Beachside living is booming in a big way

There’s nothing we love more in this country than our beach culture. Australia’s white sandy beaches and sparkling, turquoise water is famous the world over, and often considered synonymous with our relaxed lifestyle.

So, is it any wonder that more and more homebuyers are looking to make a permanent sea change in 2024?

Not only does coastal living mean you’re likely to be the envy of friends and family, but there are positive health benefits to buying the beachside property you always dreamed of.

Let us hit you with the facts!

Research by Kobe University in Japan found that people living in homes with a view of the ocean are often calmer than those who don’t. Clinical Psychologist Richard Shuster echoed this sentiment when speaking with NBC in 2017, saying “The colour blue has been found by an overwhelming amount of people to be associated with feelings of calm and peace… it kind of de-stimulates our brains.”

So, there you have it: buying a beachside home is technically good for your health. But where should you begin looking for a slice of sun, sea and sand to call your own?

With so many incredible waterfront locations stretching the width and breadth of the country, it can feel overwhelming to pinpoint the location that’s right for you.

Let us share two of our top picks.

Surfers Paradise, Queensland

When talking about some of the top beach-side suburbs to live, it would be remiss to leave Surfers Paradise off the list, and here’s why.

Well known for its family-friendly attractions and waterfront lifestyle, Surfers Paradise has turned the tables on its holiday appeal in recent years, becoming a more permanent option for many homebuyers.  

The beachside locale features energetic bars, pubs and clubs, and lies a short 25-minute walk from Broadbeach, where many trendy cafes, restaurants, and laneway bars await.

For those interested in retail therapy, Pacific Fair can be found a short walk or tram trip from Surfers Paradise. With a mix of practical and luxury retail stores, the shopping centre has something to satisfy every level of shopper.

Embracing the booming population and increased popularity of Surfers Paradise is Sydney-based developer Sammut Group, whose $200 million development COAST is already under construction.

The 37-level development is set to feature 52 premium residences, with six-star amenities throughout.

Development manager for Sammut Group Luke Hickel believes COAST is the perfect option for beach lovers.

“COAST offers a range of amenities tailored for beach enthusiasts,” Luke said.

“These include two resort-style pools, commercial-sized gym, and a Pilates studio.

“We have also included surfboard storage and an outdoor shower area to rinse off after beach visits.”

Other amenities within the complex include a sunset bar and lounge, sauna, steam and cold plunge, massage rooms, and function spaces. You name it, COAST has it!

Designed by PBD architects, the interior spaces draw inspiration from the foreshore, with impressive floor-to-ceiling windows bringing the outside in and providing 360-degree views of the coastline, city skyline, and the hinterland beyond.

COAST is slated for completion early 2026. To learn more, click here.

Sandringham, Victoria

With a cooler climate than its southern neighbour, Victoria can often be bypassed when purchasers are thinking about beachside living.

With that said, Victoria boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. And do you want the hear the good news? They’re usually quieter than other interstate bustling holiday destinations.

Sandringham is a bayside suburb in Melbourne, located 16 kilometres from the CBD. What was once a humble fishing village is now a thriving neighbourhood with strong community spirit and unparalleled amenity.

A short 5-minute stroll from the beachfront lies Sandringham Village, featuring premium shops and local produce options, like Sandringham Fruit Market and Bayside Farmers Market.

For the foodies among us, Port of Call café, Sidebar wine bar, Baia Di Vino, and Our Little Ray of Sunshine café are all delicious options that will take you from breakfast to dinner, without the need to head home.

If it’s fitness you’re into, beach cliffs and coastal walks are in abundance in Sandringham. These beachside trails provide some of the most picturesque backdrops for locals doing their daily exercise.

Embracing Sandringham for all it has to offer is local builder and developer Lowe Living. Their Sandringham project Miramar is conveniently located in the heart of the iconic bayside suburb.

“We want our clients to feel like every day is a holiday,” says Lowe Living managing director Emma Lowe.

The premium apartment project consists of 24 two and three-bedroom apartments with spacious and considered floorplans, all just a stone’s throw from Sandringham beach.

With sophistication and quality front of mind, Miramar’s interiors feature engineered timber floorboards, 100% wool carpets, and floor-to-ceiling windows with double glazing.

A warm interior colour palette makes each room at Miramar feel welcoming, while wall-mounted light fixtures, brushed nickel tapware and grey porcelain wall tiles in the main bedroom create a spa-like feeling within the space.

“Coastal tones and natural accents blend seamlessly with textural intrigue and soft timber statements, culminating in a façade that evokes tranquillity and warmth while establishing a contemporary character,” said associate principal at JCB Architecture Thom Stanistreet.

“The refined and sophisticated palette of materials used in the interiors, combined with intelligent design features, produce exemplary living spaces that you’ll love to call home.”

In the kitchen, natural stone benchtops and splashbacks pair perfectly with ecru and oak woodgrain joinery, cleverly concealing storage for a seamless and sleek look overall.

European appliances by Miele and V-ZUG complete the culinary prowess of the kitchen, setting the stage for some truly spectacular meals.

“Miramar is a testament to our history of creating contemporary, environmentally conscious residences inspired by Sandringham’s coastal allure,” Thom said.

Learn more about Miramar by clicking here.