Living the dream of a beachside lifestyle within city limits is more achievable than many might think, according to Karen Dellow (pictured above), a senior data analyst at PropTrack.
Despite Australia’s fame for its stunning coastlines, the high cost of living near the beach, especially in Sydney, has made such a lifestyle seem out of reach for many.
However, Dellow saidthat affordable beachside living is still possible in areas like Bundeena in the Sutherland Shire, with a median house value of $1.5 million, and Budgewoi on the Central Coast, where the median house price is just over $700,000.
For those looking for even more budget-friendly options, cities outside of Sydney and Melbourne offer beachside homes in the $500,000-$600,000 range.
In Darwin, the suburb of Tiwi offers beach access and amenities with a significantly lower cost compared to other Darwin beach suburbs like Nightcliff and Stuart Park.
Perth also presents affordable beach living, with suburbs such as Golden Bay and Safety Bay boasting median house values of $533,733 and $579,186, respectively.
Sydney and Melbourne lack representation among the most affordable beachside suburbs for houses, with prices exceeding a million dollars even for the least expensive options.
However, Werribee South in Melbourne's west stands out on the list for affordable beachside living in terms of units. Offering a median unit value of $478,472, Werribee South presents the most budget-friendly choice for beach enthusiasts seeking proximity to Melbourne's renowned dining and entertainment scene.
Darwin suburbs again lead the affordability list, with Nightcliff and Rapid Creek ranking first and second for cheapest beachside units. While a house in Nightcliff may cost up to one and a half times more than a unit, residents can enjoy the same beach access regardless of their property type.
On the other end of the spectrum, Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches hold the crown for the most luxurious and expensive beachside properties.
Vaucluse, with a median house value of over $9 million, epitomizes this upscale coastal living, offering public and private beaches for its affluent residents.
For those unable to afford a house in these premium locations, beachside units offer an alternative, with Double Bay leading as the most expensive suburb for beachside units, sporting a median value of $1,938,309.
“Houses in Double Bay don't come up for sale very often and are usually held for around 12 years between sales, so buying a unit in this suburb can get you into a very exclusive neighbourhood,” Dellow said.
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