The suburb secret is out: Hyper-local loyalists strike gold at Harbour Shores

One of the Gold Coast’s ‘bridesmaid suburbs’ is experiencing a wave of local suitors, with the latest sales figures from Harbour Shores revealing 68% of buyers will be relocating from within a 5km average radius of the 16ha masterplan.

Lewis Land head of development Michael Long said the figures underlined a powerful shift for Biggera Waters that would reshape it into a thriving force behind the region’s growth corridor.

“We’ve seen a huge wave of interest from residents of Arundel, Paradise Point and Runaway Bay who recognise the urban transformation that is well underway here and want to be part of it,” Michael said.

“Interestingly, 25% of our Gold Coast buyers are also coming from the city’s southern hotspots, including Burleigh and Palm Beach.

“Biggera Waters, and Harbour Shores in particular, has all the advantages of waterfront living with the benefits of resort-style amenity, for greater value than the southern beachfront suburbs.”

Michael said half of the purchasers at Harbour Shores were under the age of 55.

“When locals choose to stay local, it creates a genuine community, turning the most sustainable master planned community in the Gold Coast’s history into a diverse and vibrant ‘village of villages’.”

Chris Williment, aged in his early forties, purchased an apartment in the Palm House collection because he wanted to upgrade his life without the upheaval.

“I moved to Biggera Waters a year ago and the suburb felt like home right away,” Chris said.

"I love how I can take an afternoon swim in the Broadwater and also be at Harbour Town in minutes for shopping or a bite to eat. 

"It’s all on my doorstep, without the hustle and traffic you get in busier areas like Broadbeach or Burleigh.

“I first came across Harbour Shores because the company I was working for was involved in the carpet and flooring fit out for its display suite. 

"I was the project manager and was immediately impressed with the quality of finishes. 

"No expense was spared, and I could see the passion behind the project.

“Before I knew it, I had paid a deposit for a 3-bedroom apartment in Palm House and it’s the best decision I ever made.”

Colliers Gold Coast sales director David Higgins said the hyper-local market demand was unique to Harbour Shores when compared to other projects in the region.

“We are seeing as much as 60% of new apartment sales on other projects go to interstate or international buyers, but Harbour Shores is bucking this trend and attracting a larger proportion of the local market,” David said.

“Only 13% of Harbour Shores’ existing purchasers are interstate. 

"There has been a resounding endorsement from local buyers and that validates the project’s vision and investment in design, lifestyle and liveability.”

Harbour Shores is 16ha visionary masterplan dedicated to wellness and an active, healthy lifestyle. Designed by BDA Architecture, Harbour Shores embeds extensive green connections and more than 2.5km in pedestrian networks – including a 1.2km boardwalk along the water’s edge.

The project was recently recognised by the BETTER FUTURE World Design Awards 2026 as a silver winner in the category of environmental sustainability. Boasting a 6 Star Green Star Communities V1.1 rating, Harbour Shores will deliver more than 2,000 homes over the next ten years.

The first stage will deliver three residential collections including luxury three and four-bedroom waterfront villas at The Residences, as well as apartments in The Waterline and Palm House, surrounded by resort-style amenities.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

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