GC Real Estate — Yesterday & Today

The GC real estate market began almost as soon as the first European explorer, John Oxley, landed at Mermaid Beach in 1823. The red cedars were the first big attraction.

Before too long, there were Gold Coast houses dotting the countryside. Although the GC name was not used officially until 1958, speculators and journalists alike began referring to the areas covering Southport and Coolangatta by that name in the 1940s.

The city lies in the southeast corner of Queensland. It is one of the most heavily populated in the country. As you might expect in a coastal city with a tropical climate, GC real estate values are at the upper end of the scale today.

During the 1970s, developers began to build the high rises that you see today around Surfer’s Paradise. Gold Coast houses, large and small, sprang up in suburbs like Reedy Creek during the following decades as tourism increased and the economy blossomed.

Much of the area was originally swampland, except for the strip, which sits on a narrow barrier sandbar. The swampland was eventually converted into man-made canals.

From an aerial viewpoint, it looks like a number of islands, surrounded by meandering waterways. Some of the more expensive “up market” Gold Coast houses are located on those artificial islands. Most are equipped with pools and private boat landings, for day trips to the sea.

The area is bordered to the west by part of the Great Dividing Range, which is sometimes referred to as the hinterland. GC real estate developments stop short of the Lamington National Park area, which is protected by the state.

Gold Coast houses near the park are popular with people that enjoy more peace and quiet, rather than the hustle and bustle that is found closer to the coast.

The park is a part of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves. The park entrance is 85km to the southwest of Southport.

If you decide to buy GC real estate, it’s not likely that you will ever be bored. With carnivals, festivals and surfing competitions, the Super GP auto racing and horse racing at Palm Meadows, shopping, nightlife and family activities, as well as many gardens and hiking opportunities for nature lovers, there is truly something for everyone in this part of Queensland.

As the film industry continues to grow, you can expect that the population will continue to increase, as time goes by. Today’s economy is diversified enough to support the growing population.

The employment rate is currently below the national average by several percentage points. Jobs are available in marine, education, information and technology, as well as in the service industries.

Tourism brings some 10 million visitors per year to the coast, with over 800,000 coming from outside the country. Owning Gold Coast houses can be a good investment opportunity, as many of those visitors are looking for property to rent for their holiday.

So, GC real estate continues to offer investment opportunities and fun-filled living. Take a look at what’s available. You could find your dream home.

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