The beautiful Central Coast is now a much sought-after area, attracting everyone from first-time buyers to work-from-home professionals and luxury-seeking retirees.

Just 90 minutes north from the CBD, buyers can find spacious properties at a fraction of the cost, but with the added lifestyle.

Sydney is a place that has a lot to offer, but property prices have become frustrating in recent times, even during the current downturn.

Angus Moore of Realestate.com.au said data from Proptrack showed that the median home value in Sydney was higher than any other metropolitan area in the country.

"In March, the median price of a detached home in the greater Sydney area was $1.2 million, and obviously even higher in desirable suburbs such as near water," he said.

For example, in Arncliffe, a family-oriented suburb located 11 kilometres south of the CBD, buyers will pay a median of $1.4 million for a detached house.

In the popular waterfront suburb of Maroubra, property prices are more than double the Sydney median, with a median of $2.56 million for a house and $972,500 for a flat.

Homebuyers can expect to pay more in the North Beach area. In Dee Why, the median house price is $2.58 million, while homes close to the beach in Collaroy, Narrabeen and Curl Curl can cost buyers at least $4 to $5 million.

"Sydney is definitely an expensive place to live, even for people with fairly high incomes, and that's one of the factors we're seeing driving people to look outside of the city, such as the Central Coast," Moore said.

As buyers look for new destinations, the Central Coast has become an attractive option.

According to Moore, a key factor is the fact that people can get more bang for their buck in this area.

"The median price of a home on the Central Coast is slightly under $900,000," he says.

"But properties in the area tend to offer more space, such as extra bedrooms or outdoor areas, and we know that appeals to buyers.

The Central Coast certainly offers a lot of lifestyle benefits too.

There are beautiful national parks, more than 40 beaches and charming towns with top restaurants and boutiques.

Meanwhile, the heart of Gosford has everything residents need, from hospitals and universities to large retail outlets and marinas.

With so much on offer, quality buyers are what Sydneysiders are looking for in the area and they are impressed by the spacious luxury waterfront flats on offer at affordable prices.

The Rumbalara Residences, built by Alceon and Deicorp, is currently under construction and is a development that caters to an upmarket clientele.

"This is one of the most luxurious developments ever built on the Central Coast," says Todd Campling, Alceon's Director of Development.

"It's designed to appeal to owner-occupied buyers looking for something really special. We wanted to create a community of like-minded people who wanted something special, not a cookie-cutter condominium."

The 2.2-hectare resort-style estate includes 188 units spread across four boutique buildings, with homes ranging from large one-bedroom units to spacious four-bedroom townhouses.

Reflecting a coastal lifestyle, the residences have connected indoor and outdoor spaces featuring a range of natural tones and textures.

Kitchens are carefully designed for entertaining and bathrooms are luxurious.

The Rumbalara Residences' collection of treehouses in particular has buyers talking.

These loft-style homes are in keeping with the tree canopy and have floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the views.

The layouts are open and the finishes are spectacular. Gorgeous timber floors, marble kitchen countertops, AstraWalker taps, SubZero and Wolf appliances and sandstone fireplaces.

To complement the prestigious property, Campling says the area will also have beautifully landscaped gardens and excellent communal facilities.

"In the development itself, there's a real opportunity to do different activities every day," he said.

You don't need to get in a car to go anywhere," he says. It's all right on your doorstep."

In the centre of the site, residents will have a figure-eight lagoon pool surrounded by lush greenery.

Residents will also have access to a clubhouse with a private cinema, billiard room, restaurant, gym, day spa, communal desks and a virtual golf simulator.

Campling added that another considerable benefit is that the sanctuary is just over 30 minutes from Sydney's North Shore - making office commuting or visiting family and friends very achievable.

"You hop on a car or train and you can easily get back to the city, but back home you have this amazing lifestyle," Campling said.

All images courtesy of Rumbalara Residences.