Queensland’s two powerhouse regions — Brisbane and the Gold Coast — are setting the pace for property investors in 2025. Both are riding population growth, infrastructure upgrades, and steady economic momentum. But the choice between them isn’t about one being “better” than the other, it’s about which market aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and investment strategy.
At Housemark, we sit at the centre of this shift every day, helping landlords navigate rising values in Brisbane’s urban heart, and guiding investors who see opportunity in the Gold Coast’s coastal surge.
Whether you’re weighing yields, lifestyle, or long-term capital growth, this guide gives you a clear view of the trends shaping both markets right now.
Brisbane: Urban Vitality and Steady Growth
Brisbane has cemented its place as one of Australia’s strongest-performing capitals, blending big-city opportunity with subtropical lifestyle.
Why Investors Look to Brisbane
-
- Economic Hub → Strong employment across technology, finance, and healthcare sectors. Major projects like Queen’s Wharf and the Brisbane Metro fuel growth and rental demand.
-
- Infrastructure Advantage → Cross River Rail (launching late 2025) will transform connectivity, alongside an international airport and port links.
-
- Lifestyle Balance → From South Bank Parklands to riverside dining and cultural festivals, Brisbane appeals to professionals and families alike.
-
- Relative Affordability → Brisbane offers larger homes at lower price points than Sydney or Melbourne, making it attractive for investors seeking value.
Key Market Data (2025)
-
- Median House Price: ~$949,538 (↑ 1.2% MoM, ↑ 6.7% YoY)
-
- Quarterly Growth: 2.1% (CoreLogic, Aug 2025)
-
- Rental Yields: Averaging 4–5% across the city
-
- Market Outlook: Forecast growth of 5–14% through late 2025, driven by falling interest rates and strong migration
Hotspots include New Farm and Paddington for premium buyers, while areas like Moreton Bay attract families seeking space.
Gold Coast: Coastal Lifestyle and Rapid Expansion
An hour south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast offers something Brisbane never will: world-class beaches at your doorstep. Its property market is fuelled by lifestyle buyers, interstate migrants, and global tourism appeal.
Why Investors Look to the Gold Coast
-
- Lifestyle Magnet → Over 50km of beaches, surf culture, theme parks, and hinterland escapes. Perfect for families, retirees, and lifestyle-focused investors.
-
- Tourism Economy → Hospitality, retail, and entertainment underpin growth. Light rail extensions and airport upgrades continue to boost accessibility.
-
- Family & Retirement Appeal → Quality schools, healthcare, and community hubs make it multi-generational.
-
- High-Yield Potential → Options range from high-rise apartments to waterfront homes. Tourist-driven rentals (Airbnb, short stays) can deliver stronger yields than long-term leases.
Key Market Data (2025)
-
- Median House Price: $1.4M–$2.5M in premium suburbs
-
- Annual Growth Forecast: 6–13% (some reports as high as 10–13%)
-
- Rental Yields: 5–6% in tourist-heavy suburbs like Broadbeach & Palm Beach
-
- Market Outlook: After 90% growth over five years, the Coast is still forecast to climb another 3–7% in 2025, supported by low supply and ongoing migration
Brisbane vs. Gold Coast: Key Comparisons
| Factor | Brisbane | Gold Coast |
| Median House Price (2025) | $950K–$1.02M | $1.4M–$2.5M (premium suburbs) |
| Annual Growth Forecast | 5–14% | 6–13% |
| Rental Yields | 4–5% | 5–6% (tourist-heavy areas) |
| Economic Base | Business, tech, government | Tourism, hospitality, health |
| Lifestyle | Urban, cultural, balanced | Coastal, outdoor, leisure-driven |
| Cost of Living (Monthly) | ~$2,091 | ~$2,299 |
Choosing Between Brisbane and the Gold Coast
Brisbane shines for stability, connectivity, and long-term growth. The Gold Coast rewards those chasing lifestyle and higher-yield potential. Both are strong, and both demand smart, local insight to get right.
That’s where Housemark comes in. We don’t just track the data; we live and breathe these markets alongside our landlords and referral partners. From Brisbane and the Gold Coast to Ipswich, Toowoomba, and beyond, our growth means we’re uniquely placed to guide investors wherever the opportunity takes them.
Whether you’re ready for your first rental property or planning how to leverage equity across a portfolio, we’ll help you make decisions grounded in numbers, neighbourhoods, and lived experience.
FAQs for Investors
FAQs for InvestorsIs Brisbane or Gold Coast better for property investment in 2025?
It depends on your goals. Brisbane offers stable long-term growth and strong rental demand, while the Gold Coast provides lifestyle-driven, higher-yield opportunities.
How can I review my portfolio to unlock equity?
A Housemark property health check can identify current rental value, equity position, and opportunities to expand.
Ready to explore your options? Reach out to Housemark for a confidential portfolio review or rental health check today.
