Population growth in Australia is at its highest since the 1950s, with lifestyle locations such as the Gold Coast drawing in thousands of new residents each year.

While our population density of 3.5 people per square kilometre is among the lowest in the world, that density is highly urbanised, with 75 per cent of people living on just 2.6 per cent of the country’s total land mass.

According to data from CoreLogic, among the top 10 most high-density regional areas in Queensland are the Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) pockets of Surfers Paradise North, Surfers Paradise South, and Mermaid Beach-Broadbeach. SA2s define the geographical boundaries of a medium-sized community that interact socially and economically.

While the report states that population density has no proven impact on price growth, these markets have continued to perform well over the past decade.

Mermaid Beach-Broadbeach, which covers 3 square kilometres spanning First Avenue in Broadbeach to Chairlift Avenue in Mermaid Beach to one street west of the Gold Coast Highway, is popular among new residents seeking a carefree beachside lifestyle.

Over the past decade the population in this area has grown from 11,720 to 15,313 with density rising from 3,908 to 5,107 per square kilometre. Contributing to these increases is the construction of new development along the beachfront in Broadbeach, but as demand for property in these locations increases, so too are prices.

Top high-density locations

Source: CoreLogic 

Along the beachfront in Mermaid Beach, prices are among some of the highest on the Gold Coast.  

Kollosche recently sold a block of four apartments on a 405 square metre block at 2 Surf Street in Mermaid Beach. It’s $11,500,000 sale price, representing $28,395 a square metre, set a price record for properties along the Mermaid Beach beachfront based on land value alone.   

The SA2 region of Surfers Paradise – North and Surfers Paradise, which takes in Paradise Waters and Chevron Island – has the highest population and density of any region on the Gold Coast, with 5,603 people living in an area of 2.5 square kilometres.  

Riverfront locations in this region are some of the most sought after alongside those of Surfers Paradise South, which incorporates Isle of Capri. 

Kollosche recently sold a 2,024 square metre holding at 75-81 Stanhill Drive on Chevron Island for an area record price of $15,000,000 while in 79 Gibraltar Drive in Isle of Capri, a new home on a 601 square metre block, sold for $5,300,000. 

Migration statistics show there is to be a huge influx of people to the Gold Coast over the coming decade, increasing densities and the demand for housing.  

It stands to reason that we will see the highest level of price growth in those locations that experience the highest demand for housing, provided that stock remains limited.