Queensland's best holiday homes for sale under $500,000

The end of winter is nigh and as the weather begins to warm up, so does the holiday real estate market.

If you’re lucky enough to be looking at purchasing your own holiday home – whether it’s a unit for family beach holidays, or a country weekender – there are plenty of bargains to choose from in Queensland.

Domain Group senior economist Andrew Wilson said for those in the market for a holiday home, the Gold Coast should be the first place to look.

“I would say the Gold Coast has the best value apartments in all of Australia,” he said.

“What you get for your money there is amazing, you can still get spacious apartments on the beach side of the highway for $400,000.

“If you’re looking for a holiday home, you’d be hard pressed to find better value than that.”

Mr Wilson said holiday homes had traditionally been a lifestyle or emotional purchase rather than a shrewd investment but the development of online marketplaces such as Airbnb was helping the numbers stack up.

“Airbnb has added a new and very interesting element to holiday investments because properties that may have sat there vacant for weeks during the year when owners weren’t using them can now be rented out and generate income that wasn’t being generated before,” he said.

“It was always tough to justify the costs involved in a holiday home…they were mainly a hallmark of the prosperous, but these days they’re more accessible to the general population.”

2/337 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Absolute beachfront: 2/337 Golden Four Drive, Tugun. Photo: Supplied

$495,000
2 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
Agent: Tina Sander, Harcourts Coastal, 0418 878 901

At the southern end of the Gold Coast just past Currumbin lies Tugun; an unassuming oceanfront pocket boasting some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. It’s dotted mainly with beach shacks and low-rise unit blocks so it’s quieter than neighbouring stretches like Coolangatta  and it’s also home to some affordable real estate, although not for long, agent Tina Sander warns.

“Tugun is becoming one of the most sought-after destinations on the Gold Coast,” she said. “This location doesn’t really get any better.”

This two-bedroom fully-furnished unit located in the “Pelican Sands” complex is absolute beach front, meaning you can step straight from the building out onto the sand. East facing, with wide sweeping views of the ocean, this apartment features a large balcony, spacious interiors and full use of complex facilities, including the ocean-front pool.

Tugun is only minutes from Coolangatta Airport, which flies in passengers from all over Australia, as well as New Zealand, Singapore, Japan and China.

CA 13103 Whitsunday Apartment, Hamilton Island

Holiday dream: CA 1303 Whitsunday Apartment, Hamilton Island. Photo: Supplied

$450,000
1 bed, 1 bath
Agent: Wayne Singleton, Hamilton Island Real Estate, 0416 024 168

This is the stuff holiday home dreams are made of; palm trees, azure seas, white sand and the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep.

With one large bedroom, an additional day bed and a convertible lounge in the main living area, this unit can actually cater for up to five people. And with views like this, it’s possible you’ll have hangers-on every time you vacation.

Managed by Whitsunday Holiday Apartments, all expenses for the unit are paid for, including body corporate, utilities, cleaning and management fees. Owners are paid a dividend, presently $1000 a month, and are able to stay at the towers for 28 days per years with a nominal charge for cleaning.

Hamilton Island is easily accessed via direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.

63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Central location: 63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise. Photo: Supplied

$399,000
2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car
Agent: Ross McVean, Ray White Surfers Paradise, 0418 381 948

Gold Coast holiday homes don’t come much more central this. Described by agent Ross McVean as a “Cavill Avenue bargain”, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment certainly gets full marks for location.

While the building is set in the absolute heart of Surfers Paradise, Cavill Avenue, the actual apartment fronts the Nerang River, enjoying beautiful views over the river, park and skyline  so despite its central location, the unit is very peaceful.

The interior is spacious, light and breezy and complex facilities include two pools, barbecue area, sauna and games room. Downstairs is everything Cavill Avenue has to offer, from cafes, to restaurants, to entertainment and nightlife. Surfers Paradise beach is a few minutes’ walk away.

