Yahoo Finance 9 beachside homes you can buy for under $600,000
Aussie beach houses can be found for affordable prices, you just need to know where to look.
Coastal living has traditionally been a far-fetched dream for many Aussies but with a little imagination and a lot of research, buying a beach house on a budget could become a reality.
While waterfront properties close to capital cities – particularly Sydney and Brisbane – are unobtainable for most of us, travelling further afield can reveal hidden gems close to gorgeous beaches and picturesque coastlines for under $600,000.
Here are our top nine picks:
New South Wales
Where: 11 Moorooba Rd, Coomba Park
Price: $550,000
This hidden gem is renovated, has three bedrooms, a wrap-around verandah and downstairs living area with potential fourth bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom. Lake views and 100 metre walk from boat ramp.
Pros: Solar panels, 556 square metre block, modern design, 25 minute drive to surf beaches.
Cons: Few public transport options.
Where: 45 Shoreline Drive, North Shore
Price: Offers over $590,000
Described as a "renovator’s delight" this three bedder is a blank canvas which sits on a 664sqm corner block just 100m from the Hastings River. Easy access to popular surfing and camping spot, Point Plomer.
Pros: Close to water, short drive to Port Macquarie, functioning bathroom.
Cons: Missing a kitchen, requires renovation.
Queensland
Where: 37 Esplanade, Balgal Beach
Price: $450,000
Billed as a "waterfront paradise", this three-bedroom coastal cottage sits on an 809sqm block and features a second dwelling. Minutes walk to Bagal Beach, shops, a pub, garage and golf course.
Pros: Large block, close to water and shops.
Cons: Remote living.
Where: 5 Pine Street, Forrest Beach
Price: $395,000
Sitting on a 1197sqm block, this quaint three-bedroom beach house has a patio, cool breezes and ocean glimpses. Just 200m from Halifax Bay and close to shops, a post office, medical centre, school and hotel.
Pros: Huge block, close to water.
Cons: Older style home, remote living.
Victoria
Where: 71 Cape Nelson Rd, Portland
Price: $320,000
This three-bedroom weatherboard house is walking distance to the town, beach, milk bar and Portland Memorial Bowling Club. The huge 1263sqm block could be developed, subject to council approval.
Pros: Great location, minutes from beach.
Cons: Needs renovating.
Where: 17 Louis Rd, Venus Bay
Price: $470,000
This home on a 928sqm block is a short stroll to the beach and general store. It features three double bedrooms, a cosy wood heater, fresh water tank, outdoor deck and offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Pros: Walking distance to Venus Bay and shops.
Cons: Older style home, needs modernising/renovating.
Western Australia
Where: 2 Captains Crescent, West End
Price: $199,000
Three-bedroom renovated waterfront home is 400m from Point Moore Light House and a short stroll to surfing, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, kitesurfing and windsurfing options. Great view from the front deck.
Pros: Secure parking, close to water.
Con: Ships navigate the channel daily, need to watch for ospreys, yearly land lease fee.
Tasmania
Where: 18 Murray St, Bicheno
Price: $580,000
This well-designed three bedroom home has timber lining, two toilets, spacious living areas flooded with natural light, scenic views and storage space. Close to stunning Bicheno beach and its vibrant town.
Pros: Large 787sqm block, close to beach, outbuildings could suit a home business.
Cons: Very basic kitchen, doesn't have a bathroom with shower or bath.
South Australia
Where: 159 Esplanade, Coffin Bay
Price: $559,000
In the heart of Coffin Bay, this two-bedroom shack-style home sits on a 1011sqm block in a desirable location, minutes from the water. Generous backyard, short walk to shops and a yacht club.
Pros: Great location.
Cons: Older style home, needs renovating.
Remote work makes coastal living more accessible
Real estate agent Tori Huxtable said many Aussies were moving out of big cities in favour of quieter lifestyles, which was made easier with remote working options, but it was still important to have "some level of amenity" such as a hospital and local community.
"You don’t want to swap one problem for another," she told Yahoo Finance. "Isolation and loneliness is a big thing. Get somewhere that has a community you can plug yourself into and where your friends will want to visit."
Huxtable, who co-created real estate app Auction Snitch, said a property's value often hinged on how far it was from the beach, with prices dropping if you had to walk more than 15 minutes to the shoreline.
"Remember, it’s cheaper for a reason," she said.
Do your research before settling on a property
While there were benefits to a sea change, such as a healthier, more relaxed lifestyle, Huxtable said it came with challenges and urged buyers to do their homework – including whether local beaches were patrolled.
In addition to building and pest inspections, she said it was important to investigate flood plans, bush fire risks, and whether the property had sewerage lines, drainage, a storm water tank or running water. Living near the coastline also meant potential storm erosion and water damage, Huxtable said.
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Other factors – aside from proximity to shops, schools, transport and medical facilities – included: What zoning and council area does the land fall into; is the block level and can you subdivide; are there building restrictions and is there a progress committee which may oppose ambitious blueprints?
"Some of these places have local residents who are somewhat anti-development," Huxtable told Yahoo. "You might find that it becomes a battle.
"You also need a level of love for nature, which could mean anything from snakes to deer," she added.
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