Seaside suburbs recording impressive year-on-year growth

As the trend towards lifestyle properties continue to grow, many seaside suburbs along the eastern coast of the country are experiencing a resurgence of demand.

With working from home becoming the norm and interest rates at a record low, relocating or purchasing an investment property has risen to the top of the list for many.

Using data from leading property data providers CoreLogic and our own internal data, we’ve come up with a list of seaside suburbs that have recorded impressive year-on-year growth.

Which suburbs are making waves? Let’s explore below.

New South Wales high growth seaside suburbs

Coogee

• Year-on-year price growth: +15.4%
• Property type: Unit
• Median sale price 2019: $1,052,500
• Median sale price 2020: $1,215,000

Located 8km south-east from the Sydney CBD in the Eastern Suburbs region is Coogee. 

Ranked number 71 in Sydney’s most liveable suburbs by Domain in 2019, this relaxed seaside suburb is famous for its swimming conditions and is a popular pick for families who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. 

In good proximity to the airport, the city and the beach, when it comes to location Coogee is hard to beat. It’s not surprising that property is in high demand with apartments and units just as popular of a choice as houses. 

Coogee units have performed well over the past 12 months, up 15.4 per cent to a median sale price of $1,215,000 in 2020.

Manly 

• Year-on-year price growth: +12.5%
• Property type: Unit
• Median sale price 2019: $1,255,000
• Median sale price 2020: $1,412,500

Located in Northern Sydney, the beach-side suburb of Manly offers close proximity to Sydney CBD with a relaxed coastal vibe. Manly is known for iconic Manly Beach which is a popular tourist destination as well as a known spot for surfers. 

Over the years, due to its scenic views and surge in popularity, there has been an increase in units in the area to meet demand. According to the 2016 census, over 75 per cent of  properties in the area are a flat or apartment. These types of properties have jumped in value over the past year with Manly units up 12.5 per cent with the median sale price increasing over $150,000 from 2019 to 2020. 

Narrabeen

• Year-on-year price growth: +11.9%
• Property type: Unit
• Median sale price 2019: $795,500
• Median sale price 2020: $890,000
   

Narrabeen is a beachside suburb around 23 km north-east of the CBD.

Ranked number 70 in Domain’s most livable suburbs in 2019, locals enjoy the lagoon, the ocean and nature reserves making it the perfect place for those who love the outdoors or looking for a change in lifestyle.

With a relatively small population of 8,207, majority of residents are professionals without children that live in a flat or apartment.

Narrabeen units have been increasing in demand with the prices increasing 11.9 per cent over the year. The median sale price has risen over $90,000 from 2019 to 2020.

Yamba

• Year-on-year price growth: +7.9%
• Property type: House
• Median sale price 2019: $500,000
• Median sale price 2020: $539,500

Located on the coast of northern NSW at the mouth of the Clarence River, Yamba has been described by many as ‘the new Byron’.

Around 3 and a half hour drive from Brisbane, Yamba is a favourite holiday destination due to its stylish village charm, national parks and award winning restaurants.

Locals will say that the best thing to do in Yamba would be to relax on their beautiful beaches - and with five different options to choose from, there is something to suit everyone.

With a smaller population of around 6,000 residents, the majority of locals are family households living in houses, many of which are owned outright. House prices in the area have grown 7.9 per cent over the past year to a median sale price of $539,500.

Umina Beach

• Year-on-year price growth: +7.8%
• Property type: House
• Median sale price 2019: $668,000
• Median sale price 2020: $720,000

On the Central Coast 85 km north of the CBD is Umina Beach.

About a one and a half hour drive from the city, Umina Beach is a popular destination for Sydney families looking for a getaway.

Set your towel down on the long sandy beach ideal for swimming and surfing or grab your runners for a bushwalk in their two national parks. Nearby Mr Ettalong lookout is a popular spot for breathtaking views of the ocean.

Around 16,700 people call Umina Beach home, with the majority of residents living in a family household in three bedroom houses.

House values in the area have risen 7.8 per cent over the past 12 months with property values up more than $50,000.

Victoria high growth seaside suburbs

Portland

• Year-on-year price growth: +16.5%
• Property type: House
• Median sale price 2019: $257,500
• Median sale price 2020: $300,000

Located on the far south-west coast of Victoria is Portland, the oldest European settlement in the state.

As the only deep-water sea port between Adelaide and Melbourne, Portland is a major centre for sea transport goods and produce from surrounding areas.

The main attractions in Portland include it’s historical buildings, family friendly beaches and Portland Bay which is great for boating, fishing or surfing. In this town of 9,700 residents, the majority are family households with the most common dwelling type being houses.

Over the past year, houses have increased in value by 16.5 per cent to a median sale price of $300,000 in 2020.

Mount Martha

• Year-on-year price growth: +15.7%
• Property type: House
• Median sale price 2019: $890,000
• Median sale price 2020: $1,030,000

Just a stone's throw away from Mornington is the small, relaxed beachside village of Mount Martha.

Around an hour and 20 minutes drive south of Melbourne, this is the ideal destination for nature lovers with a safe swimming beach as well as over 50 hectares of native bushland to explore in Mount Martha Park.

Home to around 18,500 residents, the Mount Martha area has experienced significant population growth particularly in the south with the Martha Cove Marina developments.

