Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMadison Keys at the Brighton Beach Boxes the morning after defeating Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open (AP)Melbourne's iconic beach boxes, despite lacking basic amenities like bedrooms or bathrooms, can command prices exceeding an average suburban house. These brightly painted sheds, also known as bathing boxes or boatsheds, are built on public beaches without land titles and have been a feature of the Victorian coastline since the 19th century. Their significant financial appeal is primarily driven by scarcity, with some real estate agents predicting their value could double every seven to ten years. Strict ownership rules apply, including the requirement to own a local home, and they cannot be rented out or used commercially, with banks refusing to lend against them. While some see them as a long-term investment due to scarcity, property experts note the lack of ongoing financial return, leading some to consider them an "illogical purchase". In fullThese beach huts have no toilet or sink – but sell for $1m-plusThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in