535 Banksia Villa, Fraser Island

Affordable holiday option: 535 Banksia Villa, Fraser Island. Photo: Supplied

Offers from $189,000
2 bed, 1 bath, 1 car
Agent: Mac Buxton, Whitney Real Estate, 0467 802 425

Stunning Fraser Island is now more accessible than ever, with flights direct to neighbouring Hervey Bay from Sydney and Brisbane. Alternatively, it’s a 3.5-hour drive from Brisbane. This beautiful freehold villa set in the Kingfisher Bay resort is only one minute’s walk from the beach and enjoys full use of the resort’s facilities.

Agent Mac Buxton said it was the perfect affordable holiday home for families and retirees: “The barge from Hervey Bay is only 45 minutes and because the roads are bitumen, you don’t have to have a four-wheel-drive,” he said.

The villa features one large bedroom plus a loft bedroom. The living space is large with soaring ceilings, flowing out onto a private treed deck.

6/47-49 Shirley Street, Byron Bay

Byron bargain: 6/47-49 Shirley Street, Byron Bay. Photo: Supplied

$398,000
1 bed, 1 bath, 1 car
Agent: Paul Bannister, Byron Bay First National, 0438 856 552

While Byron Bay has recently become the holiday playground of the rich and famous, there are still opportunities for us mere mortals to enjoy the spoils of Queensland’s favourite northern NSW town. That said, properties at this price point in the heart of Byron Bay have become a rarity, making this one-bedroom luxury apartment in the Crest complex a sought-after commodity.

The unit features an open-plan living and dining area flowing onto a balcony overlooking tropical gardens. Main Beach and Byron Bay’s town centre are all within short walking distance.

Described by agent Paul Banister as the “ideal place for someone who wants short-term escapes while acquiring some income”, this unit offers high occupancy and solid returns. The complex is maintained by onsite managers and offers a large resort-style pool and barbecue areas.

635/32 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads

Perfect location: 635/32 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads. Photo: Supplied

$499,000
1 bed, 1 bath, 1 car
Agent: Shane McCauley, Richardson & Wrench Noosa, 0403 646 930

Yes, it is possible to own your own Noosa Heads apartment, on Hastings Street no less, for under $500,000.

This luxurious top-floor apartment in The Sebel Noosa features stunning hinterland views in a quiet location away from swimming pools and restaurants  yet it is only a short lift ride downstairs to the coffee shops, restaurants, boutique shopping and Noosa’s Main Beach.

Recently renovated, the unit features a large private balcony, light, breezy interiors, ducted airconditioning and quality fixtures.

The Sebel complex includes a stunning swimming pool with spa, gym, secure car parking, intercom and pay TV.

3/4 Golden Orchid Drive, Airlie Beach

Whitsunday access: 3/4 Golden Orchid Drive, Airlie Beach. Photo: Supplied

$279,000
2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car
Agent: Simon Dymmott, Ray White Whitsunday, 0400 799 788

Airlie Beach is the perfect launching pad to the Whitsundays and this two-bedroom unit is only 100 metres from the hub of the town.

Part of the popular Waters Edge complex, it offers four-star facilities including choice of pools, a restaurant, gym and barbecue area. Inside, the unit is fully furnished with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan living and dining area that flows out onto a private balcony with ocean views.

The unit is currently in the holiday letting pool run by onsite management. Similar to the Hamilton Island apartment, the owners are able to enjoy free accommodation for up to four weeks, while renting it out to holidaymakers the remainder of the year.

815 Landsborough-Maleny Road, Maleny

Country charm: 815 Landsborough-Maleny Road, Maleny. Photo: Supplied

$495,000
3 bed, 1 bath, 2 car
Agent: Jess Luthje, Maleny Realty, 0438 616 064

This original farmhouse only five minutes from Maleny’s town centre has charm in spades and views worth leaving work early for. On an elevated and level 2020 square metres with glimpses of the ocean to the east, it’s the perfect country house retreat; low maintenance, spacious and within walking distance of some of Maleny’s best restaurants.

The house features high ceilings, French doors, formal lounge, family room and a country kitchen. A separate art/craft studio with verandah could be converted to a guest room. The land is stunning, with amazing views and mature trees and gardens.

Maleny is a scenic town set high in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Only one hour’s drive from Brisbane and 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast, it offers incredible scenery, a vibrant cafe culture and wonderful local art galleries.