Affordable Queensland property: Six secret beachside bargains, from Noosa to Palm Beach

You may have read reports that soaring interstate migration, coupled with record low interest rates is pushing property prices in many parts of Queensland increasingly out of reach. 

They’re not wrong. But for those considering a post-lockdown sea change up north, there are still some bargains to be found, and we’ve uncovered six of them from Noosa Heads to the Gold Coast.

From less than $150,000 for a Surfers Paradise high-rise apartment and up to $595,000 for a spacious, beachside unit in Mermaid Beach, a coastal lifestyle change in the sunshine state can still be an affordable option.

Take, for example,  this renovated, two-bedroom, ground-floor apartment in In Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, which has been  listed for sale with a price tag of $449,000.

SOLD - $465,000

18/14-26 Markeri Street, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

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The spacious and modern apartment at 18/14-26 Markeri Street is in a lush tropical complex, which includes a tennis court, pool and gym, and just a short walk to the beach and local cafes, perfect for anyone seeking a permanent sea change, weekender or holiday apartment.

With international travel off the cards, an increasing number of Aussies are also looking for affordable holiday units they can escape to whenever they please.

The good news is that with the highest number of Australians moving to Queensland since 2006, rents are also moving north in many parts of Queensland, improving rental yields for investors.

In Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast, for example, a bright and breezy one-bedroom apartment is on the market, with the agent accepting offers over $400,000.

SOLD - $410,000

317/16 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads QLD 4567

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Described as “your one slice of paradise”, the apartment at 317/16 Noosa Drive, which is part of the well-known Noosa Blue Resort, comes fully furnished, providing an easy move for interstate lifestyle changers or the perfect holiday apartment. 

Overlooking the pool and just a short walk from the popular Hastings Street cafes and restaurants, the listing also notes that the apartment already has “solid forward bookings” and is a “great returner in the letting pool”, making it a perfect for private getaways, as well as holiday letting.

In Surfers Paradise, a one-bedroom apartment boasting ocean and city skyline views, is on the market for just $165,000.

$165,000

2016/3197 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

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This high-rise apartment at 2016/3197 Surfers Paradise Boulevard — with spectacular views from the 20th floor — is within walking distance to Surfers Paradise beach, making it a tempting option for the sea changer or holidaymaker.

In Palm Beach, on the Gold Coast, a two-bedroom beachfront apartment, which is accepting offers above $529,000, looks every bit the perfect lifestyle-change home.

SOLD - $525,000

124/955 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach QLD 4221

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Located in Palm Beach’s most coveted spot — next door to Currumbin Creek, the pirate playground and local cafe — it is still within walking distance of Coles and all of Palm Beach’s best restaurants and bars.

With resort amenities, including three swimming pools and landscaped tropical gardens, the top-floor apartment at 124/955 Gold Coast Highway boasts high-ceilings and flowing, open-plan living.

As the advertisement says, this property “epitomises the Gold Coast lifestyle”, right on the beachfront, but without a multimillion-dollar price tag.

In nearby Mermaid Beach, a one-bedroom apartment with the beach just at the end of the street, has just been listed for sale with offers over $350,000.

SOLD - $350,000

15/21 Peerless Avenue, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

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The apartment at 15/21 Peerless Avenue, adjoining the multimillion-dollar homes on the exclusive Hedges Avenue and set in the Montego Sands resort, also features a heated swimming pool and spa.

For those seeking a lifestyle change, the listing tempts sea changers with the promise to “live everyday like a holiday”.

Meanwhile, for $595,000, those seeking a Mermaid Beach address, but with a bit more space, might be tempted by a renovated two-bedroom apartment just 200 metres from the beach.

SOLD - $590,000

10-16 Alexandra Ave, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

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The beachside apartment at 10-16Alexandra Avenue comes fully furnished and boasts two large bedrooms, two bathrooms and two balconies.

Set within a low-rise resort, it also features access to three swimming pools and two heated spas, plus a children’s playground and water park, making it perfect for permanent sea changers, as a private holiday unit or beachside holiday let.