Eight Aussie beach houses on the market for less than $400k

For those who believe purchasing a summer beach house is out of the question, it may be time to think again. 

Affordable holiday homes can be hard to come by in some of the more popular coastal spots close to capital cities, but beachside bliss can be secured for less than $400,000 if buyers are prepared to look further afield.

Executive manager of economic research at realestate.com.au Cameron Kusher said properties further away from capital cities are typically more affordable.

“Beach homes under $400,000 are generally found in more remote areas of the country,” Mr Kusher said.

“While many people desire nearby amenity, for others the seclusion is appealing,” he added. “If you don’t need to be near the city and are dreaming of getting away from it all, a more remote holiday home could be for you”.

Sales agent at Explore Property – Townsville Alison Gough said there has been an influx of people from interstate, particularly from Melbourne and Sydney, looking to buy property in the Townsville region since the pandemic hit.

Ms Gough is currently selling the home at 9 Fanning Court in the Townsville suburb of Balgal Beach, and said there has been a lot of interest from Victorian buyers in particular.

“Post-Easter last year, we really came out of COVID in North Queensland and things almost went back to normal. So I think people living in states where there have been big restrictions have looked at what’s going on in Queensland,” Ms Gough said.

“It certainly has spurred them on to act on some desires they’ve had for a while to move. They are now planning to make that move or purchasing something that they’ll rent for a while, and then move in a little bit later.”

Proprietor at Mallacoota Property Sales Allan Dobbin said the internet has been a major catalyst for city buyers in Mallacoota, in Victoria’s East Gippsland region, in recent years, as they are able to see what is available on the market before making the trip.

“There’s people coming from Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. It’s only a five or six hour drive now, whereas it used to be nine hours years ago,” Mr Dobbin said.

Mr Dobbin, who is currently marketing the home at 7 Howden Court in Mallacoota, said other buyers have been holidaying in the area for many years and are now deciding to invest in the property market.

“They have been coming [to Mallacoota] for 40 years and say they should have bought 40 years ago. I hear that story all the time,” he said.

It’s likely more Australians will consider buying a second home post-pandemic, according to Mr Kusher.

“While we have a cohort of people that are keen to permanently move out of capital cities and to coastal markets, many wealthier Australians are looking to use historic low borrowing costs in order to purchase second homes in coastal locations around the country,” he said.

“These homes may eventually become their primary residence but for the moment they are likely to be used as holiday homes and potentially go into the short-term rental pool.”

Mr Kusher said there is likely to be further price growth in coastal markets further away from capital cities in the coming year, as more people adopt a work-from-home lifestyle.

Here are eight beach houses currently on the market for less than $400,000.

1. Portland, VIC: Revel in Australian surfing’s golden age

146 Barkly Street, Portland

This original beachside home in Portland, about 350km west of Melbourne, will transport buyers back to the 1970s – Australian surfing’s golden age. Built in 1975, the property retains many of its original features with mid-century architecture in mind.

With two storeys, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living areas and two garage spaces, this home is ideal for a summer getaway with friends or family.

Brush off the sand after a day at the beach and retreat to the sunroom or private deck overlooking the large yard.

It’s on the market for $389,000.

2. Venus Bay, VIC: Leafy beach retreat

30 Crichton Crescent, Venus Bay

This newly-renovated, two-bedroom, one-bathroom home in Venus Bay, on Victoria’s South Gippsland coastline, is ready for some summertime action.

Situated in the popular 1st estate, the property is the ideal investment for those looking for a beach house with income.

The private verandah is the perfect spot to contemplate at the end of the day and enjoy a summer cocktail – or two.

It’s on the market for $380,000.

3. Mallacoota, VIC: Get those 1970s beach vibes

7 Howden Court, Mallacoota

For those dreaming of a beach holiday of yesteryear, this three-bedroom, open-plan home in Mallacoota, in Victoria’s East Gippsland region, could tick all the boxes. 

Built in a time when summer holidays were about board games, backyard BBQs and zinced noses, this 1970s classic is perfect for those wanting to escape modern life.

With a bike and walking trail to town close by, the new owners will barely have need of a car. 

It’s on the market for $385,000.

4. Eden, NSW: A sweet surfy pad

16 Cook Drive, Eden

You definitely won’t feel like a tourist in this chilled beachside abode in Eden, in the South Coast region of New South Wales. 

The three-bedroom home is fully fenced and set on a leafy, fully established, easy access corner block just 50 metres from parkland.

It’s on the market for a cool $325,000.

5. Lemon Tree Passage, NSW: A quiet haven with potential

7 Purcell Avenue, Lemon Tree Passage 

For those prepared to roll up their sleeves, this quaint seaside home in Lemon Tree Passage, in Port Stephens, has oodles of potential.

The four-bedroom, two-bathroom property offers two residences with separate metering situated in a lovely quiet spot.

The large screened entertaining space at the rear is perfect for summer gatherings with friends and family.

The property has a price guide of $385,000-$415,000.

6. Tannum Sands, QLD: Newly-renovated family hideaway

69 Booth Avenue, Tannum Sands

Every member of the family could have their own room in the five-bedroom beach abode in Tannum Sands, in the Gladstone region.

There are three bedrooms located in the home itself and another two bedrooms in the granny flat (or parents retreat?) downstairs. There are also two kitchens and two bathrooms.

It’s on the market for the reduced price of $369,000.

7. Grasstree Beach, QLD: An escape from civilisation

33 Maralyn Avenue, Grasstree Beach

This charming Queenslander in Grasstree Beach, in the Mackay region, offers a welcome escape from the summer heat and daily life.

The air-conditioned, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home features tongue and groove walls, high ceilings and a kitchen that overlooks the big backyard.

There’s even room for a boat, caravan or other summer toys, with two large sheds on site. 

It’s on the market for $349,000.

8. Balgal Beach, QLD: Typical Queensland beach living

9 Fanning Court, Balgal Beach

Soak up the northern vibes in this crisp Queenslander just minutes’ walk from the beach.

Completely modernised throughout, the four-bedroom, one-bathroom property is ready for a beach-loving family or group of friends. 

It’s located close to the golf club, medical centre and only a short drive to the boat ramp. 

The home is on the market for $325,000.