LabradorGold Coast Suburb Profile

Labrador was once a quiet holiday suburb, but now, it harbours the trendies of the Gold Coast and lovers of everything aquatic. Over the last 10 years the area has experienced major growth and progress which has led to the locals to come about in their attitudes towards the suburb. And why not? The suburb is lined by the Broadwater and close to the CBD but far away enough to be peaceful and relaxed.

Labrador is a long established suburb, as of such, there is no vacant land left. Many of the older three storey walk ups and holiday houses that run alongside the Broadwater are being torn down for redevelopment. New and luxurious buildings have risen in the recent years as well as a thriving cafe precinct.

Labrador is experiencing a significant transformation. It is foreseeable that the future holds much anticipated promise for the suburb which can be seen in the boutiques, bars and restaurants that are popping up all over the place.

Labrador is a mixed suburb with Broadwater beachfront to the East and gentle hills to the West with a pleasant mixture of wide tree-lined streets, original 'Queenslander' style housing (some more than ready for re-development than others), new townhouses and up-market high-rise developments and accommodation.

As one of the first suburbs of the Gold Coast to be developed (back in the 50s) Labrador still has an abundant supply of retro-style houses - half of which were renovated in the recent housing boom by first home owners, the other half will probably sit there for a few years until bargain hunters snap them up.

Any scrap of spare land near the Broadwater has been turned into apartments, some older-style three storey walkups, others 1990s low rises and a spate of brand new designer high rise buildings on the beach. Recent developments over the last few years have seen dozens of new restaurants spring up and the whole area has jumped up a class from its heyday as a sleepy little suburb of fibro homes.

As a property investment, Labrador represents some of the best buying on the Gold Coast at the cheaper end of the market and you can still purchase a great home with character for under $400,000 (yes, with character)

Labrador Education

Primary Schools

• Labrador
• Southport

High Schools

• Southport
• Coombabah

Private Schools

• A.B. Paterson
• St Hilda's - Private, all girls
• TSS - Private, all boys
• Due to the suburbs close proximity to the CBD there are many more schools close by.

Labrador Industrial

The Gold Coast Highway borders west Labrador and is a manufacturing and light industrial area. There are showrooms, factories and stores readily available for sale and lease. Due to the presence of manufacturers and high storage facilities this industrial area is a strong employment base.

Labrador Shopping

Labrador Park Shopping Centre is changing with the times as the suburb becomes a more cosmopolitan mix. It now has a cafe, bakery, butcher, chemist, spa and Coles Supermarket. There's also a number of cute and funky clothing and lifestyle boutiques popping up along the main streets,

The suburb is also very close to large shopping centres - Australia Fair, Harbour Town and Runaway Bay.

The new Aqua complex will be great for servicing the residents of the up and coming apartment buildings.

Labrador Real Estate

Younger couples have flocked to the suburb and can be seen on most weekends restoring their Queenslanders to their former glory. Older fibro shacks, many with great views, are being replaced with duplexes, townhouses and villas.

The Labrador broadwater beachfront is going up-market with some of the Gold Coast most expensive and radical high rise developments.

Residents enjoy many al fresco dining opportunities and a range of beachfront coffee houses and bars.

Labrador is situated about 4kms North of Surfers Paradise and is between the Gold Coast suburbs Southport and Biggera Waters.

Real estate prices range from above a million dollars for large, beachfront, luxury high rise apartments and penthouses to inland villas and duplexes ranging from A$150,000 - A$300,000. Good quality houses with 3-4 bedrooms can still be had for around A$300,000 - A$450,000. (Disclaimer: Indicative information should not be relied on as a basis for selling or buying).

Labrador Retirement

The suburb boasts an excellent Senior Citizens Community Centre.

Acacia Lodge

• Over 50's accommodation
• Motel style units
• Full board
• Community facilities and pool
• No bonds

Garden Settlement

• 50 bed Blue Care residnetial low care facility
• Long term accommodation and short term respire accommodation
• Dementia specific units
• ACAT assessment required

Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast, Getty Images & Flickr user Yannick Croissant