Coast hits the mark

The Gold Coast has lived up to its glittering reputation, with numerous neighbourhoods on this year’s list of most sought-after suburbs

BEING in the direct flight path of the Gold Coast Airport hasn’t grounded the Tugun property market.

The beachside locale was the ninth most popular Queensland suburb in 2017, out of 1176 suburbs, in data compiled by realestate.com.au.

Compared to the same time last year, Tugun moved up 22 spots, recorded 1741 visits per property, and had a median house price of $600,000, up from $500,000 in 2016.

“The planes are just not an issue for residents any more,” said Ray White Tugun agent Shane Seghers.

“I haven’t had anyone had a problem with it for at least the last 18 months.”

In comparison, Surfers Paradise ranked 269th most popular, down 89 places from 2016, while Broadbeach came in at 173.

The south surged, with Bilinga coming in second for the Gold Coast at number 29, followed by Palm Beach at number 45.

The data is based on the number of visits per property in suburbs that listed an average of four properties for sale per month over 11 months to November 30. “Tugun is probably one of the most affordable locations on the Gold Coast where you can walk to the beach,” Mr Seghers said.

“It’s still got plenty of growth in it, it’s just starting to kick off. It’s really only been running hot for 12 months.”

Mr Seghers said units in the $400,000 to $450,000 price range had sold predominantly in the past six months, with an average 25-30 days on the market.

He said the majority of buyers were owneroccupiers, and locals moving in a five to 10km radius.

“We have lots of cool cafes in the strip now, it seems to be moving fast,” he said.

“It’s like the activity in Palm Beach for the last three years is creeping down the coast.”

The popularity of Gold Coast suburbs has been revealed in a list of Australia’s most sought-after suburbs.