THE lust for lifestyle is causing a coastal buying frenzy forecast to drive up home prices in Queensland s seaside property markets. New research from property portal Realestate.com.au has revealed the state s strongest coastal markets based on buyer demand and price growth, and it shows the days of the beachside bargain may be numbered. Realestate.com.au executive manager of economic research Cameron Kusher said Queensland was seeing strong growth in buyer demand, particularly from NSW and Victoria, which would lead to the increasing popularity of its coastal markets over the coming year. REA Group executive manager of economic research Cameron Kusher. Picture: Andrew Henshaw.
 This three bedroom house at Forrest Beach was on the market for $278,000 and is now under offer  In the Townsville region, Balgal Beach (median house value of $249,500) and Nelly Bay (units, $174,500) offer the cheapest escapes. Explore Property Townsville agent Allison Gough is marketing a number of properties in Balgal Beach. She said the price point was absolutely attractive to buyers, with many interstate buyers buying sight unseen or after viewing 3D videos. At Balgal, you can still get a three bedroom, one bathroom house on a 809 sqm block for under $300,000 which is incredible, she said. But a lot of southern buyers are jumping on that now ⦠I even had one from Western Australia.