11 unique rural and coastal properties priced less than Canberra's median

Last week, Canberra’s median house price was revealed to be $727,914 and while units present an affordable alternative, the dream to owning a house is becoming further unattainable to some as the price continues to increase every year.

If you’re a homebuyer that’s being driven out of the ACT market, why not make it a road trip instead and pack up to relocate to the countryside or coast?

For those looking for something a little unique and who wouldn’t mind a sea or tree change, here are some properties currently on the market with a price tag less than that of Canberra’s median.

5 The Market Place, Berrima (pictured above) 

Price guide: $725,000

In the heart of blissful Berrima, this charming weatherboard cottage offers an ideal tree change as its only a stroll from the main street, restaurants and other historic Berrima attractions.

Known as “The Birdsnest”, the property has also been used as a weekender and short-term rental.

Agents: Hindmarsh & Walsh Property, Frank Walsh & Georgia Soster, 0408 228 618 & 0417 229 596

2 Exeter Road, Exeter

Photo: One Agency Maday Property

Price guide: $625,000

Exeter’s median house price of approximately $1.3 million is even higher than Canberra’s, making this property a bit of a rarity.

Built in 1888, this cottage offers opportunities both residential and commercial making it the perfect place for someone looking to set up their own boutique shop front.

Agents: One Agency Maday Property, Kate Maday & Henry Capel, 0411 150 969 & 0431 190 368

60 Ryrie Street, Braidwood

Photo: Luton Properties Manuka

$545,000

Framed by an idyllic white-picket fence, this renovated period beauty in Braidwood offers the quintessential tree change. With four bedrooms there’s plenty of space for the kids and guests alike.

Braidwood is approximately a one-hour drive from Canberra, meaning if you are determined enough you can easily commute to the city.

Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Kelly Allen, 0466 632 696

90 Wallace Street, Braidwood

Photo: Landmark Braidwood

$600,000 – $620,000

If the Braidwood address mentioned above has caught your eye but you don’t fancy the commute to Canberra, here’s a sweet business opportunity that will fulfil your childhood fantasies.

The Boiled Lolly is popular with both tourists and locals alike, where they can indulge in an extensive range of lollies, chocolates, ice cream and milkshakes.

Agent: Landmark Braidwood, Reg O’Connell, 0402 833 344

93 Illabunda Drive, Malua Bay

Photo: LJ Hooker Malua Bay

$529,000

Just a short stroll from the beach, this unique four-bedroom, two-bathroom Malua Bay home features high vaulted ceilings, undercover entertaining decks and a wood fire heater.

A 20-minute drive from Batemans Bay, Malua Bay is a quieter alternative and a great sea change.

Agent: LJ Hooker Malua Bay, Mark Maranion, 0404 257 888

76 Forbes Street, Bombala

Photo: One Agency Craig Schofield

$250,000

This old-world cinema exudes charm and a longing for the past. It also offers a great commercial opportunity costing only a third of Canberra’s median price.

No longer functioning as a cinema, it has been renovated to be a gym.

Agent: One Agency Craig Schofield, Craig Schofield, 0414 865 922

4 Princes Street, Culcairn

Photo: LJ Hooker Albury

$220,000 – $242,000

An endearing country cottage that has been tastefully renovated to offer comfortable modern living.

Culcairn is approximately a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Canberra and is situated 50 kilometres north of Albury.

Agent: Zelle Estate Agents, Zak Rogers, 0487 464 584

519 Towridgee Lane, Toothdale​

Photo: Fisk & Nagle First Choice Real Estate Bega

$659,000

Just a 15-minute drive from Bega is this 20-acre farm that has 550 olive trees.

The five-bedroom home is incredibly spacious with two separate living areas, a formal and informal dining room and an alfresco entertaining area.

Agent: Fisk & Nagle First Choice Real Estate Bega, Rob Flynn, 0414 618 500

11 Broad Street, Bemboka

Photo: Fisk & Nagle First Choice Real Estate Bega

$435,000

Approximately 80 kilometres south-east of Cooma and 40 kilometres west of Bega, this home is perfectly positioned for those who like to surf in winter and snowboard in winter.

The home boasts light-filled open-planned living and is spanned by 200-year-old recycled bridge timber beams.

Agent: Fisk & Nagle First Choice Real Estate Bega, Rob Flynn, 0414 618 500

33 Bate Street, Central Tilba

33 Bate Street, Central Tilba. Photo: Clearwater Real Estate

$559,000

Surrounded by rolling green cattle pastures, Tilba is a quaint village known for cheese and boutique shop fronts. This listing offering the opportunity for someone to start their own business.

The cosy property is on Tilba’s main street and is framed by a wrap around verandah and established gardens.

Agents: Clearwater Real Estate, Gary Cotterill & Greer Allan, 0434 108 888 & 0421 205 100

945 Monaro Highway, Bunyan

Photo: McGrath Estate Agents Woden

$690,000 – $750,000

While Canberra’s median falls within this property’s price range, for those prepared to spend a little more “The Squatters Arm” is historically rich and remarkably rare.

A commercial offering, the property offers an inn, a bed and breakfast, a restaurant and an antique shop.

Agent: George Nikolic, McGrath Estate Agents Woden, 0429 990 197