Hidden Sydney enclave no one wants to leave
A Sydney enclave has emerged where the average resident stays for decades due to the lifestyle – there’s just one serious catch.
It’s the quiet, tree-lined pocket of Sydney where home sales are usually about 23 years in the making – one of the longest average hold periods in the city.
And there’s a reason: local residents rarely want to leave.
The neighbouring suburbs of Roseville Chase and Castle Cove on Sydney’s north shore have emerged as one of the Harbour City’s most coveted – yet hard to get in – areas, with the rare sales that do filter onto the market often disappearing in quick time.
Homeowners’ reluctance to leave has been put down to a combination of lifestyle, stability, low density and a deep attachment to the area.
Local resident and builder Mike Day knows this first-hand. After spending time overseas, he and wife Amy returned to Sydney, drawn to the leafy streets and waterside serenity of Roseville Chase.
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“We always had the plan to build something,” Mr Day said. “We found a corner block with mature trees, it was the perfect opportunity to create our dream home using local materials, have a bit of fun, and come up with a design that fits the area.”
The couple’s family moved into the existing home on the block, a renovated 80-year-old house, and lived there for six years before knocking it down and starting fresh.
The modern home is now up for auction, but Mr Day and family plan to stay within the area.
“We love the area,” he said. “It’s so close to national parks and waterfronts. There’s a wonderful presence of like-minded people with kids. It’s convenient, has great local transport, and offers a unique blend of nature and accessibility.”
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This deep-rooted connection to the neighbourhood is what makes Roseville Chase and Castle Cove stand out in Sydney’s competitive real estate landscape. According to local real estate agent Craig Ireson of McGrath, most residents aren’t looking to sell.
“It’s all about lifestyle here,” Mr Ireson explained. “Families who come from the Upper North Shore realise they need to be closer to the city. All the major universities are in this direction, and the schools have their own buses running through here. But what really sets the area apart is the space and the greenery.”
Roseville Chase and Castle Cove remained untouched by urban sprawl, he added.
“The market here is incredibly stable because 91 per cent of homes are owner-occupied. People move in and they don’t leave. There’s no high-rise development on the horizon, and that’s a huge draw for families looking for security and a family-centric environment.”
There’s one giant catch: the median price of Roseville Chase houses is $3.55m, while in Castle Cove its $4.07m, according to PropTrack data.
Originally published as Hidden Sydney enclave no one wants to leave