The Northern Rivers and southern Gold Coast property corridor remains a dynamic, dual-speed market. Certain lifestyle precincts are seeing brisk turnover and elevated buyer interest, while others show signs of price softening and longer dwell times. Investors and lifestyle buyers alike are active — but selectivity is paramount.
Market Activity & Suburb Performance
Varsity Lakes is the clear standout. With 69 new listings and 65 recently advised sales, it continues to outperform the region. Days on market are brisk at 23.7 days, and vendor discounting is minimal (+0.59%), indicating competitive offers and a confident, well-informed buyer pool.
In contrast, Lennox Head and Byron Bay are showing early signs of negotiation-led markets. Lennox Head recorded 60.2 average days on market with a -3.81% average vendor discount, the highest in the dataset. Byron Bay posted 52.2 days and a -1.59% discount, suggesting buyers are holding out for value. These patterns reflect greater caution, especially where vendor expectations are misaligned with buyer sentiment.
Ocean Shores mirrors this trend, with 50.1 days on market and a -2.16% discount, reflecting negotiation-driven buying for assets that may require renovation or strategic repositioning.
Rental Listings & Investor Trends
Varsity Lakes also leads rental availability (121 listings), with Byron Bay (84) and Lennox Head (25) following. Despite higher listing volumes, the broader narrative of low vacancy and high seasonal demand persists. Investors remain focused on areas with year-round appeal, dual occupancy potential, and strong yield profiles.
Outlook & Opportunities
The coast is still commanding interest — but buyers are more discerning. Varsity Lakes offers consistency and reliable turnover. Byron and Lennox, while enduringly desirable, are presently pricing in a margin for negotiation. For the savvy buyer, this creates windows of opportunity not seen in recent years.
For long-term lifestyle or investment plays, the current market offers excellent buying potential — particularly when guided by informed negotiation, local knowledge, and timing precision. At Rose & Jones, our Northern NSW and Gold Coast strategies are built around private access, due diligence, and enduring value.
Final Thoughts
At Rose & Jones, we continue to see strong interest from high-net-worth clients seeking quality assets in tightly held locations. The volatility of mid-2024 has created a window of opportunity for those with a long-term view, and the market’s resilience continues to reward considered, strategic acquisitions.
For those looking to secure an exceptional asset in one of the world’s most desirable cities, now remains a compelling time to act. We act for individuals and families who view property as a strategic asset, not just a transaction. We’re here to guide you if you’re considering your next move or seeking discreet access to Sydney’s most desirable opportunities. At Rose & Jones, we are committed to helping clients make informed property decisions in 2025 and beyond, contact our expert team of buyer’s agents today.
