Riding the property wave: luxury beachside surf homes, resorts and even islands, from Tahiti to Queensland and Indonesia, have become so popular that agents are struggling to keep up with demand

Mar 29 , 2021

Flow Residences on Australia’s Gold Coast are typical of the kind of beachside, surfer-friendly properties taking off in global real estate. Photo: handout

In a post-pandemic world and with surfing set to debut as an Olympic sport at Tokyo 2021, beachfront property is more popular than ever

Consider investing in property on up-and-coming Lombok island in Indonesia, or the Maui home of Hawaiian windsurfing champion Robby Naish for US$18 million

It seems that surfing is riding a wave of popularity in coastal real estate markets.

The trend towards surfing-focused holidays was rising before the pandemic put lifestyle aspirations sharply into focus, and agents say they now struggle to keep up with demand for homes with sea and sand on the doorstep.

Flow Residences on Australia’s Gold Coast are ideally located for surfers. Photo: handout

When boutique developer and avid surfer Paul Gedoun launched Flow Residences on Australia’s Gold Coast mid-last year, all 22 premium apflatsere sold off-the-plan within months – leading him to acquire another property a block away, which will continue the aspirational surfside theme.

A rendering of Awaken Residences by S&S Projects, an upcoming boutique development on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Photo: handout

Flow, and the upcoming development Awaken Residences, are located at the epicentre of Australian surfing, where the famous breaks of Duranbah, Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, Coolangatta and Kirra are all within walking distance, and residents include surfing icons Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore and more.

“We make every effort to align our projects with the coastal attributes and surfing culture,” said Gedoun, who is also founder and director at S&S Projects.

People love the idea of waking up to the calls of wild birds and the ocean; being able to see natural beauty all around them

Jim Habig, CEO of International Surf Properties

Catering to its targeted buyer demographic, both projects feature a range of unique amenities including surfboard storage and cleaning and repair facilities, along with a full suite of luxury inclusions.

Designed in a way that provides residents the quickest access to the beach, Awaken will comprise just 10 flats, one per floor, with a pool, steam room, BBQ area and a street-level cafe. With a price guide of A$2.5 million to A$8.5 million (US$1.9 million to US$6.5 million) and a 12-storey art piece on the side, the homes have wraparound balconies overlooking the surf that are accessible from every room.