This week’s news from the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) outlining plans for a quicker rail route from Newcastle to Sydney will see increased interest in Central Coast properties – and ultimately price rises.Â
“People who work in Sydney will be more interested in the region, more likely consider it as an alternative to other parts of Sydney,” says Shaun Coffey, Principal of Elders Real Estate Central Coast.
“This will see properties close to rail rise in value over time – in particular those properties that would suit CBD workers looking for a sea or tree change.
“These properties will require good internet and working spaces,” Mr Coffey adds.
The NSW Government has committed $500 million to planning and corridor protection for this first stage, with the business case due by the end of the year. This could see the commute from Sydney to the Central Coast take around half an hour, compared with the two hours it currently takes.
Mr Coffey notes that Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) believes the impact on housing values tends to begin long before the first sleepers are laid.
“Capital growth tends to happen before such projects are even completed, as investors and owners start to assess a region when plans are outlined.”
If high-speed rail actually arrives, the Central Coast becomes a standout beneficiary. It already sits within Sydney’s formal statistical boundary, yet remains cheaper than most of Greater Sydney with a median value around one million dollars.
Given the choice between the Central Coast and outer-west Sydney at similar price points, many would choose the coast.
Mr Coffey notes there has been a noticeable increase in interest in luxury and lifestyle properties on the Central Coast following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s purchase of a $4.3m Copacabana home in late 2024.  Just four minutes away from the PM radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands has a holiday home. 
“Interest from residents in Sydney has increased over the past few years,” says Mr Coffey.
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