As we head into the last quarter of the 2025 calendar year on the NSW Central Coast, a number of key trends are emerging that buyers and prospective relocators should keep close tabs on. Here’s a snapshot of what we’re seeing now and what it suggests for the rest of 2025.

Current Market Conditions

Modest but steady price growth in regional NSW

Recent data from NAB shows that in regional NSW overall, dwelling values rose +1.1% in the June quarter and +3.5% over the 2024–25 year, with house values up +3.6% and units up +2.9%.

While that’s regional NSW in aggregate, the Central Coast often mirrors these trends (albeit with local variation) thanks to its proximity to Sydney and strong lifestyle appeal.

Strong demand, limited supply and competitive listings

On the Central Coast, demand remains firm, especially in suburbs that offer good access to amenities, infrastructure and transport links. Meanwhile, the supply of well-priced, desirable homes is relatively constrained. Sellers in desirable locations are receiving good enquiry, with many properties still seeing multiple offers or competitive bidding, especially for homes that are turnkey or well-presented.

Lifestyle and migration demand is alive

The Central Coast continues to benefit from its lifestyle appeal, coastal access, natural beauty, more relaxed living, yet not too far from Sydney or Newcastle for commuters. This “sea-change / tree-change” interest remains a driver of buyer demand, especially as remote and flexible work arrangements persist.

Spring reactivation of buyer interest

As spring has arrived, we are now starting to see an uptick in enquiry, inspections and list activity. People want to move in while the weather’s good, settle in before year’s end and capitalise on daylight hours. This seasonal boost is already evident in many Central Coast suburbs. Inspections are more frequent, open houses more active and buyers are being more decisive when they see a property that meets their criteria.

Premium and prestige segment making headlines

High-end properties are also drawing attention. A recent $25 million beachfront home in Wamberal has been marketed as a potential record-breaker for the Central Coast. That kind of headline creates interest, even among more moderate buyers by amplifying belief in upside and area prestige.

What Has Changed Now That the First Home Buyer Scheme Has Come Into Effect

One of the major policy changes that is already making waves in markets nationwide and which will ripple through the Central Coast is the revamped First Home Buyer Guarantee Scheme that came into effect on 1 October 2025. Here are the key adjustments and how they may affect property demand in our region:

Removal of income caps

First home buyers of any income level can now apply and previous caps have been removed. This opens up the scheme to professionals and dual-income households who otherwise were excluded.

Unlimited scheme places

There are no annual cap on the number of buyers using the guarantee. More first home buyers may enter market without being constrained by “slots” or quotas.

Higher property price caps

The eligible maximum purchase price has been raised in many areas which means more freedom to buy in better suburbs or more expensive housing types while still using the scheme.

5% deposit without Lenders Mortgage Insurance

The government guarantees up to 15% to cover lender risk, so buyers aren’t forced to pay LMI. This lowers upfront costs and barriers to entry for many first-time buyers.

On the Central Coast, these changes are likely to stimulate more first-time buyer activity, especially in affordable and mid-tier suburbs. They push competition upward in the entry/affordable markets, possibly leading to quicker sales and upward pressure on prices. These changes encourage buyers to stretch toward suburbs they previously might have thought were out of reach given the new price caps and they increase the importance of being ready to buy to be able to act fast in competitive markets. It’s worth noting that some commentators warn the new scheme may further fuel price growth in markets where demand already outpaces supply.

Our Advice for Buyers on or Relocating to the Central Coast

If you’re considering buying or relocating to the Central Coast this year, here are our top tips to help you position yourself:

Get finance pre-approval early — with increased competition in the entry tier, being ready is essential.

Leverage the new 5% Deposit Scheme (if eligible) — understand which price caps apply to your target suburb.

Be realistic on suburb / trade-off flexibility — you may need to compromise on features or distance to score value.

Act decisively — when you inspect something that meets your criteria, don’t wait too long.

Look for undervalued or up-and-coming pockets — suburbs that are going through amenity improvements or infrastructure upgrades often offer upsides.

Inspect properties thoroughly and engage good advisors — condition, repair cost, land title issues and due diligence will separate winners from regrets.

Stay informed on local infrastructure & planning changes — new roads, transport links, school expansions or rezoning announcements can shift suburb desirability.

The Central Coast property market for the remainder of 2025 is poised for steady growth, fuelled by lifestyle demand, proximity to major cities, constrained supply and now the implemented changes to the First Home Buyer Scheme. Spring’s seasonal reactivation is heightening buyer activity and with the policy changes, more first-time buyers are likely to enter the market, increasing competition in the more affordable tiers.

For buyers or those relocating to the region, now is a favourable window to get your finances sorted to allow you to act decisively when you find a good property. The next few months could be pivotal in securing value before upward momentum intensifies.

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 to consider when moving to the Central Coast? Read our guide for Sydney buyers here.