SARAH KAYE & CO.

Recent wins span renovated period apartments near the Corso/ferry, boutique units in Queenscliff/Fairlight, and tightly-held houses where competition is fierce. In this “magnet suburb,” while premium stock still clears, the unit market is two-speed — boutique/renovated stock outperforms big-scheme investor blocks unless they’re priced right. Our edge is filtering A-grade from “looks good online” and negotiating hard when the numbers stack.

Good properties don’t loiter. With limited stock and high demand, days on market are often short, and genuinely A-grade homes can trade off-market before the portals ever see them. That’s why we keep you contract-ready and we’ll remain plugged into the local community, agent networks and our referral partners — you need speed and certainty to win without overpaying.

Because we’re transparent, independent and obsessed with getting the right result, not just any result. Buyers tell us they value plain English advice, full visibility on risks, and our willingness to say “no” when it matters. You’ll find plenty of 5-star feedback from Northern Beaches clients who’ve been through this process with us — and you can speak with them directly if you’d like.

Of course. We encourage it. We’ll provide recent references so you can ask the tough questions about communication, negotiation, and after-care. It’s the best way to sanity-check fit before we start.

Let’s be straight: we don’t parade trophies. When a client secures a home, it’s their story to share — not content for our marketing. In Manly especially, it’s a village; many purchases are off-market or pre-market, and discretion is part of the deal. In Manly, reputations travel faster than photos—yours, not ours, should do the talking.

We earn trust in other ways: by being radically transparent about our process and fees, explaining every recommendation, and inviting you to verify us — ask for references, read reviews, pressure-test us. If you want examples, we’ll share a private, de-identified portfolio and, where appropriate, connect you directly with recent buyers.

Manly’s median house price sits around $4.3M today , so it’s true – buying in Manly is a serious investment. But is it worth it? If Manly is your dream lifestyle, our job is to make sure you don’t overpay for hype. We’ve seen prices surge and plateau; in fact, since 2021 Manly’s growth has leveled off . That means there are opportunities to buy wisely right now. We’ll give you a frank assessment of value for every Manly property you consider. And if we think your money would get more value in a neighbouring suburb like Freshwater (depending on your goals), we’ll tell you that too . The bottom line: Manly can be worth it if you buy smart – and we make sure you do

Manly sits at the premium end of Sydney, with a median house price of around $4.35m. After the pandemic surge, prices have largely held steady since late 2021. Over the longer run, values are up roughly 35–40% since 2017 (~4% p.a.)—more blue-chip scarcity than runaway gains. With the post-boom consolidation largely behind us and recent readings pointing to a stable-to-modestly rising trend, Manly looks poised for the next phase of the cycle—more likely moderate, sustainable growth than another spike.,

Investors, temper expectations. Weekly house rents hover near $1,900, yet yields sit at roughly ~2.4%, a classic trait of prestige suburbs where owner-occupiers dominate. Stock is chronically tight—think a dozen or so house listings a month—and annual sales volumes are low, which keeps prices firm even when growth cools. Days on market typically stretch ~60–100 days: quality homes still move, but the frenzy of 2021 is gone and buyers are more price-sensitive.

The “boomer takeover” story is only half true. Yes, affluent downsizers are a factor—but the buyer mix is broader, with younger professionals and families well represented. Manly’s 30-minute ferry to the CBD is a genuine edge for commuters and helps explain why demand stays resilient despite eye-watering medians. Ultimately, Manly is expensive and tightly held, supported by genuine demand and limited supply. The recent flat performance doesn’t scream “bubble bursting”; it suggests the market found its level. Expect to pay top dollar for lifestyle and long-term value, not quick cash flow or instant capital growth.

Bottom line: Manly isn’t overhyped—it’s highly sought-after with a reality check. If you want energy, amenities and a scenic city commute, it stacks up. If you’re chasing yield or overnight appreciation, look elsewhere.

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Both are blue-chip beach suburbs, but they feel different. Manly is the buzzy hub: bigger, livelier, packed with dining and events—and yes, it can feel like a permanent holiday (crowds and parking headaches included). Freshwater is the quieter neighbour with a genuine village heart: fewer tourists, strong community, and a slower daily rhythm without giving up a world-class beach.

On the numbers, houses in Freshwater have slightly outpaced Manly for growth in recent years and proved more resilient in the last market wobble. Medians are now neck-and-neck for houses, while units remain more affordable in Freshwater and command a premium in Manly. Translation: Freshie isn’t the “budget alternative” anymore; it’s premium in its own right.

Supply is tight in both, especially for freestanding homes, which keeps competition fierce. Expect fast sales, off-market activity, and multiple offers when a quality listing appears—more choice in Manly for apartments; scarcer houses in Freshie.

