property
Land Release: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Gold Coast City Council opened applications this week for 180 residential lots in two northern growth corridors, with eligibility tied to income caps and local connection rules.
How we reported this
The City of Gold Coast released 180 lots across Coomera and Pimpama on 8 July 2026, with applications open until 29 August through the council’s online portal.
Median house prices across Queensland sit near $850,000, and the new supply comes as tourism numbers rebound and downsizer demand rises in beachside pockets. The release targets households priced out of Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads, where median prices now exceed $1.4 million.
Who qualifies
Applicants must earn under $180,000 combined for a couple or $120,000 for singles, hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency, and demonstrate a genuine Gold Coast connection such as five years’ prior residency or current employment within the city boundaries. Priority goes to first-home buyers and those over 55 seeking to downsize from larger properties in Surfers Paradise or Southport.
Each buyer can secure only one lot, and properties must be owner-occupied for at least three years after settlement. The council will cross-check applications against rates records and Centrelink data.
How to apply
Interested parties register at the City of Gold Coast website, upload proof of income, residency and employment, then select a preferred lot from the interactive map. Shortlisted applicants attend a 15-minute verification interview at the council’s Nerang administration centre before contracts are issued. Successful buyers pay a 10 per cent deposit at contract signing, with settlement scheduled for March 2027. Lot prices start at $385,000 for 450-square-metre sites.
Those who miss the August deadline can join a waitlist that the council will draw from if any lots remain unallocated. Contact the council’s housing team on 1300 465 326 for further details before submitting.
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.