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Thinking about making the Shire your next move? You're not alone. Sutherland Shire, known fondly as "The Shire," is one of Sydney's most sought-after pockets, and it's easy to see why.
The mix of Cronulla sand, Grays Point bushland and café-lined high streets has pushed the median house to about $1.6million and buyers still swarm for inspections. Families trade a two-bed unit near Westfield Miranda for a four-bedder with a yard in Kirrawee without leaving their weekend surf break or the kids’ school behind.
Whether you're buying your first place, upgrading to something bigger, or investing for the long haul, Aussie's Find, Buy, Own approach is here to help you make it happen. With expert guidance and tools that support you from search to settlement, we've got your back every step of the way.
Let's look closer at why Sutherland Shire is a smart move for buyers, families and investors alike.
How Aussie helps you find, buy, and own in the Sutherland Shire
Navigating the property market is simpler with Aussie. Start by using the practical tools available:
Check your budget using our borrowing power calculator.
Understand your credit score.
Assess refinance opportunities.
Know your equity position with our live equity tracker.
First-home buyers: Affordable beachside lifestyle within reach
Buying your first home in Sydney can feel overwhelming, but the dream's more achievable in the Shire. Caringbah offers a similar appeal to the highly sought after beaches like Cronulla: close to the beach, with a bit more space and a median unit price of $877,500, making it a hit with first-home buyers.
You'll find local shops, bayside parks, good public transport and a community vibe that's hard to beat, all within a quick train ride to the CBD.
You won't be alone in hoping to nab some space along the beautiful Shire so make sure you start with a clear view of your budget. Aussie's Borrowing Power Calculator can give you a fast estimate based on your income and expenses. Want to boost your borrowing position?
Check your credit score for free using Aussie's Credit Score Tool to spot any red flags early.
Lifestyle without the price tag
The Shire ticks all the boxes if you're chasing a balance of lifestyle and practicality. You've got beaches, bushland, and brunch spots without compromising space or amenities.
Weekends can mean a swim in Cronulla, a hike through Royal National Park, or breakfast at a local favourite in Cronulla Mall. Because most places come with parking, getting around is easier, though the T4 train line makes the commute to the CBD just as smooth.
Everyday convenience? Covered.
The Shire has everything, from big-ticket shopping to healthcare and schools. You've got Westfield Miranda just minutes from key suburbs like Caringbah and Cronulla; think supermarkets, retail, cinemas, and dining in one spot.
You'll also have peace of mind knowing you're close to The Sutherland Hospital, local GPs, and public transport that works.
Bottom line? The Shire offers first-home buyers a real shot at lifestyle, value and long-term potential without stretching too far. Aussie's here to help you get there, from figuring out your borrowing power to finding the loan that fits just right.
Upsizing in the Shire: More space, more value, less stress
Outgrowing your current place? You're not alone.
More and more families are making the move to Sutherland Shire for that extra space without losing access to the city, the beach, or the lifestyle they love.
Whether you're upsizing from an apartment or a small starter home, the Shire has what many growing families want: bigger blocks, leafy streets, great schools and a strong sense of community.
Menai is a perfect example. With wide, family-friendly streets, local bush reserves, and a median house price of around $1.52 million, it's one of the more attainable options than Sydney's citywide median.
These homes have space to move, including three or four bedrooms, a backyard for the kids, and parks just around the corner. Properties here are also snapped up quickly, with houses spending an average of 19 days on the market.
If you're looking for something closer to the coast, Caringbah is another standout. With a blend of classic homes and fresh renovations, it's become a go-to for upgraders who want to stay close to Cronulla's beaches and Westfield Miranda.
House values here have jumped by 13% in the past year, and the median price sits around $1.95 million, a strong indicator of buyer confidence and long-term potential.
Why the Shire works for upgraders
Moving up is about more than just extra bedrooms. It's about creating a lifestyle that fits your family now and into the future. The Shire delivers across the board:
Room to grow: Large homes, outdoor space, and quiet streets.
School options: From Laguna Street Public to Inaburra School, the Shire has a strong mix of public and private choices.
Transport convenience: Express trains and highway access keeps the city commute manageable from hubs like Sutherland, Gymea, and Kirrawee.
Active lifestyle: Footy fields, surf clubs, skate parks, and bike tracks are part of everyday life here.
A smart financial move, too
Selling an entry-level property and upsizing in the Shire can often mean swapping your old space for a bigger, better lifestyle with room to spare. With strong price growth across many Shire suburbs t's a move that can also stack up financially.
Not sure what your next step looks like? Our Aussie app can help you understand how much equity you have and what your next move might cost. A strong Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) can also mean avoiding Lenders' Mortgage Insurance, potentially saving you thousands.
"Upsizing families choose the Shire for a reason. You can go from a two-bedroom unit to a four-bedroom home with a backyard and stay close to beaches, schools and shops. It's the kind of upgrade that feels like one," says Jenny Wang, a Sutherland Shire Aussie Broker.
Investors: Strong yields and demand in “the Shire”
If you're looking for a smart investment with strong fundamentals, Sutherland Shire ticks many boxes: high demand, low vacancy, solid returns, and a lifestyle that sells itself to renters.
