The continued cooling of property markets in pricey Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula towns puts buyers in the box seat this summer.
Popular summer playgrounds like Point Lonsdale and Anglesea have recorded some of the region’s biggest price drops in 2024.
Houses are also taking longer to sell along the coast, with the typical days on market in Lorne blowing out from 68 last December to 118 this year, according to PropTrack data.
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68 Stephens Pde, Barwon Heads, is just moments from 13th Beach.
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Great Ocean Road Real Estate, Lorne agent Tyrone Provan said land tax and cost of living pressures had created a price sensitive market in the wake of the post-covid recalibration.
But on the flip side, there has been an uptick in demand for apartments in Lorne due to their lower site values.
“There are still quite a few properties with Covid price hangover and the newer stuff hitting the market is priced according to the current market as opposed to what they were worth three years ago,” Mr Provan said.
“It’s taking a lot longer to sell, I think it’s important for vendors to show a willingness to meet the market to find a buyer.
“A classic example was 49 Ocean Road, Lorne, which sold in the early $5 millions back in October, as opposed to its initial stating price of $6.75m.
“The vendors consistently showed a willingness to meet the market and at the end of the 11-month journey they found a buyer.”
While not everyone can afford a front row position or water view, there’s no harm in checking out how the other half live.
Here’s our pick of the region’s best beach houses on the market now.
This resort-style home is set on 1.33ha of landscaped grounds that include a in-ground swimming pool, spa, infra-red sauna and tennis/sports court.
The five-bedroom residence is luxuriously fitted out with Chevron oak timber floors, Cathedral ceilings, a mezzanine games room and a suite of high-end Gaggenau cooking appliances.
Oh, and did we mention the detached home office and large shed, perfect for storing boats and caravans?
It’s on the market for $6.4m to $6.6m through McCartney, Torquay agent Tim Carson.
68 Stephens Pde, Barwon Heads.
Uninterrupted views to the horizon steal the show at this architect-designed house in an exclusive strip between Barwon Heads Golf Club and 13th Beach.
The timeless steel, concrete and glass design has hardly aged a day in 17 years and showcases floor-to-ceiling windows to the north and a 25m lap pool.
Bellarine Property, Barwon Heads agent Peta Walter has set a $6m to $6.6m price guide.
This secluded bushland retreat has continued to evolve since original owner musician Xavier Rudd built the four-bedroom, rammed earth house for his family.
A beautiful outdoor entertainment space, with a stone clad infinity swimming pool, pizza oven and fire pit, is the latest addition.
The 2ha property is listed for sale for $3.695m to $3.995m through McGrath, Geelong agent Carl Hammond.
32 Seaview Rise, Torquay.
Evans Building Group was nominated for a 2024 Master Builders Award for this stylish four-bedroom house, which appeared in season three of Channel 9’s Australia’s Best House.
If you can drag your eye away from the panoramic views across Jan Juc to Bells Beach, you’ll discover an industrial chic interior featuring precast concrete, glazing and warm timber accents.
Oslo, Armstrong Creek agent Simon Bogdanov is handling to sale, which has $2.6m to $2.8m price hopes.
121 Dare St, Ocean Grove.
A rooftop pool and spa are the crowing glory of this sleek minimalist pad overlooking the ocean.
The three-storey residence with a five-car garage, lift and imported Italian glass kitchen, has been on the market since March.
Bellarine Property, Barwon Heads listing agent Toby Lee expects it to fetch $4.5m to $4.8m.
An unobstructed 180-degree view over ocean and bush awaits the new owners of this treetop oasis.
The 972sq m parcel is built to withstand the harsh coastal environment, with aluminium cladding, flame shield decking and remote external louvres.
It’s for sale through Great Ocean Road Real Estate, Lorne, agent Karen Stribling for $4.35m.
31 Lialeeta Rd, Fairhaven.
Striking curves are the calling card of this prominent beach house that’s one of the view in Fairhaven with views to both Aireys Inlet lighthouse and Lorne.
Five bedrooms accommodate extended family, who can avail themselves of a council reserve path for direct beach access.
Great Ocean Properties, Aireys Inlet agent Mim Atkinson is handling the $2.7m sale.
18 Broadbeach Rd, Jan Juc.
Native gardens designed by Ocean Road Landscaping create a sanctuary feel at this 1ha property with a sprawling five-bedroom house, self-contained cottage, studio and shipping container office.
The $6.3m-$6.9m price tag reflects stunning ocean views from White’s Beach to Point Lonsdale and a position in one of the Surf Coast’s most exclusive streets.
Natural, Torquay agent Shaun O’Callaghan has the listing.
1223 Great Ocean Road, Big Hill.
1223 Great Ocean Road, Big Hill
Only three houses have sold on the ocean side of the Great Ocean Road between Fairhaven and Lorne in the past five years, with this clifftop residence in the running to be the fourth.
The three-bedroom house clad in corten steel is set on a 4046sq m site that plunges dramatically down to a private beach below.
It’s listed for $3.65m with Great Ocean Road Real Estate, Lorne agent Ian Stewart.
81 Samphire Drive, Connewarre.
Torquay-based Section Studio designed this stylish two-year-old family home in the gated 13th Beach estate.
A rammed earth and blackbutt timber facade introduces an earthy interior that flows out to a central outdoor entertainment zone with a plunge pool and built-in barbecue.
Bellarine Property, Barwon Heads agent Levi Turner is handling the $1.975m to $2.15m listing, a 10-minute walk from the 13th Beach access track.
