MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The iconic, brightly painted coastal sheds in and around Melbourne, Australia, are a quirky real estate mix: absolute beachfront views, but lacking basic features including a bedroom, bathroom, running water and even power.

While they lack homely comforts, some can sell for more than an average Melbourne suburban house. And while the house comes with the security of land title, the shed is built on a public beach.

Known variously as beach boxes, bathing boxes and boatsheds, these basic structures have been features of the Victoria state coastline along Port Phillip Bay and Western Port since the 19th century.

What they have going for them these days as a financial investment is scarcity. Some real estate agents say boxes in the right location can be expected

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