Newport: The tightly held suburb experiencing a new wave of prestige buyers

When Matt Woodman shared a house in Bungan Beach with a mate 20 years ago, the local surf club was the domain of out-of-area private school kids, and there were lots of retirees and long-term residents who’d called Newport home for more than 50 years.

Today, Woodman lives at Bungan Beach with his wife Rebecca and two young daughters, and the whole family are active members of the reinvigorated surf club.

They’re also regulars at the Newport Community Centre and the adjoining bowling club, which plays host to a cafe and movie nights.

“There’s a wave of families coming through, which has helped us reactivate the local clubs – which is excellent,” says Woodman.

“From an amenity perspective, shops and bars and restaurants have really evolved over the past five years or so. As more families have moved into the area, more services are being introduced to service the local community. It gives us even less reason to move!”

Waterside wonderland

Of course, it’s the particular waterside joy of living in a suburb bound by Pittwater and the Pacific Ocean that remains the suburb’s key drawcard.

Bungan Beach forms the suburb’s south-east border, with Newport Beach stretching to the north-east corner.

Pittwater forms the entire western border, and it’s here you’ll find the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club – heaven for boaties.

Belle Property Avalon agent Greg Griffin says Newport is reaping the benefits of Sydney’s renewed love affair with Pittwater.

“The depth of buyers now interested in Newport is leading to lots of strong sales,” he says.

“What I’ve really noticed is that Newport is now absolutely at the top of people’s list and the competitive tension around listed properties is really noticeable.”

Lifestyle amenity

Griffin says he’s seen more activity in Newport’s prestige market – both on and off-market – than he has for a long time, with local upgraders competing with out of area buyers for limited stock.

Buyers looking for weekenders still make up a portion of the market, but Griffin estimates full-time residents now account for around 80 per cent of purchases.

A makeover of Newport’s favourite watering hole in 2016, now known as The Newport and part of the Merivale Group, has been warmly embraced.

Griffin says the in-house restaurant Bert’s Bar and Brasserie is indicative of the quality of venues now calling Newport home.

Griffin adds the 4 Pines microbrewery and the steak and seafood restaurant Lovat to his list of favourites, while Woodman likes Lucky & Pep’s for family pizza night and Rusti Fig for the morning caffeine hit.

One to watch

Adjoining lovely Florence Park and set across multiple waterfront blocks, Firenze faces due-north over Old Mangrove Bay with serene views of Scotland Island and the national park.

The light-filled home has generous, open-plan living spaces, a boat shed and ramp, and a separate self-contained flat.

Greg Griffin of Belle Property Avalon is accepting expressions of interest closing on August 4, giving a price guide of $7 million.

SOLD - $8,800,000

120 Prince Alfred Parade, Newport NSW 2106

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