Sun seekers are heading to a new NSW coastal destination for their new home.
Waterside living is rapidly becoming the new Australian dream, as homebuyers seek a lifestyle filled with sun, sea, and serenity over the traditional quarter-acre block and the responsibilities of mowing the lawn.
Among the hidden gems on the New South Wales South Coast, Shell Cove is gaining attention, offering the perfect blend of modern amenities and an enviable waterside lifestyle, with new housing options on the radar.
The Waterfront Shell Cove, a spectacular master-planned harbour-side community developed by Frasers Property Australia in collaboration with Shellharbour City Council, is one of these exciting new developments.
Waterfront, Shell Cove and its new Portella residences are attracting interest in this beloved coastal enclave.
Secret Shell Cove unveiled
Nestled just 22 km from Wollongong, Shell Cove is a unique coastal community but close enough that you're still connected.
The area features the majestic Illawarra escarpment, pristine coastlines, and soft white sandy beaches.
It also boasts a new town centre that's been established around the 270-berth Shellharbour Marina, making it the newest boating destination on Australia's eastern seaboard.
Within strolling distance are retail shops, inviting cafes, and a dynamic harbourside dining precinct, including the popular Waterfront Tavern.
Only a little further afield, there's kid-friendly beaches, expansive foreshore parks, and picturesque harbour-side boardwalks.
Given Shell Cove ticks all the dream lifestyle boxes, it's no surprise the area has become a real estate darling.
Recent data from PropTrack shows Shell Cove has a median unit price of $1.35 million, marking significant growth of 35.3% over the past year.
Shell Cove is a waterfront location that locals love.
Spotlight on Portella
As part of The Waterfront, Shell Cove, the Portella residences are hitting the market to appeal to newcomers to the area.
Seamlessly connected to the Shell Cove town centre and Shellharbour Marina, residents have myriad amenities on their doorstep.
Designed by Plus Architecture, the residences are thoughtfully elegant. "The design really emphasises the synergy between the environment and modern amenities," shares Mathew Gulliver, Development Director of The Waterfront, Shell Cove.
"We've undertaken this from an aesthetics perspective, so it fits well within the landscape but also complements the other building designs and excellence that we're seeing and producing in the harbourside precinct."
Spread across six levels are 88 high-end apartments designed with natural materials and coastal colour palettes, creating a timeless look that appeals to coastal buyers.
In terms of size and design, there are options for a broad range of buyers in various life stages.
For sea-changers, there's the offer of single-level living with one, two, and three bedrooms.
Floorplan options can include study areas and larger balconies with diverse outlooks including views towards the harbour or hinterland, or over the surrounding parklands.
There are also ground-floor courtyard residences that provide additional outdoor living space, while two generously-sized penthouses boast sweeping views.
Gulliver highlights the stunning communal rooftop space set over approximately 700 sqm. "The rooftop has views over towards the marina, and there's a large outdoor communal space," he shares.
"This is also where the heated pool is located, and there's landscaped gathering areas and a barbecue.
And, the view on the other side looks toward the parklands and wetlands area, which is just as special."
The Portella residences are thoughtfully designed apartments that let residents enjoy all Shell Cove has to offer.
Pleasing prices, luxury living
While offering a high-end living option, Portella has been planned with more attainable waterside price points in mind to ensure there’s something for everyone.
Price guide for the one-bedroom apartments range from $715,000 to $815,000, while two-bedroom options range from $990,000 to $1.675 million, and for three-bedroom designs the price guide is between $1.63 million and $2.28 million. There are also two three-bedroom penthouse apartments with a price guide of $2.9 million to $3.1 million.
Gulliver says these prices are more "obtainable" than other coastal areas and housing options.
"It's a reasonable price point and delivers a great location and amenity for people that want to live by the water," he shares.
"It will appeal to the owner-occupiers but is also reasonable from an investment perspective."
The residences at Portella balance luxury design with a more attainable price point.
He adds that the latest release also has all the benefits of the impressive infrastructure available in the surrounding suburb.
"Not only do you have the marina and foreshore amenity, but there is the Links Golf Course nearby, and there's also Bass Point Reserve, which is a big drawcard."
The new community boasts convenient transport links to connect residents to nearby urban centres like Wollongong, where there are top-notch healthcare facilities, schools, and universities.
Gulliver also notes the opening of the Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina hotel, which is on track for late 2025, will bring new visitors to this trendy “weekender” destination and can also serve as a base for friends and family.
Experience true waterside living
Interested buyers are encouraged to register their interest for the upcoming public launch in November 2025.
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