Great time to buy now for sure. Many places not selling.
If you don't mind a bit of drive, look at Tamborine Village area (north of Tamborine Mt), 750 k places now for under 500 k complete with pool and sheds.
You'll soon get sick of running up and down the mountain, so give Mt Tamborine a miss.
Pac Pines is OK, an easy commute to Southport via Smith St, but is typicaly warmer in Summer by 2 degrees, look at it with Google Earth, you'll see it is a bit of a fish bowl.
One thing, don't buy in the low areas, Gold Coast is way overdue for a big 1974 flood again, and when it comes, it will flood a lot of people.
Look at Bonogin and Worongary ares to, nice spots.
Only the rubber necks wear the outfits you describe....... I remember when the Victorians used to get around in their VFL shorts, always good for a laugh.