Jacinda Ardern and her husband Clarke Gayford are reportedly concluding their search for a Sydney home, purchasing a $5.3 million property in Dee Why after months of looking across the northern beaches.
Read: Dee Why Garden Plan To Bring Fresh Produce To Arthur Reserve
The former New Zealand prime minister and her husband have been seen inspecting properties around the area in recent months, with their search understood to have included North Curl Curl. They have now settled on a home in Dee Why, giving the family a base on Sydney’s northern beaches as they continue to be based in Australia.
The purchase is reported to be Dee Why’s biggest property sale recorded in 2026, putting a high-profile transaction into the suburb’s property market. Details about the house remain limited, although it is understood to be a five-bedroom, three-bathroom property with sweeping ocean views.
Dee Why combines a prominent beachside setting with a substantial commercial centre, giving the suburb a mix of coastal and urban features. The area has supermarkets, shops, cafes, restaurants and other services, while Dee Why Beach includes facilities such as a swimming pool, playground, picnic areas and public amenities.
Living in Dee Why
The coastline is a prominent part of Dee Why, while the surrounding commercial and residential areas give the suburb a distinctly urban feel. The beach is also a setting for sporting events and other activities, with Dee Why Point known as a local surfing spot.
Local reviews offer another perspective on everyday life in the suburb. Residents have highlighted the combination of the beach, shops, supermarkets, parks, walking areas, bike infrastructure and public transport, although these comments represent individual experiences rather than an independent assessment of Dee Why.
A local property agent has also said families priced out of Manly were considering Dee Why because it offered better value. He said the same house in Manly would have sold for around $10 million, while the reported Dee Why transaction demonstrated that strong results could still be achieved with the right strategy.
Ardern’s move follows several years of travelling with her family, with a spokesperson previously confirming that the family had work in Australia. The spokesperson said they would be based in Australia “for the moment” and that doing so would bring the added benefit of more time back in New Zealand.
Read: A 2026 Approach to Home Renovation in Dee Why: Why More Homeowners Are Starting With Their Doors
The couple have since been spotted looking at properties around Sydney’s northern beaches, including areas around Curl Curl and Freshwater. Their reported purchase in Dee Why brings the house hunt to a close, giving the family a home in a suburb known for its beach, commercial centre and coastal setting. The $5.3 million purchase adds a high-profile transaction to Dee Why’s property market as Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford establish a home on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Published 26-September-2026
