If you live in Sydney and have been considering a move, chances are the NSW Central Coast has crossed your mind. With its laid-back lifestyle, family-friendly suburbs and more affordable property market compared to Sydney, it’s no wonder many buyers are making the move north.
At Bryson Buyers Agents, we work with both owner-occupiers and investors looking to secure property on the Central Coast. Let us walk you through everything you need to know about moving to the Central Coast, from lifestyle and suburb breakdowns to property prices, commuting and how a buyer’s agent can give you the edge.
Why Sydney Buyers Are Moving to the Central Coast
The shift out of Sydney has been gaining momentum over the past decade, but recent years have seen a real surge. Some of the most common reasons include:
Affordability: Sydney’s median house price sits well above $1.5 million, while the Central Coast still offers spacious family homes under $1.2 million and entry-level houses around $800k–$1m.
Lifestyle: Think beaches, bushwalking, local cafés and a community feel. The Coast provides the relaxed lifestyle many Sydney buyers crave without giving up access to the city.
Space: Larger blocks, more backyard and coastal acreage properties are appealing to families who feel boxed in by Sydney’s density.
Hybrid work: With flexible work arrangements here to stay, many buyers can justify commuting only a couple of days per week.
Best Central Coast Suburbs for Sydney Buyers
The Central Coast offers a variety of lifestyle and property options. Here’s a breakdown of suburbs we recommend depending on your goals, needs and of course, budget:
For Families
Terrigal: A vibrant hub with great schools, a strong café culture and a stunning beach.
Wamberal: Neighbouring Terrigal but quieter, with larger blocks and family homes.
Avoca Beach: Family-friendly with a strong sense of community, excellent surf beach and good local amenities.
For Investors
Umina Beach: Consistently high rental demand, entry price point still affordable and strong growth outlook.
Wyong & Tuggerah surrounds: Infrastructure investment and proximity to the M1 make this a growth corridor.
Gosford: Rapidly transforming with hospitals, universities and new infrastructure projects attracting professionals.
For Lifestyle Buyers
Killcare & Hardy’s Bay: Exclusive, quiet and tucked away. Perfect for high-end lifestyle purchases.
Copacabana: Popular surf town with a mix of family homes and holiday properties.
Norah Head: Coastal charm with a village feel, attracting those seeking a slower pace and premium outlooks.
Commuting to Sydney from the Central Coast
For many Sydney buyers, the big question is “What’s the commute like?”
By Train: From Gosford, the express train to Sydney’s CBD takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. From Woy Woy, it’s closer to 1 hour 10 minutes. Trains run frequently during peak hours.
By Car: Driving to Sydney CBD typically takes about 1.5 hours depending on traffic, with access via the M1 motorway. For those heading to North Sydney or the North Shore, commute times are shorter.
Hybrid Lifestyle: Many buyers now commute 2–3 days per week, making the move far more practical than in years past.
The Central Coast Property Market Right Now
The property market on the Central Coast continues to outperform expectations as demand outstrips supply. Key points for buyers include:
Median Prices: Houses range from $800k in more affordable areas up to $2m+ in lifestyle suburbs.
Strong Demand: Low stock levels mean competition is fierce, particularly for renovated family homes and properties close to the beach.
Investor Appeal: Yields remain strong, with opportunities for capital growth in suburbs undergoing infrastructure upgrades.
Why Work With a Central Coast Buyer’s Agent?
While the Central Coast offers opportunities, it’s also a competitive market. Many of the best properties never even hit the open market, they’re sold quietly through local agent networks. This is where a buyer’s agent makes a difference. At Bryson Buyers Agents, we:
Source off-market opportunities through our strong agent relationships.
Provide suburb insights to match your goals, whether you’re buying a family home or an investment.
Negotiate effectively to secure properties at the best price and terms.
Save time and stress, guiding you from suburb selection through to settlement.
For Sydney buyers, the Central Coast represents the perfect blend of affordability, lifestyle and growth potential. Whether you’re looking for a family upgrade, a lifestyle shift or your next investment property, the Coast has something to offer.
If you’re considering making the move, reach out to Bryson Buyers Agents. Our team lives and breathes the Central Coast market and we’d love to help you find the right home or investment.
Want to learn more about what the government’s new first home buyer scheme actually means for first home buyers? Read more on our recent blog here.