Famous for its stunning coastline featuring popular destinations such as Avoca Beach and Terrigal, the Central Coast harbours a well-kept secret—its enchanting rural lifestyle properties situated in Dooralong, Mangrove Creek and Cedar Brush Creek. 

Better still, the lifestyle property market has enthusiastically launched into 2024 with leading rural specialist Jay Talbot, Principal and Prestige Rural Specialist at Raine & Horne Rural Wyong, listing three magnificent properties, including 1509 Mandalong Road, Dooralong—an exquisite bushland retreat that is expected to fetch a price in the mid-$4 millions. 

“These three offerings are poised to attract affluent downsizing professionals from Sydney and farmers from the neighbouring Hunter Valley and other regions of New South Wales,” Mr Talbot said. 

Two distinct groups of downsizers emerge

Regarding downsizers, Mr Talbot differentiated between “debt downsizers” from Sydney and those downsizing from more significant properties in regions like the Hunter Valley. 

“We see debt downsizers from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, North Shore, and Eastern Suburbs, who are still carrying a substantial mortgage on their property.

“They are increasingly realising the value and lifestyle opportunities the Coast offers and the connectivity to commute to work if required. They sell the house, move to the Central Coast, pay the mortgage off, and have a good life.”

Mr Talbot continued, “The Coast offers something for everyone, and buyers generally have some flexibility with work. They’re working for themselves or are an executive in a larger national or international company, and they’re looking for a tree change near the coast.”

Mr Talbot added that some buyers also want a long-term investment or a weekend-type farm. “The other potential market for these properties is anybody interested in equestrian activities,” he added.

Alternatively, Mr Talbot said Central Coast rural lifestyle properties are also attracting “the professional farmer” who has owned 10,000 acres in the heart of NSW or the Hunter Valley who may have sold the family farm to a consortium group. 

“Now that they’re downsizing the acreage – they’re seeking connectivity to Sydney but still want to avoid living in somebody else’s pocket, so to speak,” Mr Talbot explained.  

1509 Mandalong Road, Dooralong, is a premium property in our market

According to Mr Talbot, the magnificent bushland retreat at 1509 Mandalong Road, Dooralong, is without doubt one of the nicest rural lifestyle properties on the Central Coast. 

Nestled just over an hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD, this 42-acre haven is surrounded by State Forest trails. It also boasts 18 acres of recreational bushland with scenic trails for horse or bike riding, hiking, and camping. 

The resort-style homestead, renovated in the past five years, features expansive decks, gardens, a pool, and a wood-fired hot tub. Equestrian delights include arenas, paddocks with shelters, a wash bay, secure tack room, a barn, and extensive trails. 

Mr Talbot said, “All the feedback suggests this property will fetch in the mid-$4 million range which is a significant sale for the region.”

Another rural property that has hit the rural lifestyle market is the elegant, private escape at 770 Oyster Shell Road, Mangrove Creek. With a price guide at $2.9 million and spanning approximately 24 acres, this Hamptons-inspired residence offers privacy, seclusion and off the grid living.

Additionally, there is an idyllic escape at 140 Spring Gully Lane, Cedar Brush Creek, nestled on over 40 picturesque acres in the Yarramalong Valley that is expected to fetch a price of around $1.5 million. 

Mr Talbot expressed optimism about the outlook for the Central Coast’s rural lifestyle market in 2024, stating, “We have some nice properties, and more importantly, people want to buy them. I’m quietly confident for 2024 at this stage that the lifestyle acreage market on the Central Coast is set for a solid year.”