Relative affordability, a seaside village atmosphere, and a vibrant multicultural community are drawing Sydney homebuyers priced out of other beachside markets to the once-overlooked Northern Beaches suburb of Dee Why.
A Change in Perception
The suburb’s growing appeal is attracting residents from all over Sydney, with a notable increase in buyers from the city’s eastern suburbs. Newcomer Al Bentley, who purchased an apartment with his wife, Anki Mehta, said they had initially dismissed the suburb. He explained that after a year of searching for a home, they were surprised by the area’s charm when they finally inspected a property near the water.
Mr Bentley stated that the beach area felt like a small, welcoming seaside town, and they were particularly impressed by the cafe strip along the beachfront. Since moving to the area in 2023, he said they have found the community to be exceptionally friendly and diverse, a characteristic he hopes will remain as the suburb continues to evolve.
Transformation of the Town Centre
According to Harrison McDonald from Belle Property Northern Beaches, a major turning point for the suburb was the 2018 opening of Meriton’s Lighthouse project. He noted that the large mixed-use development injected new life into what was a tired shopping precinct, effectively creating a new town centre for Dee Why.
Mr McDonald confirmed the trend of buyers moving from areas like the eastern suburbs, where they feel priced out of the market. He described Dee Why as an affordable alternative for those wanting a beach lifestyle and a convenient middle ground for accessing Manly, the city, Palm Beach, and Frenchs Forest.
Real Estate Market Snapshot
The current property market in Dee Why is moving quickly. Mr McDonald reported that apartments at all price points are selling within just two to three weeks of being listed. Houses, however, are very tightly held, with few available on the market. When a house is listed for sale, it typically attracts large crowds of interested buyers.
Current listings reflect the variety of homes available. One example is a full-brick clifftop home designed in the 1980s, offering ocean views and a central swimming pool. Another property on the market is a two-bedroom, ground-floor apartment in the Latitude 33 Degrees complex, which features a private courtyard and is located near the Dee Why Grand Shopping Centre.
For those looking in the area, Mr McDonald suggested Richmond Avenue as a desirable street for apartments due to its privacy and level walk to the beach. For houses, he recommended Tarra Crescent, which backs onto Dee Why Park.
Published Date 03-July-2025
