Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a laid-back coastal suburb on the southern Gold Coast centred on a long surf beach and a palm-lined esplanade. The Gold Coast Highway strip has cafes, eateries and local shops, while the beachfront is anchored by a surf life saving club and coastal paths for walking and cycling. Housing ranges from weatherboard beach cottages and low-rise apartments to contemporary family homes tucked into quiet streets behind the esplanade, and the suburb suits surfers, families and anyone after relaxed beachside living.

The community of 16,349 people has a median age of 39 and a median household income of $1,721 a week. Families make up the bulk of households, and homes are more often owner-occupied than rented. The area has seen major state-led transport and foreshore works, including motorway upgrades, new active-transport paths and a rebuilt Beree-Badalla Reserve boardwalk with fishing platforms, seating, a launch ramp and showers. Planning and funded work continue on active-transport links, health centre upgrades and pedestrian improvements, and a pause in light rail planning has shifted focus to bus and regional transport planning. Whether that suits you depends on what you want from a suburb.

On the figures, housing in Palm Beach 4221 sits well above local incomes recorded at the last Census. A median house price of $2,040,000 is about 22.8 times a typical local annual household income at the last Census (weekly household income $1,721 × 52 = $89,492), while the median unit price of $1,215,000 is about 13.6 times that income. Rents are a large share of income too: an average house rent of $1,250 a week would take roughly 72.6% of a typical local household's weekly income at the last Census, and unit rent of $850 a week about 49.4%.

Everyone's financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.

Unit values climbed 14.2% over the past year, while house values rose 12.5% — both are strong gains. On the income side, house rents increased 13.6% and unit rents rose 6.2%.

In Palm Beach the figures give a mixed picture for investors: unit owners saw the larger capital gain, whereas houses delivered the stronger rental growth relative to price. If rental income is your priority, the house rent change is the most directly relevant figure; if capital growth matters more, the unit value change led the way. Whether that fits your goals and circumstances is for you to weigh up.

This information has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional financial advice. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.