After years of construction, traffic changes and disruption for local residents and businesses, the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 extension officially opened on 9 August 2026 and the early response has been overwhelmingly positive.

The new 6.7-kilometre extension connects Broadbeach South with Burleigh Heads, adding eight stations across Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach, Miami and Burleigh. The trip between Broadbeach and Burleigh now takes approximately 16-17 minutes, with passengers able to continue north through Surfers Paradise, Southport and all the way to Helensvale.

Opening day alone recorded more than 55,000 passenger boardings across the G:link network, representing a 69% increase in patronage. While complete figures for the first two weeks have not yet been released, the consistently busy trams, active stations and increased movement through local precincts suggest Gold Coasters and visitors have been quick to embrace the service.

With permanent 50-cent public transport fares, the tram has immediately become an affordable and practical alternative to driving, particularly for people travelling between Burleigh, Miami, Nobby Beach, Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach.

A welcome boost for local businesses

The opening has been particularly welcome for businesses along the Gold Coast Highway.

Many operators endured years of reduced access, roadworks, noise and changing traffic conditions during construction. Now that the barriers have come down, the tram is delivering customers directly into some of the Gold Coast’s most popular dining, shopping and beachside precincts.

Nobby Beach, Miami and Burleigh can now be accessed without the usual concerns around traffic and parking. This should encourage more people to visit these areas, particularly on weekends and during major events and may provide a valuable boost to hospitality, retail and tourism businesses.

What could the tram mean for property prices?

Transport infrastructure does not automatically cause property prices to rise, and it is important not to make predictions based on the tram alone. However, improved transport access generally makes a location more convenient and therefore more attractive to buyers.

Previous Gold Coast research has indicated that properties close to light rail stations can experience stronger value growth than comparable properties located further away. The greatest benefits are generally found within a comfortable walking distance of a station, although properties immediately beside the tracks may experience some offsetting effects from noise, reduced privacy or heavier pedestrian activity.

For the Stage 3 corridor, I expect the strongest long-term benefits will be seen in properties that offer:

• Easy walking access to a station without being directly affected by tram noise.

• Convenient access to beaches, shops, restaurants and employment.

• Secure parking, particularly as on-street parking becomes more limited.

• A practical alternative to owning a second vehicle.

• Good pedestrian access between the property and the station.

Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach, Miami and Burleigh were already highly desirable suburbs before the tram opened. Because the extension was planned and under construction for several years, some of its future benefit is likely already reflected in property values.

For that reason, I would not expect every property near the line to suddenly increase in value. Instead, the tram is likely to support demand and create an additional point of difference when buyers are comparing similar properties.

Over the longer term, it may also encourage further apartment development and urban renewal around station precincts. This could increase land values, but additional development may also create more competition between similar apartments.

What could it mean for rental demand?

The rental impact may be felt sooner than the effect on sale prices.

Tenants frequently prioritise convenience, affordability and access to employment. A home within walking distance of the tram gives tenants a reliable way to reach Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Southport, Griffith University, Gold Coast University Hospital and the heavy-rail connection at Helensvale.

At 50 cents per journey, some households may be able to reduce their reliance on a car—or avoid purchasing a second vehicle altogether. That is a meaningful benefit when tenants are already managing higher living costs.

Properties near the new stations may therefore appeal to a wider range of tenants, including:

• Hospitality and tourism workers.

• University students and hospital employees.

• Young professionals.

• Households with only one vehicle.

• Older tenants wanting convenient access to services.

• New residents who do not yet know the Gold Coast road network.

However, stronger rental demand does not necessarily mean landlords can apply large rent increases. Rent is still determined by the tenant’s budget, the condition of the property and the number of comparable homes available.

We are currently finding that properties priced above approximately $900 per week can take longer to move because affordability remains a major consideration. Tram access may help a property lease more quickly or attract a stronger pool of applicants, but it will not overcome unrealistic pricing.

In many cases, the greatest benefit for landlords may be lower vacancy, stronger tenant retention and a broader applicant pool, not necessarily a dramatic increase in weekly rent.

Our prediction for the tram corridor

Over the next several years, we expect properties within walking distance of the new stations to remain highly sought after, particularly when they also offer parking, privacy and good presentation.

The tram is unlikely to affect every property equally. A well-positioned unit five or ten minutes from a station may benefit more than a property directly overlooking the tracks. Likewise, older buildings with high body corporate fees, limited parking or significant maintenance issues will not automatically outperform simply because they are near public transport.

The extension should nevertheless strengthen the long-term appeal of Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach, Miami and Burleigh. It provides permanent infrastructure, improves connectivity and makes these already popular suburbs easier to access.

After four challenging years of construction, it is exciting to finally see the tram operating—and even better to see Gold Coasters using it.

For local property owners, the message is positive but measured: the tram is another strong reason people may choose to live, invest and rent along the coastal corridor. Its full effect on property prices and rents will become clearer over time, but the first two weeks have provided a promising start.

Information is general in nature and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Property values and rental returns are influenced by the individual property, market conditions and a range of other factors.