Transport tips the other way: Manly’s ferry is a genuine edge for CBD commuters (and frankly, a joy on a good day). Freshwater is bus-based (easy B-Line access nearby) and calmer on the roads, especially on those sunny Saturdays when Manly heaves.

Our verdict is simple and honest:

• Choose Manly if you want energy, variety and a scenic city commute—and you’re fine with the hustle that comes with a famous postcode.

• Choose Freshwater if you value a tight-knit community, a calmer street life and house market strength that’s been quietly beating expectations.

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Great question. Let’s get real: the selling agent works for the seller – their job is to get the highest price out of you. In a competitive market like Manly, going it alone often means paying more or missing out. A buyer’s agent (working for you) evens the playing field. We’ll tell you the truth about a property’s value (even if the seller’s agent won’t), expertly negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you don’t overpay or buy a lemon. Plus, we can unlock opportunities you’d never hear about on your own. In short, we save you money, time, and headaches while making sure you secure the right home, not just any home.

“Off-market” = no public campaign; the sale happens quietly via agent networks. “Pre-market” = a seller is testing price/terms before going live. In a tightly held suburb like Manly, these channels matter — owners value privacy, and scarce A-grade homes can transact one-to-one. But off-market isn’t code for “cheap”; quality and leverage still decide price. Our network helps you see opportunities earlier and judge when to engage — or wait.

Off-market deals can be overhyped, so we won’t promise secret unicorns. But the truth is, many of the properties we purchase never make it to public listings. Because we’re deeply networked in the Northern Beaches community, agents come to us first with listings, and locals tip us off about neighbours considering a sale. We’ve given our clients access to dozens of homes that weren’t listed on realestate.com.au or Domain. The difference is that we know how to separate real opportunities from fluff. If there’s a hidden gem out there, we’ll help you find it – and if not, we’ll make sure you get the best of what’s on-market: no hype, just honest effort and connections working for you.

No. Balance both. Too many buyers chase “secret deals” and miss great publicly listed properties. The smart play is dual-track: run hard at on-market A-grade properties while staying live on selective off-market opportunities. In Manly, where scarcity drives behaviour, this balanced approach maximises options without overpaying for the myth of exclusivity.

We keep things simple and transparent.

Step 1 is a free consultation where we listen, ask questions, and outline honest options — no sales pitch, just clarity on your needs.

Step 2 is the search: we do the heavy lifting, filtering out the noise and previewing properties that fit, while keeping you updated.

Step 3 is negotiation: once we’ve found “the one,” we handle everything — inspections, valuations, negotiations and coordination with mortgage brokers, conveyancers and building inspectors — to secure the property at the best possible terms.

Finally, our support doesn’t stop at purchase. We connect you with trusted local trades and services to make your move seamless. From first chat to settling in, you’ll always know where things stand, with no stress or surprises.

Yes. If the asset won’t age well — poor floorplate, build risk, flood exposure, or a pricing issue — we’ll advise you to pass and keep your powder dry. Short-term FOMO is the enemy of long-term happiness. We’d rather lose a deal than your trust.

Our fees are fixed, fair and transparent and agreed up front. More importantly, we won’t accept kickbacks, referral fees or developer commissions — ever. That “free to you because the seller/developer pays” model? It compromises the buyer. We work only for you, so our incentives are clean and aligned. If anything here seems off in a transaction, we’ll call it out and advise you to walk away. That’s non-negotiable.

Many buyer’s agents charge between 1% and 2.5% of the purchase price (plus GST). We offer a simple, fixed-fee model that is less than 1%. This ensures fairness and transparency from the start.

We charge an upfront retainer of $5,500 (including GST) and a success fee payable only when we secure your ideal property.

Our success fee is fixed and agreed before we commence the search – based on your initial brief – and calculated as follows:
$15k + GST – properties under $2.5m
$20k + GST for properties between $2.5 million – $3.5 million
$25k + GST for properties between $3.5 million - $4.0 million
$30k + GST for properties over $4.0 million

A fast, focused chat to map your brief, timing, and budget — then we’ll tell you what’s realistic in Manly right now and where the hidden traps are (strata health, emerging areas, over-quoted guides). If you’re ready, we’ll move straight to a search plan and show you an initial short-list of properties. Expect blunt advice and clear next steps — no fluff, no pressure. Our role is to give you the same straight talk we’d give family, so you always understand the why behind our recommendations.

Yes. We believe trust is earned, not assumed. The call is for clarity, not a hard sell — so ask anything: independence, fees, timing, or whether you should even hire a buyer’s agent. If you'd like references, just let us know — we’re happy to connect you with recent clients so you can pressure-test us.