The holidays may have forced us to put our buying plans on the back burner over the past month, but they have also provided the perfect opportunity for a recce of properties for sale on the coast. For many of us, living by the ocean is the dream, and since working conditions became more flexible and property prices started to drop, that dream is becoming a reality for many Australians. 

Who doesn’t want to live permanently on holiday?

Surprisingly, there are still bargains to be snapped up. Though prices skyrocketed in many parts of Australia during 2021 and 2022 (and certain coastal towns saw unprecedented growth), many areas remain affordable, especially for those buyers who are choosing to leave the high cost of living in the cities for a sea change. Furthermore, there are still many areas that are yet to be discovered or didn’t experience the crazy price incremental seen during the pandemic.

These "hidden gems" on the coast tick all the boxes in terms of lifestyle

If your dream is to live permanently on holiday, the following nine coastal towns in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland should meet your criteria:

1. Sanctuary Point, NSW – Situated on the shores of St Georges Basin, close to the infamous white sandy beaches of Jervis Bay, Sanctuary Point is approximately 200 km from Sydney. Within spitting distance to Berry and Kangaroo Valley, this is the perfect spot for those seeking a quiet life with all the opportunities that living on the coast has to offer. Great for walkers and water sports enthusiasts, it is also one of the few places in the area where you can still buy a house for under $700,000.
2. Maroochydore, QLD – Whether you prefer the calmer waters of the Maroochydore River or the excitement of the surf, what locals love about this town is its dual appeal. The town is relaxing by day and buzzing by night. It has a stunning range of restaurants, bars, and clubs and boasts Sunshine Plaza, not to mention the largest shopping centre on the Sunshine Coast, but for those focused on healthy living, there are the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens to explore. The median house price in this area sits around the million-dollar mark.
3. Corinella, VIC – Described as "Victoria's best-kept secret", this historic coastal town is only a ninety-minute drive from Melbourne. With a median house price tag of $780,000, buyers seeking a balance between country and coastal living should seriously consider it. Catching your own dinner in one of the many waterways is the perfect way to fit in with the local community.
4. Forster/Tuncurry, NSW – Approximately 3.5 hours from Sydney and half an hour from the infamous Pacific Palms beaches, this area is still ripe for the picking. With the stunning 50m ocean baths in the town centre or Forster, the area is an aquatic paradise for swimming, fishing or simply relaxing on any one of the white-sand beaches such as Main Beach or One Mile Beach. On a personal note, I have never seen water as brilliantly turquoise. Last year, the median price for a house in Forster was $850,000 and it was slightly less in Tuncurry, so if you love an oyster or ten, this could be your slice of heaven.
5. Port Macquarie, NSW – A little further north, "Port Mac" as the locals affectionately know it, is a firm holiday favourite that offers much more than a beach lifestyle. Traditionally popular with retirees, the town is also a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts -thanks to its koala population and dolphin sightings - and for those seeking some culture outside of the cities. It has its own theatre, museum, and a range of award-winning restaurants, and if that’s not enough to float your boat, the camel safaris offer a new experience few will forget. Last year, the median house price in the town was an affordable $875,000.
6. Portarlington, VIC – Situated on the Bellarine Peninsula, this " Beautiful bayside town with loads of local flavour", is suitable for buyers of all ages. Busy in the holiday periods and quieter for the rest of the year, its easy accessibility to Melbourne by ferry provides endless possibilities in terms of lifestyle. Best suited to people who enjoy water sports and a quieter pace of life, the median house price in this town still sits under the million-dollar mark.
7. Caloundra, QLD – This beautiful coastal town was one of the first to see a drop in house prices last year after the craziness caused by the Queensland migrant invasion. So with everything this laid-back coastal town has to offer – views of the Glass Mountains, stunning beaches like King's, good schools, a buzzing community and a median house price of $875,000 - properties in this town are a steal.
8. Agnes Water/1770, Queensland – These towns are located at the southern end of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and despite a whopping 30% price increase last year, with a median house price of around $700,000, they remain affordable. This central Queensland town offers a retreat for those seeking a quieter life as much of the area's natural beauty has been preserved by the establishment of the lush Eurimbula national park. If you are passionate about Australian wildlife or looking for a sense of community, this area may be the perfect spot.
9. Mission Beach, QLD – This Northern Queensland gem is bordered by rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. Situated on the Cassowary Coast and home to the aforementioned Australian bird, it is described as "Low-key tropical luxury at its best". Sure, you need to follow the safety guidelines to swim in the ocean, but there are rapids to conquer and plenty of secluded natural spa pools to cool down in and with a median house price of around $600,000, let's be honest, you can probably afford your own pool.

As a migrant to Australia's shores, I still can't believe I live in the paradise I discovered on Sydney's Northern Beaches, in a country that is endowed with so many stunning, natural beauty spots and a moderate climate for most of the year. And although the cost of living in our cities sits up there with some of the most expensive in the world, fortunately, some of the less-known coastal towns still have an affordable range of property for sale.

Get ahead of the competition by buying off-market 

Unsurprisingly, there is a huge demand for these properties- especially in the volatile property market we are currently experiencing - but this is where the many benefits of buying off-market come in. As Australia’s no. 1 off-market property marketplace, our team is confident they can find you the property of your dreams, be that on the coast or any other location. To learn more about how Listing Loop can help you, contact us here or gain free access to our portfolio of stunning, off-market listings by signing up with us today for free.