Big shift in Coast suburbs

THREE Gold Coast suburbs have been listed among the top 20 locations that people are moving to Australia-wide.

The rankings, based on Australia Post mail redirection data from 2013-2019, show people relocated to Upper Coomera (ranked 9), Robina (13) and Southport (14).

Queensland, NSW and Victoria attracted the highest number of people relocating to buy or rent. The findings came as no surprise to Gold Coast real estate agents who report strong interest in each of the top-ranking local suburbs.

Patrick Donaldson, of Ray White Upper Coomera, said Upper Coomera’s position between Brisbane and the Gold Coast was a drawcard along with access to services and facilities.

“We’re seeing a lot of interstate buyers coming to Upper Coomera due to the choice of quality schools, the expansion of services with the Westfield Mall and facilities in the area,” he said. “Buyers are also updating their homes so the whole Upper Coomera area is becoming a lot more up-market.”

The median house price in Upper Coomera is $470,000 while the renters pay an average of $450 a week.

Harcourts Coastal principal

James Massey said the competitive price point in Robina continued to attract buyers who enjoyed the central location and services close by.

“Robina is still very affordable,” he said.

“Interstate buyers see tremendous value in Robina – they’re selling a home in Sydney for $2 million and buying here at $600,000 and putting $1 million in the bank and getting a better lifestyle.

“You’ve also got hospitals, universities, the train station, schools, golf courses and one of the Gold Coast’s biggest shopping centres right at your fingertips.”

In Robina, buyers are paying an average of $581,000 for a home while the median weekly rental rate is $560.

Ray White Surfers Paradise agent Ben O’Brien, who’s been selling in Southport for 12 years, said the suburb was popular with downsizers and retirees wanting to live centrally and have easy access to medical services, the light rail and shops.

“It’s been interesting to watch the shift in attitude towards Southport,” he said.

“The negatives that used to drag it down are now outweighed by the positives and it just keeps getting better.”

Melbourne ranked as the No.1 city of choice Australiawide.