Port Stephens Property Market Update 1st Half 2025
Port Stephens is a coastal sanctuary located 2 and a half hours north of Sydney, In New South Wales, and is home to 26 golden beaches and sea-side activities. The area includes the charming seaside villages of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, and Anna Bay. With a laid-back lifestyle, yet offering all modern conveniences, Port Stephens is ideal for families.
Property Trends
In Q1 2025, Port Stephens — including Anna Bay, Corlette, Nelson Bay, Salamander Bay, Shoal Bay, and Soldiers Point — recorded a median house price of $1,100,000 and a median unit price of $717,500. This represents annual price stabilisation for houses and growth of 16.0% for units (Q1 2024 – Q1 2025). Year-on-year, house sales declined -22.1% (to 88 sales), while unit sales grew 9.2% (to 69 sales). Stable house prices — unusual for Port Stephens — present an opportunity for buyers. Demand has shifted toward units due to their affordability, driving up prices in that segment.
Project Development
Port Stephens is set to see approximately $134.1M in new projects commence construction in 2025. Planned developments include 139 units/apartments and 4 lots, which will help address demand. However, with no stand-alone dwellings planned, a house undersupply is likely to persist — opening the door for a potential price recovery in that segment.
Rental Market & Growth
House rental yields in Port Stephens were 2.8% as of April 2025, aligning with the Sydney Metro average (2.7%). The median house rental price increased 6.9% over the past year to $700 per week, with the number of houses rented rising 8.0% (to 94 in Q1 2025). The unit rental market followed a similar pattern, indicating a strongly demanded rental market. This trend benefits investors, particularly given Port Stephens’ more affordable price point compared to Sydney Metro.
Vacancy Rates & Property Investment
Port Stephens (postcode 2315) recorded a vacancy rate of 1.5% in April 2025, higher than the Port Stephens LGA average (0.8%) and Sydney Metro’s 1.3%. Vacancy rates have fluctuated over the past year but trended slightly down from April 2024’s 2.3%. Despite this, the current figure remains below the REIA’s healthy benchmark of 3.0%, pointing to faster rental occupancy. Combined with a lower entry price for homes and units over the last 12 months, Port Stephens offers a compelling investment opportunity.
