Australians’ love of a beach-side ’burb is no secret. It’s why our major cities are dotted along the coast and why – usually – homes close to the big blue also come with big price tags.
But there are some ocean-adjacent suburbs where houses can be snapped up for less than $1 million and units sub-$500,000 – and some of them were picked by our Hot 100 experts.
Each year, REA Group consults property professionals from around the country to nominate suburbs they tip to see short- to medium-term growth, based on factors including amenity, location, infrastructure and family appeal.
Suburbs were nominated based on various growth drivers, including:
- Affordability, either low prices suiting buyers on a budget or relative affordability compared to nearby suburbs
- Amenity, being the level of lifestyle pluses, from bars and restaurants to boutiques and parklands
- Family appeal, such as dwelling type, perceived safety and proximity to good schools
- Location, including proximity to the CBD or major hubs, or closeness to natural amenity like beaches
- Investment prospects, from rental market conditions to expected imminent upside
- Gentrification, being the changing face of a suburb
- Population growth, representing a projected increase in the number of locals
- Demographic change, indicating a shift from the current make-up of residents, for example young families replacing downsizing elderly locals
- Infrastructure, looking at major investments in projects that will benefit the suburb or surrounds.
Of the 100 suburbs selected for this year’s list, 23 were coastal and had median house prices ranging from $405,000 to $3,425,000 and median unit prices between $274,500 and $1.26 million – based on PropTrack data from November 2024.
Coastal suburbs from the 2025 Hot 100 – median house prices
| Suburb | State | Median house price |
| Geraldton | WA | $405,000 |
| Bairnsdale | VIC | $441,000 |
| Devonport | TAS | $472,250 |
| Mandurah | WA | $526,000 |
| Batemans Bay | NSW | $700,000 |
| Christies Beach | SA | $700,000 |
| Broome | WA | $772,500 |
| Warrawong | NSW | $787,000 |
| Busselton | WA | $787,500 |
| Coffs Harbour | NSW | $800,000 |
| Largs North | SA | $808,000 |
| Bellerive | TAS | $841,250 |
| Karingal | VIC | $865,000 |
| Semaphore Park | SA | $935,000 |
| Point Clare | NSW | $1,016,000 |
| Maroochydore | QLD | $1,105,000 |
| Scarborough | WA | $1,225,000 |
| Long Jetty | NSW | $1,285,000 |
| Wynnum | QLD | $1,300,000 |
| Seacliff | SA | $1,561,000 |
| Avalon Beach | NSW | $2,875,000 |
| Mermaid Beach | QLD | $3,400,000 |
| Narrabeen | NSW | $3,425,000 |
Geraldton on the WA coast about 370 kilometres north of Perth topped the list for the most affordable coastal suburb for both houses and units, with November 2024 medians of $405,000 for houses and $274,500 for units.
The regional centre was nominated by two of the Hot 100 experts, Ray White’s Bianca Denham and Propertyology’s Simon Pressley.
“Geraldton is WA’s biggest city north of Perth, is a beautiful 4-hour drive along the coast and has a very affordable median house price,” Mr Pressley said.
Geraldton in WA offers affordable homes near the ocean. Picture: realestate.com.au
He said the town’s economic prospects were strong, with a mixture of goods being exported from its harbour.
“Lamb, beef, wheat, canola, gold, iron ore, rock lobster – it’s the world’s biggest producer – kingfish, octopus, oysters, craft beers and cruise ships full of tourists,” he said.
Ms Denham said affordable housing options made Geraldton a stand-out coastal suburb.
“Geraldton is an attractive place to live and buy due to its stunning coastline, vibrant community, and affordable housing,” Ms Denham said.
Other beach-side suburbs with house prices under the million-dollar mark on the list included Batemans Bay in NSW and Christies Beach in SA – which both had median house prices of $700,000 – as well as Mandurah (median $526,00) and Broome (median $772,500) in WA.
Batemans Bay was one of the most affordable coastal suburbs in the Hot 100. Picture: realestate.com.au
Ms Denham said Batemans Bay – about 225 kilometres from Sydney – was popular with both retirees and young families, thanks to its “great fishing, scenic views, and a growing infrastructure”.
“Its peaceful environment makes it perfect for holiday homes or a sea-change investment,” she said.
Nominated by both Propertybuyer’s Rich Harvey and The University of Adelaide’s Peter Koulizos, Christies Beach is just a 30 minute drive from Adelaide.
“Christies Beach offers coastal living, affordability, family-friendly amenities, and excellent connectivity,” Mr Koulizos said. “Its proximity to nature, urban conveniences and the world-famous McLaren Vale wine region make it a great place to work, live and play.”
Christies Beach offers a desirable seaside lifestyle at a relatively affordable price. Picture: Getty
Though not particularly beachy, the ocean-side suburbs of Bairnsdale in Victoria and Devonport in Tasmania also had some of the most affordable house prices on the list, with medians of $441,000 and $472,250 respectively.
Just six coastal suburbs had median unit prices of $500,000 or less – Geraldton, Mandurah and Broome in WA, Devonport in Tasmania and Bairnsdale and Karingal in Victoria.
Coastal suburbs from the 2025 Hot 100 – median unit prices
| Suburb | State | Median unit price |
| Geraldton | WA | $274,500 |
| Bairnsdale | VIC | $340,000 |
| Devonport | TAS | $396,000 |
| Mandurah | WA | $432,500 |
| Broome | WA | $459,000 |
| Karingal | VIC | $490,000 |
| Batemans Bay | NSW | $537,500 |
| Christies Beach | SA | $550,000 |
| Coffs Harbour | NSW | $560,000 |
| Bellerive | TAS | $565,000 |
| Busselton | WA | $607,000 |
| Seacliff | SA | $620,000 |
| Semaphore Park | SA | $635,000 |
| Scarborough | WA | $646,500 |
| Long Jetty | NSW | $650,000 |
| Wynnum | QLD | $725,000 |
| Maroochydore | QLD | $752,500 |
| Mermaid Beach | QLD | $920,000 |
| Avalon Beach | NSW | $1,057,500 |
| Narrabeen | NSW | $1,260,000 |
| Warrawong | NSW | N/A |
| Largs North | SA | N/A |
| Point Clare | NSW | N/A |
Karingal – though not officially a suburb and more an area of Frankston – offered buyers an affordable entry into the area, according to buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos.
“Close to the gateway of the Mornington Peninsula, this location is showing no sign of slowing down,” Ms Bakos said.
Its median unit price was $490,000 and its median house price was also relatively affordable at $865,000.
Karingal is a pocket of Frankston in Melbourne. Picture: realestate.com.au
Other more expensive beach ’burbs to make the Hot 100 included Queensland’s Maroochydore, Wynum and Mermaid Beach (house medians $1,105,000, $1,300,000 and $3,400,000 respectively) and Avalon Beach and Narabeen in NSW (house medians $2,875,000 and $3,425,000).
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