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Australia's iconic beach boxes lack the comforts of home but can cost more than a house
Scarcity and prime beachfront locations drive prices of Melbourne beach boxes up to AU$1.2 million, surpassing average suburban house values, property experts say.
- Australia's iconic beach boxes, also called bathing boxes or boatsheds, line Victoria's coastline near Melbourne and lack basic amenities despite high prices.
- These structures originated in the 1860s under Queen Victoria's reign to preserve modesty amid laws prohibiting changing clothes publicly or wearing swimsuits in streets.
- Owners pay annual license fees and rates, must hold public liability insurance, cannot alter designs or rent out, and transactions require cash as banks won't lend against boxes.
- Property adviser Cate Bakos calls buying a beach box 'quite frankly, an illogical purchase' in the short term but accepts scarcity may yield capital gains long term.
- Boxes often remain in families, with prices varying by location, and some sell for over AU$1 million, exceeding Melbourne dwelling averages, suggesting enduring niche appeal despite restrictions.
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13 Articles
13 Articles
Associated Press News+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Australia's iconic beach boxes lack the comforts of home but can cost more than a house
The iconic, brightly painted coastal sheds around Melbourne, Australia, known as beach boxes offer stunning views but lack basic amenities like bedrooms and bathrooms.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 33%
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