Gold Coast Council Opens 112 Residential Lots: Check Eligibility Requirements

The City of Gold Coast opened expressions of interest on 8 July 2026 for 112 residential lots in the Reedy Creek land release, with applications restricted to Australian citizens and permanent residents who meet income and ownership tests.

The timing aligns with continued pressure on the local housing market where the Queensland median price sits near $850,000 and downsizer demand has risen sharply in beachside suburbs since tourism numbers recovered to pre-pandemic levels in 2025.

Eligibility rules

Applicants must not own residential property in Australia at the time of application and must earn under $180,000 for singles or $250,000 for couples. First-home buyers receive priority scoring, followed by empty-nesters looking to move from larger homes in Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads. The council has also reserved 30 lots for participants in the state’s downsizer incentive program run through the Department of Housing.

Lots range from 375 to 620 square metres and will be released in two stages, with stage one prices set between $465,000 and $695,000 depending on size and proximity to the planned extension of Scottsdale Drive.

Application steps

Interested buyers must submit an online form through the City of Gold Coast website by 5pm on 29 August 2026, attaching proof of identity, income statements for the past two financial years and a statutory declaration confirming no current property ownership. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a ballot on 18 September 2026 at the Southport Town Hall, with successful buyers required to pay a 10 per cent deposit within 14 days and settle within nine months.

Council planning staff will hold two information sessions at the Burleigh Heads Community Centre on 22 July and 5 August for anyone seeking clarification on the income caps or required documentation before the closing date.