Michael Lezaja
Gold Coast, QLD+40
Sydney · Northern Beaches
Manly offers a unique blend of laid-back beach culture and cosmopolitan vibrancy. Situated between a world-renowned surf beach on the Pacific Ocean and a serene harbour beach, it provides a water-lover's paradise. The Corso, a bustling pedestrian mall, connects the two and is lined with shops, cafes, and bars, creating a lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists year-round.
Market snapshot
Price register · May 2026
Median house
$3.85M - $5.20M
Mid-band $4.53Mspread 30%
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Create Your Free ProfileLast reviewed 13 May 2026
Median unit
$1.60M - $2.15M
Mid-band $1.88Mspread 29%
Days on market
~19-45 days
Median listing-to-sold window. Shorter = tighter buyer field.
Auction clearance
50% to 60%
Share of auctions sold. Brisbane skews private-treaty.
Rental yield
1.9% to 2.9%
Gross yield on house stock. Premium suburbs compress.
5-year house-price growth
+5% to +25%
cumulative since 2021Who buys here
Young professionals · Families · Downsizers
5-year trend
Modelled trajectory anchored on aggregated 5-year median figures. Indicative; not month-by-month observed data.
Market analysis
Manly's property market is the epitome of a premium, blue-chip coastal enclave, commanding some of the highest prices in Sydney. The median house price sits around a formidable $4.5 million, with units also achieving a strong median of approximately $1.88 million. This reflects the suburb's immense desirability, driven by its unparalleled lifestyle offering, iconic beaches, and convenient ferry access to the CBD.
Recent trends indicate a market characterised by stability rather than explosive growth. After a significant peak in late 2021, prices have largely plateaued, showing resilience and holding their value. While the annual growth rate for houses has been modest at around 6.8%, the unit market has shown strength, with values increasing and properties turning over quickly, often in just over 30 days. This points to robust demand from downsizers, young professionals, and investors who are drawn to the more accessible apartment offerings. Houses, on the other hand, are tightly held, with an average ownership period exceeding 14 years, which naturally constrains supply and supports price stability.
Demand is consistently fuelled by a diverse buyer pool, including high-income families, affluent downsizers selling larger homes, and a significant expatriate community, particularly from the UK. The rental market is equally robust, with vacancy rates remaining low and rental yields for houses at around 2.4% and units at a healthier 3.0-3.3%. While these yields are modest, the primary investment thesis for Manly is long-term capital appreciation and wealth preservation. The suburb's geography, a narrow peninsula, inherently limits new development, ensuring that supply remains tight. This fundamental supply-demand imbalance, coupled with its iconic status, underpins the market's long-term value proposition, even in the face of broader market fluctuations.
Manly's property market is a blue-chip investment, where unparalleled lifestyle and constrained supply create a foundation for long-term wealth preservation.
Why a buyers agent
Engaging a buyer's agent in Manly is critical for navigating a market defined by fierce competition and local nuance. Properties here are often tightly held, with many of the best opportunities transacting off-market. An agent with deep local connections provides access to these exclusive listings. Furthermore, value in Manly can vary significantly from one street to the next, influenced by factors like proximity to the ferry versus the ocean, elevation, views, and heritage conservation status. Understanding the subtle differences between the prestigious Eastern Hill, the vibrant flats near the Corso, or the quieter pockets towards Fairlight requires granular knowledge that is difficult for an outsider to acquire. An experienced agent can identify true value, steer buyers away from overpriced assets, and successfully negotiate in a high-stakes environment where emotional buying is common.
With a world-class surf beach on one side and a tranquil harbour on the other, Manly offers an aquatic playground for surfing, swimming, sailing, and kayaking. This is complemented by a vibrant dining scene and stunning coastal walks.
The scenic ferry ride to Sydney's CBD is not just a commute; it's a globally recognised experience that enhances daily life, offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and making travel to the city a pleasure.
Manly's real estate is among Australia's most desirable. The suburb's geographical constraints limit new supply, ensuring property remains tightly held and values are preserved, making it a secure long-term investment.
Despite its popularity, Manly retains a strong sense of community. The Corso and surrounding laneways are filled with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, creating a lively, walkable village atmosphere year-round.
The place
Manly is a world-famous coastal suburb located 17 kilometres north-east of the Sydney CBD, defined by its unique position on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbour. Its character is a vibrant mix of relaxed beach town and bustling cosmopolitan hub. The suburb's heart is The Corso, a pedestrian-only street connecting the Manly Wharf ferry terminal to the iconic Manly Beach, lined with a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and pubs.
Education is well-catered for with several highly regarded schools. These include Manly Village Public School, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, and the nearby St Paul's Catholic College. The selective Manly Selective Campus is also a short distance away in a neighbouring suburb.
The primary mode of transport and a highlight for many residents is the iconic Manly Ferry, which provides a scenic 20-30 minute journey to Circular Quay in the CBD. A faster, privately-operated ferry service is also available. Additionally, an extensive network of buses, including the B-Line, connects Manly to the rest of the Northern Beaches and to transport hubs like Wynyard and Chatswood.
Recreation is central to the Manly lifestyle. The ocean side boasts the famous stretch of sand running from Queenscliff to South Steyne, perfect for surfing and swimming. On the harbour side, sheltered coves like Shelly Beach and Little Manly offer calm waters ideal for families, snorkeling, and kayaking. The area is rich in parks and green spaces, which cover a significant portion of the suburb, and features stunning coastal walks, including the popular Manly to Spit Bridge trail.
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The 5-year trajectory is a modelled curve anchored on the documented cumulative growth rate. Editorial review: 13 May 2026. Updated quarterly.
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