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7 coastal towns to buy cheap coastal properties and beach houses

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The Aussie coastline is freckled with countless beaches, from stretching shorelines in popular tourist hubs to secluded hideaways. While many of these surpass the million dollar mark and beyond, if you look in the right places, you can find some hidden gems that won’t break the bank.

This is challenging as the recent, COVID induced ‘flight to the country’ has turbocharged regional property markets - so much so that they have outperformed

For those of you dreaming of an affordable house in Australia near the beach to unwind and relax in the summer months or those looking to earn some extra cash through running an Airbnb - we’ve found some of the cheapest coastal properties for sale across the country. Browse these 7 coastal towns where you can buy cheap coastal properties and beach houses for under (or very close to) $500k.

Cheap coastal properties for sale NSW

Eden, 5173

The reality is that with the most expensive property in the country, you really do need to get really far from Sydney to make this budget realistic. Way down the Sapphire Coast five hours south of Sydney Eden is where you head to kick back and absorb the tranquility. This is perfect for anyone looking for a sea-change, retirement or a holiday bolt-hole away from it all. It could also work as a holiday rental. Expect to pay $495,000 for a three bedroom house in Eden. 

  • Median house price: $560,000
  • Median unit price: $360,000
Cheap beach house in Australia
This stunning coastal property features tiled, open living and adjacent dining. | source: REA

37 Lakeside Dr, Eden: $525,000

This compact listing - which has 2 bedrooms and a single bathroom - is only 80 steps from the Lake Curalo Estuary system and a 6km boardwalk which leads to award winning Aslings Beach. Expect whales in season and regular sighting of dolphins in the bay. 

Cheap coastal properties for sale Vic

Cowes, 3922

Fancy living on Phillip Island near the water? Well Cowes is an option if beach houses for sale in Victoria are on your radar. With a median property price of $615,000 (houses) and $460,000 (units), you will need to search quite thoroughly through listings to find one near the half a million mark. But be quick, Cowes has recorded a compound growth rate of +12.2 per cent for houses and +7.9 per cent for units over the last five years - which is pretty hot!

  • Median house price: $615,000
  • Median unit price: $460,000
Coastal town to buy cheap coastal property
This beach house is ideal for large families as a permanent or holiday home. | source: REA

36 Helen Street, Cowes: $620,000 to $649,000

This substantial double storey home boasts five bedrooms, two living areas and two bathrooms. It is also a short walk to the Bay Beach and a short drive to the main Cowes shopping precinct, making it a perfect holiday rental or permanent digs.

Cheap coastal properties for sale SA

Aldinga Beach, 5173

Aldinga Beach, just 45 minutes from the bright(er) lights of Adelaide’s CBD, has a lot going for it if you are after somewhere with ocean breezes, lots of peace and quiet and not much traffic. Another bonus is that it also has the feel of a holiday beach town, rather than a suburb of Adelaide. Median property prices over the last year range from $420,000 for houses to $305,000 for units.

  • Median house price: $420,000
  • Median unit price: $305,000
Cheap beach houses in Australia
This stylish and modern coastal property is filled with natural light. | source: REA

30A Kimber Street, Aldinga Beach: $369,000 - $399,000

This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom comes with 2 car spaces and you have 366 m² to play with.  Popular Aldinga Beach is walking distance, as is the brand new Aldinga Beach R-7 school, and Aldinga Beach shopping centre.

Cheap coastal properties for sale Queensland

Port Douglas, Qld 4877

You have to be smart to work with a $500k budget in tropical Port Douglas, which is why we are highlighting an apartment here. Median house prices are $780k, but this drops to $290k for units - which is where we think the real value lies. You still get to bask on the same beaches, right?

  • Median house price: $780,000
  • Median unit price: $290,000
Coastal town to buy cheap beach house
This affordable beachside property is perfect for those who love relaxing on golden sands. | source: REA

11/40 Mowbray Street, Port Douglas: Offers over $480,000

Looking for the real deal, tropical experience? This Port Douglas beachside apartment, situated in a complex is only meters from iconic Four Mile Beach. Fully furnished, we can see this perfectly sited two-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment - accepting offers over $480,000 - as a nice little holiday rental earner. 

Cheap coastal properties for sale WA

Rockingham, Western Australia 6168

Rockingham, a laid-back beachside suburb 45km south of Perth where $500k or thereabouts actually goes quite far. Here the median house price is $417,500 for houses, with four bedroom houses around the $460,000 mark. In terms of housing, expect a mix of houses, new townhouses and apartments by the beach.

  • Median house price: $417,500
  • Median unit price: $267,750
Buy cheap coastal property
This oceanside property has four spacious living areas and alfresco entertaining

68A Saw Avenue, Rockingham: Low to Mid $500,000s

A modern two-level, three bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse that is just a hop and skip from the delights of Palm Beach, Palm Beach jetty and the Esplanade.