Venus Bay is one of Victoria’s most affordable coastal towns.
It’s got beaches, a relaxed vibe, and plenty of space—but property prices are far lower than in nearby seaside spots like Inverloch or Phillip Island.
So, why is Venus Bay so cheap?
If you’ve been eyeing Venus Bay for a beachside bargain, here’s what you need to know before diving in.
1. It’s a Ghost Town for Half the Year
Venus Bay is a classic holiday town. In summer, it’s packed with beachgoers. In winter? Not so much. Many homes sit empty for most of the year, and with few full-time residents, there’s not much of a local economy to support businesses.
For property buyers, this means two things:
- Cheaper houses. Fewer people want to live here year-round, so demand stays low.
- Slow growth. Property values don’t climb as fast as in places with a permanent population.
If you’re after a holiday home, that might not be a dealbreaker. But if you’re looking for a place to live, it’s worth considering whether you’ll enjoy the quiet months when the town feels almost deserted.
2. Infrastructure? Not much.
Venus Bay isn’t built for full-time living. It’s a small town with:
- No major supermarkets
- No hospital (the closest is in Wonthaggi, 30km away)
- Limited cafes and restaurants (great in summer, but slim pickings in winter)
- Patchy phone reception and unreliable internet in some areas
If you need regular access to healthcare, schools, or even just a reliable grocery run, Venus Bay might not cut it. Most locals rely on nearby towns for essentials, which means frequent trips by car.
3. Jobs? You’ll Likely Have to Commute.
Unless you work remotely, job options in Venus Bay are slim. The town’s economy is mostly holiday rentals and tourism, so if you’re not running an Airbnb or working in hospitality, you’ll likely need to travel to nearby towns like Leongatha or Wonthaggi for work.
For retirees or weekenders, this isn’t a problem. But for anyone who needs full-time employment, a daily commute adds extra cost and time.
Too Many Houses, Not Enough Buyers
One of the biggest reasons Venus Bay is cheap? There’s simply too much housing for the number of people who actually want to live here full-time.
Most homes in Venus Bay are holiday houses. That means:
- A lot of empty homes in winter
- A limited rental market
- Lower buyer demand, keeping prices down
Compare this to coastal towns like Torquay or Ocean Grove, where people actually live year-round, and you’ll see why Venus Bay’s property market lags behind.
4. Limited Public Transport, But an Electric Bus Helps
Public transport options are still minimal in Venus Bay. There’s no train station, and residents generally rely on personal vehicles for commuting.
However, a community-run electric bus service, ‘Sunny,’ has been introduced to improve mobility. While it’s not a full-scale public transport system, it does provide some level of connectivity for residents.
Still, for those without a car, Venus Bay remains a difficult place to live long-term.
5. Nature’s Beauty Comes with Risks
Venus Bay’s natural surroundings are stunning, but they come with challenges:
- Coastal erosion is a growing concern, with some beachfront areas losing land over time.
- Bushfires are a serious threat, especially during dry summers.
- Flooding can be an issue in some low-lying areas.
For buyers, this means extra insurance costs and long-term uncertainty about how climate change might affect property values.
So, Is Venus Bay a Good Buy?
It depends on what you’re looking for.
✔ Want a cheap holiday house near the beach? Venus Bay is great.
✔ Planning to live here full-time? Be prepared for limited services and a quiet off-season.
✖ Looking for a high-growth investment? You might want to look elsewhere.
Venus Bay is cheap for a reason. It’s beautiful but isolated, affordable but seasonal. If that works for you, it could be a great buy. If not, there are plenty of other coastal towns that might be a better fit.
With a median house price of less than $230,000, Venus Bay offers a budget-friendly option for those who dream of owning a beach house without breaking the bank.
This affordability puts Venus Bay on the map alongside some of the cheapest beach towns in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions on ‘Why is Venus Bay So Cheap?’
Why is the cost of living low in Venus Bay?
Venus Bay is cheap to live in because there’s not much demand. Fewer people means lower housing costs, cheaper utilities, and fewer expenses overall. The town is remote, the economy is small, and there aren’t many businesses driving up prices like in bigger coastal hubs.
What are the biggest challenges of living in Venus Bay?
The main issues come down to isolation. There aren’t many shops, cafes, or services, and job opportunities are scarce outside of tourism and hospitality. Most residents need to commute to nearby towns for work, healthcare, and essential services. If you’re used to city convenience, Venus Bay might feel a bit too quiet.
Why are so many houses for sale in Venus Bay?
Venus Bay has a lot of holiday homes, and not everyone hangs onto them long-term. Some owners sell because they need the cash, others realise it’s not ideal for full-time living. Plus, with fewer buyers looking for permanent homes, properties tend to sit on the market longer than in high-demand areas.
What’s the real estate market like in Venus Bay?
It’s a mix of residential homes and holiday properties. Prices are affordable compared to other coastal towns, but the market moves slowly. Since demand is tied to seasonal tourism, property values don’t rise as fast as in areas with year-round residents.
Is Venus Bay a good place to invest?
It depends on your strategy. If you’re looking at holiday rentals, Venus Bay can bring in solid income during peak season. But outside of summer, demand drops. Long-term capital growth is slow, so it’s not the best pick if you’re after quick gains. Do your research before buying in.
