Looking for a home on the North Shore? 

From heritage properties with classic 1930s double-brick builds to modern architectural residences; the North Shore offers all kinds of homes that blend luxurious contemporary living with nature. 

No doubt, you’ll be looking to spend big if you’re hoping to lock down a family home on the north shore — so take that into consideration when reading the below.

The North Shore Lorikeet spoke to the folks at property buyers agent Cohen Handler for their insights on current housing trends and property prices. Here’s what they had to say. 

Value for Money Houses in the North Shore 

Cohen Handler Buyer Agent Dan Bramley labelled the top three suburbs for value for money in the North Shore as West Pymble, St Ives, and Turramurra. 

Buying a house in West Pymble

West Pymble has a 10/10 community score from property data hub Microburbs, reflecting its family-friendliness and high safety rating. The suburb stands out for its strong community engagement, with Microburbs also reporting 29% of residents volunteering in the past month—well above the Sydney average of 12%, and 75% of long-term residents staying. 

Although somewhat separated from neighbouring areas like Gordon and Killara, its proximity to Macquarie Park and the Macquarie University precinct makes it an entry point, with a median house price of $2.8 million—significantly lower than nearby suburbs like Killara ($3.91 million) and Gordon ($3.85 million). With savings of $1 million, West Pymble is an attractive choice for homebuyers looking for value and potential growth.

Buying a house in St Ives

St Ives, a prestigious North Shore suburb, is known for its leafy streets, vibrant shopping villages, and welcoming community. With top-rated schools like St Ives High, Brigidine College, and Masada College, it offers families a peaceful lifestyle and excellent amenities.

Nature lovers will enjoy easy access to Garigal National Park, Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, and Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve, with their scenic walking, cycling, and horse-riding trails.

Adding to its charm, the historic St Ives Showground hosts community events like the annual St Ives Show and features the area's largest playground — a perfect destination for a family day out.

Meanwhile, the median house price in St Ives has seen a slight decline to $3.01 million over the past year, presenting an attractive entry opportunity for buyers.

Buying a house in Turramurra

Turramurra offers a fantastic lifestyle with vibrant cafés, restaurants, and amenities, alongside excellent local and nearby schools, including top independent and selective options. 

Its lush greenery, parks, and nature reserves like Bobbin Head provide plenty of outdoor activities, while sports facilities and playgrounds cater to families. 

The median house price in Turramurra is $3.3 million, while units have a median price of $1 million. 

These three suburbs stand out for their affordability, offering great value with easy access to top schools and convenient train lines, making them perfect for families and commuters. 

The best suburb on Sydney’s north shore to buy in for growth

While affordable suburbs offer great value, those with the budget to invest in premium growth opportunities should consider Lindfield, a standout choice for long-term capital appreciation.

Lindfield is an increasingly popular choice for homebuyers, thanks to its ongoing infrastructure developments and its welcoming community. 

Cohen Handler Buyer Agent Dan Bramley said Lindfield has seen significant development over recent years, including the completion of a new Coles development on the Pacific Highway and the Lindfield Village Green. 

“There’s been a lot of investment poured into the area over the last few years, leading to a vibrant, thriving village atmosphere that has boosted property prices. The train line also adds substantial value, making it a highly desirable area within the North Shore for buyers,” Bramley said. 

Bramley recently purchased 24 Chelmsford Avenue, Lindfield for clients. 

“Purchased for local upsizing buyers - we purchased the home for them pre-auction which we were able to do due to a decrease in competition in springtime,” he said.

He noted that Killara and Warrawee are also top suburbs to consider for growth. 

“Killara offers big blocks, beautiful homes, and great schools, with high demand and limited stock,” he said. 

Whereas Warrawee is attractive due to its proximity to cafes and the popularity of Knox School, along with strong property performance over the past 6-12 months.

The North Shore offers something for everyone. 

“Ultimately, the success of property investments in Killara and Warrawee is driven by their potential for value appreciation and rental income, due to the limited supply and strong demand in these areas," said Bramley.