Living on the Gold Coast: Should You Move or Renovate?

From a vantage point above, the scenic view of the beach unfolds with surfers dotting the sandy shore and shallow waters. The turquoise ocean and trees frame this picturesque scene, easily accessible by stairs leading to paradise—an ideal spot for discerning buyers seeking their dream property.

It’s Saturday morning and you’re having a cuppa and enjoying the warmth of the sun coming through your favourite windows. 

You like these quiet moments, unhurried—where the house feels calm, almost breathing in sync with you. 

There’s comfort in the familiar. And you love living on the Gold Coast in this particular area. You’re enjoying the sunny beaches, the vibrant lifestyle…and, most importantly the people

But the house as it is right now won’t suit your needs for much longer. 

You need more space to accommodate your growing family…more bedrooms, new tiles, a more functional kitchen. And those walls? They could probably use a fresh coat of paint. A bigger wardrobe would also be nice…

It’s decision time.

Should you build on what you currently have or is finding a new place to call home your best next move? 

Here’s the lowdown.

Renovatingmaking your home ‘new’ again

You get along well with your neighbours, you know the nearby coffee spots, the nice local eateries…and where the sun warms your living room each morning. So, renovating means you get to keep all of that—and more. 

But you also know that renovations are an inconvenience at best, and disruptive at worst.

They bring in dust, noise, and a never-ending trail of tradespeople roaming around your house at the break of dawn.

Not to mention the unexpected surprises that stretches your budget and your timelines, like mould hiding behind walls or a big pipe that needs fixing. 

However, done right, a renovation can be rewarding. Especially if you’re living on the Gold Coast where property prices are competitive. 

Enhancing your existing space can significantly add value to your property and might even end up costing less in the long run compared to buying a new place.

Movingstarting fresh

You’re scrolling through property listings, seeing those bigger gardens, better storage, that designer kitchen you’ve always wanted…‘moving’ offers the allure of a clean slate.

But, as enticing as it may seem, moving isn’t cheap. 

And settling into a new area can take time.

Getting comfortable in the new place, finding your footing, checking out grocery stores, scouting nearby schools, getting to know your neighbours, a new community—all these adjustments don’t happen overnight.

It’s a big transition, one that may take time before it can feel like home.

Key Considerations:

So, how do you make the right choice? Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Does the Location Still Work for You?
    Living on the Gold Coast offers an enviable lifestyle—that’s why Aussies have been flocking to sunny Queensland in recent years (link to first blog) —but if you’re finding your commute a hassle or constantly driving the kids to distant schools or sports activities, relocating closer to your daily destinations might be a good move.
  2. Can Your Home Be Adapted to Meet Future Needs?
    If your family’s growing, adding a bedroom or garage could save you from the upheaval of a full move. Many Gold Coast homes have great renovation potential, and a well-thought-out addition could add both comfort and value to your existing property.
  3. Beware of Overcapitalising
    It’s easy to get carried away with home improvements, but spending too much on renovations can backfire. For instance, if nearby homes are valued around $1 million and you’re investing $200,000 into a $900,000 property, you might not recoup those costs when selling. Setting a realistic budget and sticking to it can protect your investment.
  4. Understand the Costs of Moving
    Beyond the property’s purchase price, there are several other costs: real estate agent fees, moving expenses, property styling requirements, stamp duty…these all add up quickly. A mortgage broker is the best person to consult if you want to understand your budget, and discuss your options including cost creeps. 
  5. Consider the Emotional Impact
    Moving means saying goodbye to things you’ve always known. And you’ve probably made good memories in your existing home. While a new home offers fresh opportunities, it’s worth digging deep into what you might miss against what you stand to gain.


Both options come with challenges. 

But at the end of the day, the choice to renovate or move isn’t just about cost—it’s about what feels like the right step forward for your family, lifestyle, and dreams.