Looking to buy between $800,000 and $1.5 million in 2025? Here’s how far your money goes on the Central Coast compared to Sydney and why the Coast could be the smarter lifestyle and investment move.

Sydney: What Your Budget Gets You

  • According to ‘The Domain House Price Report for June 2025’, the median house price sits at around $1.722 million, among the highest in Australia
  • At the entry level end, $800k will likely secure a small unit, especially outside inner suburbs. Even $1.2m may only stretch to a modest two or three bedroom in middle ring suburbs
  • Higher end $1.3m–$1.5m buys are still typically apartments, small townhouses or lower end houses in outer areas but houses in these areas are now averaging $1.56m, twice the price of units

Central Coast: Dollar for Dollar, the Value Is Clear

  • Propertyology estimates the median house price across the Central Coast is around $930,000, offering substantial space compared to Sydney’s median over $1.7m
  • Popular suburbs like Killarney Vale offer houses around $900k and Long Jetty averages over $1.28 million, both within your budget range and offering much larger land or proximity to beachside living

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Budget = $800k

In Sydney: A small unit inner/middle suburbs, possible townhouse on outskirts

On the Central Coast: A 3+ bedroom house in suburbs north of Killarney Vale

Budget = $1m

In Sydney: A modest townhouse or unit closer in

On the Central Coast: A 3+ bedroom house close to beach/lake in southern, central-west or northern region

Budget = $1.3-1.5m

In Sydney: An inner‑ring townhouse or small house

On the Central Coast: A larger or more modern family homes in more premium beachside pockets across the entire region

Why the Central Coast Appeals Emotionally and Visually

Space & Lifestyle: Larger blocks, natural surroundings, lifestyle amenity, beach days, national parks and community lifestyle come standard

Better ROI Potential: With infrastructure upgrades underway and relatively fewer dwellings for sale, growth potential is real, even with moderate national price gains of 3–6% forecast in 2025 for the region (savings.com.au)

Affordability Meets Experience: Where $1.2m in Sydney buys an inner-city flat, the Coast delivers a more tangible lifestyle experience like family homes or water outlooks

 

If you’re working with a budget of $800k–$1.5m, the Central Coast doesn’t just offer affordability. It offers better value in terms of space, lifestyle and future growth. You’ll likely gain bigger returns in terms of lifestyle ROI and invest in property with more potential upside.

Thinking about making the move? We can provide valuable suburb insights, share current listings in your price range or a personalised strategy to find your perfect Coastal property. Connect with our team today if you’d like to learn more about how we may be able to help.