29 suburbs where you can make a seachange for under $650K
Most of us would love to make a seachange but moving to the coast often comes with a hefty price tag, right? Well, not necessarily.
There are still a number of beachside locales where folks can move to the coast for less than $650,000.
Looking at data from realestate.com.au, we’ve dug out some beachside suburbs with a median house price under $650k*.
The Busselton region, WA
Western Australia is known for its picturesque aqua coastline and the Busselton region is no exception.
This three-bedroom home in Geographe is one street back from the beach and only $430k. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Several areas in the region have a median house price under $650k, including:
- West Busselton ($475,000)
- Busselton ($490,000)
- Geographe ($500,000)
- Broadwater ($515,000)
- Abbey ($600,000)
Busselton and its surrounds have a few cultural perks, including decent bars, restaurants, cafes and galleries. Most importantly, the region is accessible by plane (it has an airport) and you’re a stone’s throw (40-minute drive) from one of Australia’s best wine regions, the Margaret River.
Madora Bay, WA
While most inexpensive beach towns in WA tend to be spread far and wide over its 10,000km coastline, one sits in pretty close proximity to Perth.
Madora Bay is 50-minutes by car, sitting just north of Mandurah. Houses here fetch a median price of $535,000.
Adelaide’s southern beaches, SA
There are plenty of beach holiday spots around South Australia, but this particular pocket has some wonderfully priced homes only 45 minutes from the city centre.
This 5-bedder in Moana is a walk to the beach and only $599k. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
While the southern coastal area of Adelaide, within the Onkaparinga council, may be a little further than the usual commute for an Adelaidean, it’s still a possibility. With working from home on the cards as well, you may find yourself with the best of both worlds.
Oh, did we mention it’s on the doorstep of McLaren Vale wine country?
Here’s what we can tell you about the median prices in this area:
- Christies Beach ($420,000)
- Aldinga ($445,500)
- Port Noarlunga ($465,000)
- Seaford ($495,000)
- Sellicks Beach ($500,000)
- Moana ($562,500)
The NSW South Coast
There are suburbs on both the north and south ends of the NSW coast offering some beachy property bargains. However, thanks to restauranteur Justin Hemmes’ recent activity in Narooma – where his Merivale group has purchased two venues recently, The Whale Inn and The Quarterdeck – the south side is definitely a hot market.
Newly renovated, three bedrooms and on the NSW coast, this blue beauty is on the market for offers over $540k. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
While NSW is still pricier compared to a lot of other states, you may be lucky enough to stumble across a gem for less than $650k. Having said that, prices here seem to be on the rise, with median house prices in the following suburbs rising between 20-40% in the past year.
A few south coast hotspots with median house prices under $650k:
- Batemans Bay ($594,000)
- Surfside ($615,000)
- Batehaven ($620,000)
- Moruya ($630,000)
- Tuross Head ($641,370)
Geilston Bay, TAS
We’ve been hearing for years about the Hobart property market, but it still remains inaccessible to some buyers. However, Geilston Bay seems to offer a tiny slither of hope – and it is only 10 minutes from the Hobart city centre.
Located on the east bank of the Derwent River, it may not technically classify as a ‘seachange’ if you already live on the southern isle. However, if you’re looking to relocate from the mainland, you’ll be more than pleased with the clean air, natural beauty and foodie culture Hobart offers.
Tassie’s North Coast
Want to run away from it all, including the mainland? These small towns along Tassie’s north coast could be your answer.
This stunning Somerset home has classic country features and views of the sea, all for a starting price of $450k. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
This stretch along the Bass Strait has several suburbs with a median house price less than $650k, including some of the least expensive of all coastal areas. Check out:
- George Town ($290,000)
- Somerset ($320,000)
- Ulverstone ($387,000)
- Bridport ($570,000. Fun fact: the median house price in Bridport jumped 43% over the past year.)
If you’re after some big city cultural amenities combined with that classic Tassie charm, Launceston is around a 1-1.5 hour drive from most of these areas. George Town is the closest, at just under 40 minutes.
Just north of the Gold Coast, QLD
There are plenty of gems to be found around the Gold Coast, which is a classic seachanger’s dream spot. It’s also probably a good time to remind folks that this list is houses only (apartments not included), so there are likely plenty more affordable abodes in this apartment-rich slice of paradise.
However, if you want a house near the Gold Coast, these are the less expensive suburbs, in terms of the median house price:
- Coomera ($614,500)
- Coombabah ($624,000)
The Gippsland beaches, VIC
There are several beautiful beach towns in the Gippsland region that provide the perfect retreat for Melburnians.
This lovely Lakes Entrance home hit the market for around $500k. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
These spots, some on the iconic Ninety Mile Beach, are going for bargain prices.
- Golden Beach ($311,250)
- Paradise Beach ($292,000)
- Lakes Entrance ($410,000)
- Lake Tyers Beach ($490,000)
Gippsland is a holidayer’s dream with plenty of beautiful beaches, a national park, cool wildlife, plus cafes, galleries and wineries only a short distance away.
Clifton Springs, VIC
Looking for a seachange that’s still close to the action in Victoria? Your best bet for a reasonable price might be around Geelong, specifically Clifton Springs. This beach ‘burb is far enough to feel remote, with easy access to the amenities and infrastructure of Geelong, which is only 25 minutes away. Melbourne is a little further, but still under two hours.
The median house price in Clifton Springs is $615,000.
*Note: Data is based on houses only, excluding apartments.
Since 1995, RAMS has helped hundreds of thousands of Australians realise the Great Australian Dream of owning their own home. Our national network of dedicated home loan specialists provide guidance and advice throughout the home buying journey. Find out more about our range of flexible home loan options at www.rams.com.au.
This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. RAMS Financial Group Pty Ltd ABN 30 105 207 538 AR 405465 Australian credit licence 388065. Credit provider and issuer of RAMS deposit products: Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.
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