Realestate.com.au economist Angus Moore says Australia's obsession with lifestyle property was cemented during the pandemic and now, even though the blockade is a thing of the past, many buyers - especially downsizers - are still considering moving out of the city.

"We certainly know there are things that people particularly like, like being close to very nice beaches and being close to nature," he says.

"We also know that buyers like to have more space in their homes, which is easier to achieve away from the city centre."

Moore added that these features always trump proximity to the CBD for buyers who no longer have to commute to work every day.

One area that is attracting the attention of Sydneysiders is the stunning Central Coast.

It's easy to see why, with many national parks and more than 40 beautiful beaches in the area and thriving towns around every corner, such as Terrigal, Avoca and Gosford.

Todd Campling, director of development at Alecon, said the Central Coast "has always had tremendous potential".

"It was identified as one of the areas for the city of the future, but then the Covid incident happened and the market just took off and it's still going," he said.

"It's an area that is known for its natural beauty. There is a lot of bush and people can see native wildlife and beautiful waterways.

"But there's also a lot of government investment in the Central Coast," he added.

"Whether it's the local hospital, which has just been upgraded to $300 million, or the North Connexion Tunnel, which is being built, which makes it less than an hour from the Lower North Shore and the hills."

Moore added that prices in the area were also holding up well compared to other Australian markets, proving that demand for property on the Central Coast was likely to continue in the future.

Campling said another major factor attracting buyers was the area's promise of affordable luxury new homes.

Developer Alecon Group and builder Deicorp's Rumbalara Residences is one project currently under construction on the Central Coast that is turning heads.

"In Sydney, living in a beautiful house by the water is a dream out of reach for most people," Campling said.

"But buyers saw Rumbalara and realised they could have a beautiful home with all the luxuries at a much more achievable price."

The development includes 188 homes spread across four uniquely designed buildings nestled within two hectares of landscaped gardens.

The area also boasts unique features such as a modern spa pool, relaxing gardens, a private cinema, concierge and communal billiard room.

Prices start at an affordable $800,000 and go up to $4 million for high-end homes on site, Campling said.

"There are one-, two- and three-bedroom flats of varying sizes, but most of the homes offer stunning views due to the elevated terrain," says Campling.

The flats have been carefully designed to be 'deliberately cookie-cutter homes', with beautiful coastal finishes and Miele appliances.

Other options include spacious two-storey townhouses with large courtyards and a collection of treehouses "that align with the canopy and create a beautiful outlook", says Campling.

At the top end of the range, the Treehouse residences offer up to 300 square metres of complete luxury with Sub Zero Wolf appliances, 60mm marble countertops and sandstone fireplaces.

"We have deliberately created a portfolio of luxury products for like-minded people, while realising that different people will be attracted to different types of homes and at different prices," Campling shared.

He added that the homes will suit those looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle, "who want more time to enjoy life".

With such strong interest in the Central Coast and an expected completion date of 2024, Campling says Rumbaralara has been "inundated with enquiries" recently.

Most purchasers are owner-occupiers from Sydney who are looking for a lifestyle opportunity.

People transitioning into retirement are also snapping up properties "to get in early and be ready for the next phase of life".

"All these people like the idea of having all these community facilities where you can hang out, meet new people and have a lot of fun - especially because a lot of them are relocating from Sydney," he adds.

"It's obviously about living the luxury lifestyle, but forming new friendship groups in a new location is a strong part of that."