Queensland coastal towns where you can buy a house under $150,000 are few and far between in 2025 — but they still exist if you know where to look.
Rising prices across most of the Sunshine State have made beachside homes harder to afford, but several small towns still offer incredible value.
Whether it’s an older weatherboard home, a modest unit, or a block of land near the coast, these areas give first-home buyers and investors a chance to enter the market without overspending.
In this guide, we’ve shortlisted towns in Queensland where you can still find real property listings under $150K, updated with current data and examples. If your dream is affordable coastal living — or simply buying into a market before it grows — these towns are worth your attention.
1. Barney Point, QLD
Median house price: $370,000
Entry-level listings: From $125,000 (units and vacant land)
Barney Point remains one of Queensland’s cheapest coastal suburbs, with occasional unit listings and blocks of land selling for under $150K.
Located just minutes from Gladstone CBD, this beachside suburb offers a mix of older units, small homes, and industrial zoning — which is partly why prices have stayed low. While it’s not the prettiest beach on the coast, its proximity to the water, high rental demand from local industry, and improving infrastructure make it appealing to savvy buyers.
Why it’s worth considering:
- Some of the lowest-priced listings on the coast
- Strong rental demand from Gladstone industry
- Beach access and established amenities
- Growing interest from investors targeting yield
What to be aware of:
- Close to ports and industrial areas (noise, perception)
- Recent social housing developments may affect capital growth
- Limited lifestyle appeal compared to tourism towns
🔍 Tip: Units and small land parcels in Barney Point often appear below $150,000 — but they sell quickly. Keep an eye on new listings or set alerts to avoid missing out.
Explore more properties for sale in Barney Point QLD 4680.
2. Home Hill
Median house price: $135,000
Entry-level listings: From $110,000
Located in the Burdekin region just south of Ayr, Home Hill is a small agricultural town with genuine houses available under $150K. While not directly on the beach, it’s less than 20 minutes from Alva Beach and about an hour from Townsville, offering coastal access without the price tag.
You’ll find older high-set homes, tidy fibro cottages, and occasional renovator’s specials all within budget — perfect for first-home buyers or investors chasing yield.
Why it’s worth considering:
- Detached houses under $150K still available
- Low vacancy rates in the region
- Short drive to the beach and Burdekin River
- Quiet rural setting with a strong local community
What to be aware of:
- Limited nightlife or dining options
- Growth is steady but not rapid
- Need to drive for major shopping or medical facilities
🔍 Tip: Stick to flood-free pockets and look for weatherboard homes on larger blocks — they offer the best long-term value and rental demand in town.
Explore more properties for sale in Woorim QLD.
3. Collinsville, QLD
Median house price: $140,000
Entry-level listings: From $95,000
Collinsville is a small inland town in the Whitsunday region, located just over an hour’s drive from Bowen and the coast. While not directly beachfront, it offers some of the cheapest detached houses in Queensland, often well under $150K.
Originally established as a mining town, Collinsville has seen renewed interest from budget-conscious buyers and investors looking for high rental yields and long-term affordability.
Why it’s worth considering:
- Detached houses under $150,000 are common
- Proximity to Bowen’s beaches and the Whitsundays
- Steady rental demand from local industry
- Entry-level investment opportunity with low holding costs
What to be aware of:
- Not a true coastal suburb (though close)
- Economic performance tied closely to mining activity
- Limited lifestyle appeal compared to major centres
🔍 Tip: Look for tenanted properties that are already cash-flow positive — many homes return upwards of 7% gross rental yield.
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4. East Innisfail, QLD
Median house price: $285,000
Entry-level listings: From $120,000
East Innisfail is a quiet riverside suburb just 10 minutes from Queensland’s Cassowary Coast. It’s one of the rare spots where you can still pick up houses under $150,000 — often older Queenslanders or weatherboard homes on generous blocks.
While it’s not directly on the beach, East Innisfail is only a short drive from Etty Bay and Flying Fish Point, offering a coastal lifestyle without coastal prices.
Why it’s worth considering:
- Detached homes under $150K still available
- Close to Innisfail CBD, schools, and services
- Minutes from scenic beaches and rainforest walks
- Quiet, green surroundings popular with retirees
What to be aware of:
- High annual rainfall; some properties in flood-prone zones
- Local job market can be limited outside agriculture and tourism
- Ageing homes may require renovation or maintenance
🔍 Tip: Check the flood maps and prioritise homes on higher ground or with elevation. Many homes are older but full of potential with cosmetic upgrades.
Explore more properties for sale in East Innisfail QLD 4860.
5. Ayr, QLD
Median house price: $149,000
Entry-level listings: From $125,000
Located in the Burdekin region, just over an hour south of Townsville and minutes from Alva Beach, Ayr is one of the last true Queensland coastal towns where you can still buy a home under $150K.
Ayr has a strong agricultural economy, a relaxed country-town atmosphere, and decent access to the beach — making it attractive for downsizers, investors, and buyers chasing affordability.
Why it’s worth considering:
- Many homes under $150,000 still available
- Close to the coast and Burdekin River
- Good infrastructure, schools, and health services
- Consistent rental demand from local workers
What to be aware of:
- Hot, humid summers and seasonal flooding risk
- Growth is slow but steady, not rapid
- Older homes may require updates
🔍 Tip: Look for homes close to Ayr’s CBD or in high-set configurations — they offer the best rental returns and resilience to wet seasons.
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More on affordable Queensland coastal towns
Where is the cheapest place to live on the coast in Queensland?
The cheapest place to live on the coast in Queensland is Barney Point, a suburb in the Gladstone region. The median house price in Barney Point is $277,000, which is significantly lower than the median house price in other coastal suburbs in Queensland, making it one of the cheapest coastal towns in Queensland.
Why is Barney Point so cheap?
There are a number of reasons why Barney Point is so cheap. One reason is that it is located in a relatively remote area. Barney Point is about 3.5 kilometers from the Gladstone CBD, and it is not well-served by public transport.
Additionally, Barney Point is not a major tourist destination, so there are not as many amenities available as in other Queensland coastal towns
What are the best coastal suburbs to live in Brisbane?
If you’re looking for good places to live in Brisbane, the beach would have them. The best coastal suburbs to live in Brisbane are:
- Redcliffe
- Maroochydore
- Noosa Heads
- Sunshine Coast
- Gold Coast
These towns offer a variety of amenities, including gorgeous beaches, restaurants, shops, and schools. They are also well-connected to Brisbane by public transport.
What is the cheapest beach suburb in NSW?
The cheapest beach suburb in NSW is Batemans Bay. The median house price in Batemans Bay is $450,000, which is significantly lower than the median house price in other beach suburbs in NSW.
Often, the best coastal towns in NSW are amongst the most expensive, with amazing shorelines and easy connectivity to other suburbs. But you can still find cheap beach houses for sale in NSW in nice, affordable areas.
