One of Sydney's leading real estate figures, John McGrath, has his eyes on Manly in 2015. The Chief Executive of McGrath Estate Agents believes that Manly property is underpriced and will increase in value by up to 8 percent this year. Latest figures show the median price of a house in Manly was $1,752,000 in the September quarter of 2014, while the median price of a unit is $846,250, according to the REIA. “Manly is going to be the stellar performer on the northern beaches this year and property prices in Seaforth should also track well," said McGrath. "We are seeing a trend of buyers making the move from harbourside locations to beachside homes for lifestyle reasons. Beachside locations are now being seen as more than just the domain of the young."

Matt Lahood, Director of Sales and Co-Principal of McGrath Manly, said the firm considered the area to be one of Sydney’s most dynamic markets. “While Manly is well known for its iconic beach and relaxed lifestyle with an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes, it’s also a major hub on Sydney’s northern beaches that is well serviced by a good public transport and ferry service,” said Lahood. “The area’s property market is very buoyant with strong demand from both owner occupiers and investors, particularly its beachside apartments and houses."

McGrath's confidence in the Manly market has seen him ramping up his company's presence in the area with a new company owned office, whose team of agents includes Jake Rowe, the agent who made the highest residential sales in Manly for both an apartment and house. Rowe sold a five bedroom house at 68 Bower Street, Manly for over $7 million and a four bedroom apartment at 3/110 Bower Street, Manly for $6.1 million.