Tennyson Point was singled out as a good place to get a more affordable coastal home.
Real estate tycoon and entrepreneur John McGrath has tipped homes in a mix of hidden Sydney pockets and heritage havens to be the smartest property buys of 2026.
Mr McGrath, the founder of McGrath Estate Agents, detailed in his 2026 McGrath Report that some of the best opportunities were emerging in lesser known areas with similar attributes to more popular neighbouring areas.
These suburbs often offered character, community and convenience at a fraction of the price of their more popular neighbouring areas, the report indicated.
Among Mr McGrath’s top picks was inner west suburb Ashbury, a pocket he said had long flown under the radar of most buyers but was now catching the eye of upgraders priced out of Concord.
John McGrath is the CEO of McGrath Estate Agents.
“You can still bag a good buy if you’re quick,” Mr McGrath said. “Decent land, period homes and great emerging cafes — you’ll wonder how you missed it until now.”
Fellow inner west suburb Haberfield was listed as a good buy because of the Federation character, leafy streets and heritage.
Tennyson Point in the Hunters Hill region of Sydney’s lower north shore earned a spot on the industry list for its secluded waterfront charm and enviable proximity to Hunters Hill – minus the price tag.
Mr McGrath explained that most buyers didn’t know where it was – which was exactly what made it a good buy.
“This little waterfront piece of paradise is nestled quietly next to her uber wealthy neighbour Hunters Hill with little or no fanfare,” he said. “(It’s) one of Sydney’s more charming waterfront enclaves.”
Source: McGrath Report.
Northern beaches suburb Newport Beach was flagged as an area with serious upside.
“(It’s) flanked by surf on one side and Pittwater on the other,” he said, adding that “cute” two-bedders could be picked up there for about $800,000 and could “double in price” in a few years.
Central Coast suburb Norah Head was described as one of the last true beachside bargain areas, “offering great value”, Mr McGrath said.
“Do you swim, surf, fish, bird watch, whale watch? You can do them all from here and still secure your little beachside shack for around a million dollars,” he said.
2/110 Napoleon St, Sans Souci goes to auction later this month.
The Triolo family are selling a duplex in Sans Souci. Picture: Justin Lloyd
Mr McGrath said Sans Souci in Sydney’s St George region offered a similar prospect – it was one of the more affordable areas to get a beach home and still get a “permanent vacation” vibe.
Local agent Bill Tsounias said the better value for money in Sans Souci was attracting buyers from all over Sydney wanting a coastal lifestyle for less.
Matt Triolo was recently on the hunt for a larger house in Sans Souci and said the suburb was popular.
“There are a lot of things to like. It’s just really easy. You’re pretty close to everything,” he said.
His previous home, a duplex on Napoleon St, is now up for auction later this month.
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