Where to find the Byron Bay lifestyle without the price tag

Byron Bay has become famous for its hip beachside lifestyle, celebrity sightings, and exorbitant property prices, making owning a home in Byron Bay out of reach for many. I am.

Byron Bay's median house price has retreated to $2.4 million in the year to October 2023, after peaking at more than $3.2 million during the pandemic.

However, there are plenty of seaside suburbs that offer a similar lifestyle for less.

Eden is the southernmost town in New South Wales and home to the state's largest fishing port.Photo: Getty

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We spoke to several real estate experts across the country to find out where oceanfront homes are still affordable.

Eden, Sapphire Coast, New South Wales

As A-list celebs such as Chris and Liam Hemsworth, Zac Efron and Matt Damon flock to Byron Bay in the north, Merivale hospitality entrepreneur Justin Hems is exploring the far south of NSW, particularly his stop in Sapphire.・I was betting on the future of the coast. Sleepy Narooma has several pubs and restaurants.

But move a little further south and you'll arrive at the aptly named Eden. According to Prop Track, the median house price is $710,000, a third of the price in Byron Bay and cheaper than nearby Narooma ($895,000).

Every spring, thousands of humpback whales visit Eden on their way back to Antarctica. Photo: realestate.com.au

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“We offer surfing, bushwalking, hinterland, beaches, great food, especially local seafood, and a really relaxed atmosphere,” said real estate agent Alex Haddad.

With its postcard-perfect exterior, the third deepest natural harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, and its location halfway between Melbourne and Sydney, it's easy to see why this town was once considered a potential location for Australia's capital. It's not difficult.

“Currently, the typical home sells for $700,000, but some land sells for more than $1.2 million,” Haddad said.

For a fraction of the price of Byron Bay, you'll enjoy postcard-worthy views. Photo: realestate.com.au

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“As people with more money start buying these square footage, the median price will rise and everyone will want their own 'Eden.'”

seaford, frankston, vic

Located just over an hour southeast of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula has long been a summer playground for Melburnians.

As a result, this vacation hotspot comes with a correspondingly hefty price tag. However, as the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula, Seaford offers properties right on the sandy beaches at significantly lower prices.

Andrew Date, founder of Melbourne buyer agency Industry Insider Property, said: “The secrets are starting to come out, but this area remains a much more affordable option compared to other peninsular areas.” talk.

The median home price in Seaford is $825,000 and the median unit price is $610,000. Photo: realestate.com.au

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“And you can buy an A-grade property in this suburb for 10% less than when interest rates were at record lows.”

With a beautifully renovated pier, white sand and crystal clear waters, Seaford is one of Port Phillip Bay's hidden gem beaches.

And the area has all the typical hallmarks of gentrification, from artisan bakeries and craft breweries to vintage boutiques and independent bookstores.

“Seaford has a great sense of community with lots of sports facilities and schools, and the railway line has also undergone a major redevelopment, improving access to the CBD.”

Seaford is accessible by rail and has good links to Melbourne. There are also shops, restaurants and a supermarket. Photo: realestate.com.au

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“Mornington's median price peaked at $1.35 million in early 2022, while Seaford's median price is almost half that, with the average price for a three-bedroom home around $745,000. '' Date said.

Fingal Head, Tweed Heads, New South Wales

Byron gets all the hype, but further north, just on the Queensland border, lies a tranquil holiday resort with all the charm without the sky-high property prices.

Fingal Head is located south of the bustling Gold Coast on a narrow strip of land between the Tweed Estuary and the sea.

“In my opinion, northern New South Wales is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to major change,” Ray White Burleigh Group CEO Tiger Maran said.

Early explorers likened Fingal Firth to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Giant's Causeway, which was formed by hot lava flows that created huge pillars of rock as they reached the cold sea. Photo: realestate.com.au

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“Fingal Head is a great value seaside suburb for me. It's a place where you can still buy a house for over $1 million and a detached house for around $800,000.”

The standout tourist attraction here, and within viewing distance of the green turtle colony, is the Australian equivalent of Northern Ireland's famous World Heritage Site Giant's Causeway.

Mr White said: “I would walk across the deserted Fingal Head Beach, over the crowded Bondi Beach, any day of the week.” “It is wonderful!

“Having said that, what you don't get here, and that's why it's so cheap, are lifestyle amenities such as major shopping centers and fine dining restaurants. But Fingal is not far from the Gold Coast, so You can go to work in a short amount of time, and you're also back in the hustle and bustle.

It's a 10-minute drive from Tweed Heads and less than an hour from the Gold Coast. Photo: realestate.com.au

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“It comes down to what you're looking for in a big change. If you're just chasing sand between your toes, you can buy your own piece of paradise for a little money.”

tas state penguin

Located on the Bass Strait and named after the number of cute fairy penguins that live there, the quaint Penguin Village on Tasmania's northwest coast has the potential to offer bargains for those looking to make a difference. I am.

“Penguin remains a closely guarded secret, largely unknown to the public,” said Lloyd Edge, the buyer's agent and founder of Oath Property Professionals.

Penguin's median home price for the year ending in October 2023 was $520,000, according to Prop Track. Photo: realestate.com.au

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With a median home price of $520,000, according to Prop Track, Edge said Penguin is incredibly affordable, especially for young families.

This picturesque town offers everything from scenic walks and breathtaking drives along the coast to its weekly Sunday Market, the state's largest covered market, with over 200 stalls selling local food, Wine, crafts, and merchandise for sale), as well as a variety of activities.

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“Despite its countless attractions, little is known about this hidden treasure,” Edge continued.

“This will prevent real estate prices from skyrocketing, but rumors are starting to spread.”

Deception Bay, Moreton Bay, Queensland

Brisbane and south-east Queensland buyer's agent Rodney Holder says Deception Bay, a coastal suburb in the Moreton Bay region about 32km north of Brisbane's CBD, is on the rise.

“Traditionally seen by many as a socially disadvantaged area with associated problems, Deception Bay is rapidly gentrifying but remains a relatively affordable area for waterfront property. We offer it at a price,” Holder said.

According to PropTrack, the median home price in Deception Bay is $580,000 and the median unit price is $390,000. Photo: realestate.com.au

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The Government is supporting population growth with a range of infrastructure projects, including the refurbishment of community facilities at Deception Bay, and further investment is expected due to its proximity to the Queensland capital.

“The current median price is around $580,000,” Holder said.

“However, we currently expect this price to increase as buyer asking ratios are high and rents are rising.”

Russell Island, Queensland

Easily accessible from the mainland and just 20 minutes by passenger ferry from Redland Bay, Russell Island, the largest of the southern Moreton Bay island chain, is blessed with beautiful scenery and wetlands that are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. .

While these wetlands are beautiful, they're also what makes real estate on the island so affordable, with a median home price of $341,000, according to PropTrack.

“Especially in the '70s and '80s, the island got a bit of a bad reputation because a lot of the land that was sold turned out to be swampy and of little use,” Haddad said.

This three bedroom home for sale has its own private beach and views over Stradbroke Island. Photo: realestate.com.au

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“However, certain areas of the island are great places to shop if you know what to look out for. In fact, Russell Island is probably one of the least expensive beachside areas in Australia.

Part of the island has been declared a protected area, and a series of walking trails are planned over the next few years. Additionally, there is a beach for swimming and dining, areas for picnics and barbecues, and shops including a cafe, bakery, supermarket and garage, all within a short walk from the pier.

“The island has everything you need and you can reach the mainland in about 15 minutes by ferry,” Haddad said.

“Plus, it’s part of Redland City Council, which is part of Greater Brisbane, so it’s not far from the city.”