More and more Australians appear to be heading away from the capital cities. Per the Commbank Regional Movers index, the number of Aussies that moved from a capital to a region during the June quarter was 26% higher than vice versa. It's a trend that's been consistent over the past few years, likely a big reason why property prices in many regional areas have outperformed equivalent capital cities. Regional NSW for example saw the median dwelling price increase by 48.5% over the five years to December compared to 37.4% for Sydney.
Founder of Palise Property Steve Palise says coastal spots in particular are seeing increasing attention from buyers.
"Markets like the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast… the Central Coast, South Coast, and Northern Rivers, are seeing incredible demand," Mr Palise said.
"Lifestyle migration, remote and hybrid work and a move away from big cities are driving strong buyer interest."
If you're interested in buying in Central Coast, Mr Palise, along with PRD analyst Daniel Maccarone, think these suburbs in particular could be set for a big 2026.
All price and rent data comes from Realestate.com.au.
Narara (2250)
Median Price (November 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (November 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Houses | $1,059,000 | 14.4% | $675 | 4.7% |
Units | $673,000 | 6.8% | $560 | 0.9% |
Mr Palise's first pick is Narara, just north of Gosford. Strong growth in 2025 saw the median house price in Narara crack $1 million for the first time, but he thinks there's still plenty of room for Narara property values to keep appreciating.
"[Narara] is emerging as a 'to-watch' suburb," Mr Palise told Savings.com.au.
"It has improving infrastructure, growing demand, and a clear potential upside if regional growth continues."
Another selling point is the Narara Ecovillage, listed by the NSW Government as one of the state's best places to visit. The Ecovillage is a small, but growing community, where members buy in to the Cooperative and the properties must meet certain NatHERS energy efficiency standards. Even if you aren't looking to live there yourself, it's an increasingly popular tourist attraction that could help boost land values over the coming years.
Narara ecovillage, picture from the NSW Government
Gorokan (2263)
Median Price (November 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (November 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Houses | $788,000 | 10.2% | $530 | 6% |
Units | $528,000 | $480 | 4.3% |
At a median price below $800,000 Gorokan has the cheapest houses of any suburb on this list. It's inland slightly, but with Tuggerah Lake to the south and Budgewoi Lake to the east there's no shortage of waterfront property available, and PRD Research Analyst Daniel Maccarone is tipping it to be a strong performer next year.
"[Gorokan] is well located, offering a relaxed lakeside lifestyle with beautiful water views, parks and early access to beaches," he told Savings.com.au.
"It's a friendly, family-oriented suburb with good schools [and] local shops."
Looking forward, the local economy could be set for a major boost if the Toukley desalination plant goes ahead, on which PRD Research estimates the council will be spending $500 million. There's plenty of residential construction also planned, with 123 apartments and 4 townhouses coming to market per PRD research, but Mr Maccarone doesn't think this should put potential buyers off.
"There's not too much new stock, especially as there are no new houses, that investors will face a lot of competition," he explained.
PRD Research Analyst Daniel Maccarone
Bateau Bay (2261)
Median Price (November 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (November 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Houses | $1,170,000 | 3.5% | $690 | 19% |
Units | - | - | $530 | 15.2% |
Mr Palise highlighted the 2261 postcode, to the south of Tuggerah Lake, for its growth potential. Suburbs like Killarney Vale and Long Jetty have been mainstays of these lists over the past couple of years, and he's also picked out Bateau Bay, on the coastline, as another suburb to watch next year.
"Bateau Bay offers a lower-cost entry point compared with beach-front suburbs, but with signs of strong rental demand and growth potential as buyers and renters seek affordability close to the coast."
The beachside suburbs to the immediate north (Shelly Beach) and south (Forrester Beach) both have a median house price of at least $1.5 million - or at least 28% more expensive than Bateau Bay.
Steve Palise, Founder and Director of Palise Property
Kariong (2250)
Median Price (November 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (November 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Houses | $1,098,000 | 12.9% | $650 | -4.4% |
Units | $550 | 0% |
Kariong is the farthest inland on this list, but it's still less than 20 kilometres from the ocean. Its claim to fame is the Gosford Glyphs, hieroglyph carvings that some people think were carved by ancient Egyptians who sailed to Australia more than 4,000 years ago (most historians and experts disagree, but it remains a fun tourist attraction). For Mr Maccarone, it's the recent strong performance of the local property market that's most interesting about Kariong.
"Kariong is positioned as an emerging suburb compared to the Central Coast LGA, now with prices slightly higher than the LGA average for houses and units," he told Savings.com.au.
"Kariong has experienced a five year house growth of 35% and unit growth of 48.3% from 2020 to 2025."
PRD Research has found the vacancy rate in Kariong is just 0.46% - which Mr Maccarone says is 'very low' - and he says the convenient location means it will continue to attract buyer attention.
"The area is situated directly on the Central Coast highway and is in very close proximity to Gosford, where there is an abundance of medical services, supermarkets and a sporting venue," he said.
Saratoga (2251)
Median Price (November 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (November 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Houses | $1,350,000 | 17.4% | $670 | -5.6% |
Units | - | - | - | - |
Mr Maccarone's final pick was Saratoga, a southern suburb that sits on one of the region's many peninsulas. At a median price of $1.35 million it has the most expensive averages for houses on this list, on the back of 17.4% growth over the 12 months to November, so some buyers might be priced out. For those that can afford it though, the benefits of having the majority of the suburb on the waterfront of the Brisbane Water estuary are a key demand driver.
"Saratoga offers a great lifestyle for those who enjoy outdoor water activities such as sailing and fishing," Mr Maccarone said.
He said upcoming infrastructure should further improve Saratoga's liveability.
"There's approximately $161 million in project developments commencing construction in 2026 in the 2251 postcode, including a $130 million major road upgrade."
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| Lender | Home Loan | Interest Rate | Comparison Rate* | Monthly Repayment | Repayment type | Rate Type | Offset | Redraw | Ongoing Fees | Upfront Fees | Max LVR | Lump Sum Repayment | Extra Repayments | Split Loan Option | Tags | Features | Link | Compare | Promoted Product | Disclosure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.94% p.a. | 5.98% p.a. | $2,978 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $530 | 90% |
| Promoted | Disclosure | ||||||||||
5.89% p.a. | 5.80% p.a. | $2,962 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $0 | 80% |
| Promoted | Disclosure | ||||||||||
5.99% p.a. | 6.02% p.a. | $2,995 | Principal & Interest | Fixed | $0 | $0 | 60% |
| Promoted | Disclosure | ||||||||||
5.93% p.a. | 5.93% p.a. | $2,975 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $395 | 70% | Disclosure |