Now, the rental market here is extremely tight. In February 2024, vacancy rates sat at just 0.3%, one of the lowest in Sydney. That means most properties are snapped up quickly, often with multiple applications and above-asking offers, giving investors peace of mind that their property won't sit empty for long.
Renters are drawn to the Shire for its coastal lifestyle, easy city access, and community feel.
From young professionals and families trying before they buy, demand is high and showing no signs of slowing down.
Healthy rental yields and long-term growth
Units are leading the way for rental returns. Across the Shire, apartments regularly achieve gross yields above 4% which is strong by Sydney standards.
Caringbah: ~4.0% yield on units.
Cronulla: Median rent of ~$620/week, ~4.1% yield.
Kirrawee, Sutherland, Jannali, Miranda: Many units are hitting 4.4%+, thanks to affordable entry prices and strong commuter demand.
Houses typically see slightly lower yields (~3.5–3.7%), but what they might lack in cash flow, they make up for in capital growth:
Cronulla house prices are up ~42% over five years.
Sutherland has seen house values jump ~55% in the same period.
It's a classic choice between cash flow and capital growth or a smart balance of both.
Where to focus and why
Cronulla: Premium beachside lifestyle with strong rental demand, great for high-income young professionals. Units perform well here.
Sutherland, Engadine, Kirrawee: Strong infrastructure, transit access, and steady demand from families and essential workers. Good balance of value and consistency.
Miranda: Its proximity to Westfield and hospitals attract renters working in retail, healthcare, and services.
Upcoming infrastructure projects, like the M6 Motorway and improved access to Western Sydney Airport, are also likely to boost appeal in the years ahead.
Smarter investing starts here.
Whether you’re leveraging equity or buying your first investment, getting the finance right from day one is key. That means:
Stress-testing your numbers: Can you weather a rate rise or short vacancy?
Calculating yield vs. expenses (strata, council, insurance).
Checking your credit health: Use Aussie's free tools to spot and fix any issues before you apply.
Comparing loan options: Aussie Brokers can help you explore your investment loan options and even provide a free property report to inform you about your next move.
With strong rental demand, low vacancy rates, and prices still showing growth, the Shire remains a smart play for investors looking to balance return and resilience.
Refinancers and renovators: Unlocking equity and opportunity
If you already own a home in Sutherland Shire, you're part of a proud group of long-term locals who've seen the region thrive. If you've held onto your property for a few years, you're sitting on a solid chunk of equity thanks to the area's steady growth.
Take Caringbah, Cronulla, or Menai. Homeowners who bought in these pockets five years ago are now looking at tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars in equity gains.
With interest rates moving and cost-of-living pressures rising, many are using that equity to make smart moves, like refinancing for a better rate or finally tackling that long-awaited renovation.
Why now?
Interest rates have shifted, and many Aussies are rolling off fixed loans into higher variable rates.
Refinancing could help you secure a sharper deal or unlock features like an offset account or redraw facility to boost your financial flexibility.
Renovating lets you upgrade your space without leaving the suburb you love, and updated homes are in high demand in the Shire.
Make your equity go further.
Talk to one of our Aussie Brokers to see how much you could save by refinancing and switching to a better loan. A lower rate could free up cash you can reinvest into your home, future, or property.
Renovating is especially popular in the Shire, where many homes were built mid-last century and have huge potential. Whether it's opening up the living area, adding a home office, or building that dream deck, smart updates can lift your lifestyle and property value.
In today's market, buyers actively seek "move-in ready" homes. If you choose to sell down the track, your renovation could seriously impact your sale price.
Practical wins for Shire refinancers
Improved LVR: Rising home values in the Shire often mean a stronger loan-to-value ratio (LVR), which can unlock better interest rates or loan terms.
Tailored support: Aussie Brokers offers a free Home Loan Health Check to help you assess your options, including refinancing, loan features, and funding strategies.
Avoid overcapitalising: Use recent local sales to set a renovation budget that adds value without overspending. Aussie's free property reports can also help with that.
If it's been a while since you reviewed your home loan, now's a smart time. With rates stabilising and lenders competing harder for your business, it's worth checking in.
Whether you want to save on repayments, renovate your family home, or set up for your next move, the equity in your Shire home can unlock what's next. Let Aussie help you make it happen.
Ready to make the Shire your next move?
Sutherland Shire isn't just a place to live; it's a lifestyle choice that continues to deliver.
Whether you’re buying your first place, upsizing for a growing family, investing for the future, or tapping into equity you've built over time, the Shire offers something for everyone.
With its coastal charm, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and strong long-term growth, it's no surprise that more Aussies are planting roots here.
When you're ready to take the next step, Aussie is here to help. We've got your back, from calculating your borrowing power to refinancing your loan or finding the right investment strategy. Start with a quick chat or a free home loan health check. We'll help you find, buy and own with confidence.
Because when it comes to the Shire, the right move isn't just possible. It's already waiting. These trends highlight the Shire's unique advantages for all types of buyers in today's market. Here's to your successful property journey in The Shire!
Ready to explore further?
Talk to an Aussie broker today and turn your Sutherland Shire property goals into reality.
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