocks that appeal to former boat owners. The Gold Coast City Council’s 2024-2026 Ageing Well Strategy has funded new footpaths and bus shelters along these routes, cutting walking times to the Burleigh Farmers Market and Broadbeach Library.
Domain data released last month shows Burleigh Heads recorded 142 sales in the year to June 2026, up from 111 the previous year, while Broadbeach Waters posted a 19 per cent rise in transactions over the same period. Agents report that 60 per cent of those buyers are aged 60 and over, many releasing equity from larger Brisbane properties purchased before 2018.
Interest is expected to stay firm through spring as the state government’s updated seniors’ stamp duty concession, effective 1 August, removes the $550,000 cap that previously applied. Prospective buyers should inspect properties before the October school holidays when holiday rentals push short-term prices higher, and confirm current flood mapping with the council before making offers.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.