Today, almost 80 per cent of residents are family households with the majority living in houses with 3 or 4 bedrooms.

House prices in Mount Martha have grown 15.7 per cent over the year with the median sale price increasing $140,000 from 2019 to 2020.

BonBeach

• Year-on-year price growth: +14.7%
• Property type: House
• Median sale price 2019: $769,250
• Median sale price 2020: $882,500

BonBeach is a beautiful beachside suburb 31 km south-east of the CBD. With a convenient railway station on the Frankston line and close proximity to schools and daycare, it’s a popular pick for families with children. 

In terms of housing, the majority of properties in BonBeach are either townhouses or houses with apartments much less common. 

House prices in BonBeach have grown 14.7 per cent over the past year - an increase of  over $110,000 over from 2019 to 2020.

St Kilda 

• Year-on-year price growth: +14.2%
• Property type: House
• Median sale price 2019: $499,000
• Median sale price 2020: $570,000

Ranked 26th most liveable suburb in Melbourne by Domain in 2019 is the suburb of St Kilda.

Located in the inner suburb of Metro Melbourne, St Kilda is popular among young, urban professionals whilst also being a hot spot for tourists. 

Known for its social and lively atmosphere, there is a lot to enjoy at St Kilda including its many cafes and restaurants, Luna Park, the Pier, the beach and sea baths. 

With a location so close to the city, it is unsurprising that the majority (68.7 per cent) of properties in St Kilda are flats and apartments. Most properties are 1 or 2 bedrooms and are rented. 

St Kilda units have climbed 14.2 per cent over the past 12 months with the median sale price around $70,000 higher than it was in 2019.

Mornington

• Year-on-year price growth: +12.0%
• Property type: House
• Median sale price 2019: $770,000
• Median sale price 2020: $862,500

57 km south of Melbourne CBD is the popular seaside destination of Mornington. Nestled between the exclusive beachside suburbs of Mount Eliza and Mount Martha, Mornington is home to around 24,000 residents. 

There is plenty to do in Mornington with galleries, spas and many cafes to explore. For outdoor activities, you can cool off at one of its many beaches or golf at its world class natural golfing terrain. 

House prices in the area have increased 12 per cent over the past 12 months.

Queensland high growth seaside suburbs

Alexandria Headland

• Year-on-year price growth: +17.3%
• Property type: Unit
• Median sale price 2019: $375,000
• Median sale price 2020: $440,000

Known to locals as “Alex”, Alexandra Headlands is a beautiful coastal town located in the Sunshine Coast. 

With around 4,000 residents, Alexandra Headlands has maintained it’s small town charm and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. 

The main attraction is ofcourse the magnificent beach, headland and parks that extend for kilometers up and down the coast. 

Units are popular here with over half of the locals living in a unit or apartment in the last census. Unit prices have grown an impressive 17.3 per cent over the past year with the median sale price in 2020 at $440,000. 

Currimundi 

• Year-on-year price growth: +13.2%
• Property type: House
• Median sale price 2019: $510,000
• Median sale price 2020: $577,500

Currimundi is a coastal suburb of Caloundra in the Sunshine Coast. Uniquely positioned, Currimundi has a natural lake connected to a long stretch of beautiful beach, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. 

With the option of the beach or calm waters of the lake at your fingertips, there is something for everyone - whether you like to swim, surf, fish or canoe. 

Over the past year, house prices in Currimundi have increased 13.2 per cent. 

Golden Beach

• Year-on-year price growth: +9.5%
• Property type: House
• Median sale price 2019: $580,000
• Median sale price 2020: $635,000

Golden Beach is a quiet coastal suburb of Caloundra in the Sunshine Coast. 

With calmer waters compared to nearby surf beaches, it is a great place for kayaking, boating, fishing and swimming. 

According to Microburbs, Golden Beach scores a 9 out of 10 for lifestyle and tranquility and full marks for community. 

With around 5,500 residents, this seaside suburb is mostly developed with low density residential housing with most properties consisting of 3 bedrooms. 

House prices in Golden Beach have increased 9.5 per cent over the past 12 months, around $50,000 higher than they were in 2019.

Noosa Heads

• Year-on-year price growth: +9.0%
• Property type: House
• Median sale price 2019: $830,000
• Median sale price 2020: $905,000

Noosa Heads is a coastal town in the suburb of the Shire of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, approximately 136 km north of Brisbane. 

Surrounded by beach, national park and river, Noosa Heads is the tourist heart of the Noosa District.

In 2017, Noosa became the 10th World Surfing Reserve recognising decades of best practice in coastal management and protection. As a result, locals and visitors can continually enjoy pristine beaches and an abundance of wildlife in the water. 

House prices in Noosa Heads grew 9 per cent over the year with a median sale price of $905,000 in 2020.

Palm Beach

• Year-on-year price growth: +8.8%
• Property type: Unit
• Median sale price 2019: $425,000
• Median sale price 2020: $462,500

Palm Beach is a coastal suburb in the City of Gold Coast nestled between Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek. 

Crowned Queensland’s cleanest beach three times, Palm beach impresses with it’s wide sandy shore and spectacular beach. 

With a census population of under 1500 in 1961, Palm Beach has grown to over 14,500 residents in 2016 primarily made up of family households. 

Over the year, unit prices in Palm Beach have grown 8.8 per cent with the median sale price around $37,000 more than it was in 2019.