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Carrara suburb profile

Carrara is a picturesque suburb located in the heart of the Gold Coast, Queensland, known for its lush landscapes and relaxed lifestyle. Situated conveniently between the bustling city of Surfers Paradise and the serene hinterland, Carrara offers a perfect balance for residents. The suburb is home to the renowned Carrara Markets, a popular weekend destination, and boasts excellent sporting facilities, including the Metricon Stadium. With a mix of residential options, from waterfront homes to modern apartments, Carrara attracts families, retirees, and professionals seeking a peaceful yet connected community. Its proximity to major transport links and amenities enhances its appeal as a desirable place to live.

Carrara property market performance

Current median dwelling price$1,064,625Past 3 months

Property growth+14.6%Past 12 months

Carrara’s property market has experienced robust growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 15.7% and unit values rising by 14.2%. The current median house price stands at $1.21 million, while the median unit price is $937,500, indicating strong demand across both property types.

Sales activity has been active, with 56 houses and 18 units sold in the past 12 months. Houses are selling faster, with a median of 21 days on the market, compared to 29 days for units, suggesting a slightly higher demand for houses.

The rental market in Carrara has also seen significant increases, with house rents rising by 9.8% and unit rents by 8.3% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $900, while units average $850, reflecting a competitive rental market.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.22M$914K
Change in value
Past 12 months
16.9%12.4%
Sold
Past 3 months
5620
Median days on market
Past 12 months
2229
Average rent
Past 12 months
$900$850
Change in rent
Past 12 months
8.4%11.8%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Carrara demographics

Carrara, located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, is a suburb known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to both natural attractions and urban amenities. With a population of 13,138 and a median age of 42, Carrara is home to a mature community that enjoys a balanced lifestyle. The suburb's appeal is evident in its family-oriented demographic, with 39.1% of households being couple families with children and 41.8% being couple families without children. This indicates a strong presence of both young families and established couples who appreciate the suburb's peaceful yet connected atmosphere.

The housing market in Carrara reflects a stable community, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (32.4%) and a larger percentage owned with a mortgage (39.5%). This suggests a mix of long-term residents and newer homeowners investing in the area. The rental market, comprising 28.2% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility, including young professionals and families who are drawn to the suburb's amenities and lifestyle offerings.

Carrara's median total household income of $1,562 per week aligns with its status as a middle-income suburb, offering a comfortable standard of living. The suburb's location provides easy access to the Gold Coast's beaches, shopping centers, and entertainment venues, making it an attractive place for those who value both convenience and leisure. With its blend of family-friendly features, stable housing market, and appealing lifestyle, Carrara continues to be a sought-after destination for residents seeking a harmonious blend of urban and suburban living.

Carrara infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Carrara continues to benefit from its proximity to major Gold Coast infrastructure, including easy access to the M1, the emerging Nerang and Robina employment hubs, and large retail centres such as Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre, which support local housing demand.[6] The suburb’s established golf courses and sporting facilities, including proximity to regional stadiums and recreation precincts, enhance its lifestyle appeal and underpin buyer interest in family homes and townhouses.[3][6]

Local schools and childcare options in and around Carrara, combined with relatively short travel times to major education and health precincts elsewhere on the Gold Coast, contribute to its attractiveness for owner-occupiers and long-term renters.[3][6] There are currently no widely publicised, large-scale new transport corridors or school redevelopments focused specifically within Carrara, so near-term property performance is being driven more by its central location, access to amenities, and broader citywide infrastructure investment than by suburb-specific projects.[3][6]

Carrara rental market trends

The rental market in Carrara has experienced steady growth, with house rents increasing by 9.8% over the past year to $900 per week, while unit rents have risen by 8.3% to $850 per week. This consistent upward trend reflects Carrara's appeal as a desirable location, offering a balanced lifestyle with access to amenities and a strong community atmosphere.

Suburbs near Carrara

Some popular suburbs near Carrara include:

How does Carrara compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Carrara’s median house price is 11.5% higher than Nerang’s.
  • Median unit prices: Carrara’s median unit price is 8.8% higher than Nerang’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Carrara have grown 2.6% higher than in Nerang.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Carrara have grown 4.5% higher than in Ashmore.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Carrara are selling 21.4% faster than in Worongary.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Nerang are selling 58.6% faster than in Carrara.

Common questions about Carrara

  • Is Carrara a nice place to live?

    Carrara is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of tranquility and convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. Nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast, Carrara is known for its lush landscapes and relaxed atmosphere, providing residents with a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The suburb's charming vibe is complemented by its proximity to both the vibrant city of Surfers Paradise and the peaceful hinterland, offering the best of both worlds. Families are particularly drawn to Carrara for its welcoming community and excellent amenities, including local schools and childcare options, which make it an ideal environment for raising children.

    Living in Carrara means having easy access to a variety of amenities and recreational activities. The suburb is home to the renowned Carrara Markets, a popular spot for weekend outings, and boasts excellent sporting facilities, including the Metricon Stadium. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Carrara's proximity to beautiful parks and golf courses provides ample opportunities for leisure and relaxation. Safety is generally not a major concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal as a family-friendly area. However, it's worth noting that while Carrara offers a peaceful lifestyle, it may lack the nightlife and cultural vibrancy found in more urban areas.

    One of the trade-offs of living in Carrara is the need to travel for more extensive shopping or entertainment options, as larger retail centers and entertainment venues are located in nearby suburbs. However, the suburb's central location and easy access to major transport links, including the M1, make commuting to these areas convenient. For families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle with a strong sense of community, Carrara is a charming choice that offers both comfort and connectivity.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Carrara?

    Living in Carrara can be quite costly, especially when it comes to housing. The median house price in this Gold Coast suburb is currently $1,211,000, which is significantly higher than many other areas. If you're considering renting, houses average around $900 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $850 per week. These figures suggest that housing in Carrara can take up a large portion of your income.

    When you compare these costs with the average wage in Queensland, which is about $75,000 annually for full-time workers, it becomes clear that living in Carrara could be challenging for those earning an average salary. The median total household income in Carrara is $1,562 per week, which indicates that many residents might be stretching their budgets to afford the local housing market.

    Overall, while Carrara offers a pleasant lifestyle with its proximity to the Gold Coast's attractions, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you're thinking of living in Carrara, it's important to consider whether your financial situation can comfortably support the expenses associated with this suburb.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Carrara a good place to invest?

    Carrara is showing strong signs of being a promising investment suburb, with impressive growth in both property values and rental returns over the past year. The median house value has increased by 15.7%, while units have seen a 14.2% rise. This indicates a healthy demand for properties in the area, which is a positive sign for potential investors looking for capital growth.

    In addition to property value growth, Carrara has also experienced significant increases in rental returns. House rents have gone up by 9.8%, and unit rents have risen by 8.3%. This suggests that the suburb is attractive to renters, providing a steady income stream for property investors. The combination of rising property values and rental yields makes Carrara an appealing option for those looking to invest in real estate.

    Overall, Carrara's recent performance in the property market, with strong growth in both values and rents, positions it as a suburb with solid investment potential. Its appeal to both buyers and renters ensures a balanced market, offering opportunities for capital appreciation and reliable rental income.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Carrara

Currently, there are 152 real estate agents working in Carrara—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 152 agents sold 31.1% of all properties in Carrara over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Carrara typically charge a commission of 2% to 2.94%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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