From its pristine beaches, sublime scenery and fresh seafood, it's little wonder Port Stephens is a holiday mecca for families, couples and boating enthusiasts.
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Offering 26 beaches, crystal clear waters and some of the best places to dive, dolphin and whale watch and snorkel on the East Coast, the popular 'bay' as it's referred to by locals, swells to almost triple its population come the summer holidays, driving a booming tourism industry that has
Real Estate agents in Port Stephens see many visitors literally fall in love with the region and embark on the inevitable process of buying up property either for a future sea change or solid investment opportunity.
"We have some of the most stunning still water and surfing beaches along the coast, great dive sights for scuba diving, tobogganing and 4 picturesque golf courses.
"There's a good combination of both private and public education and the recently upgraded hospital and medical facilities. Along with our award winning restaurants there's plenty of great reasons to invest," says Bruce Gair - Co-Principal of PRDnationwide Port Stephens.
"Our statistics show that the market is split evenly; 50 percent of purchasers being investors and the other 50 percent owner occupiers.
"For the first half of 2019, based on 145 properties we sold; 45 percent of the buyers came from Sydney, while 29 percent were local, with remaining buyers came from other areas including the Hunter Valley, Melbourne and Newcastle." Mr Gair added.
And despite the slowing property markets reported in recent months, the region seems to be holding it's own.
Heath Jones, Managing Director of Nelson Bay Real Estate said, "Things have slowed a little but it hasn't led to large amounts of property 'stuck' on the market. Since the election I think most active agencies are busy again.
"Prices are possibly down a little from their peak, but are still much higher than before the "boom". As an indication, we have sold a 4 bedroom house this week for 28% more than the owners paid for it in 2014."
With Newcastle Airport located just 34 kilometres away and international flights resuming in the coming months, it's likely buyer interest will continue to thrive. Nelson Bay is fast becoming recognised as a hub for tourism.
"Nelson Bay town centre was neglected for some time, this is changing now with Yacaaba Street being opened up to the waterfront, the great work of a very active Civic Pride Committee and approvals for new apartment buildings and improvements to building facades in Donald Street especially.
"Nelson Bay is a strategic centre for tourism, smart investors and business owners looking for premises are seeing this. Watch this space, as they say."