Not long ago, Malabar and Matraville were the quiet cousins of the Eastern Suburbs friendly, family-oriented and unassuming. But those who’ve paid attention to the subtle shift in the market know something exciting is happening here. These two coastal pockets are transforming and fast becoming some of the most desirable addresses in the south-east.

Malabar: A Coastal Secret That’s Hard to Keep

Tucked away between Maroubra and Little Bay, Malabar feels like another world a protected bay that glows at sunset, locals who actually know each other, and that distinct mix of calm and class that’s almost impossible to find this close to the city.

For families, it’s a dream: safe swimming beaches, golf courses on the cliffs, quality schools and leafy, low-traffic streets. For investors, it’s a suburb with limited stock, increasing demand and a coastline that simply can’t be replicated.

Why it’s expensive: Scarcity. Homes here rarely hit the market, and when they do, locals often buy within the suburb to upsize or downsize. Combine that with strong emotional demand and limited supply, and prices hold and grow.

Matraville: The Family-Friendly Reinvention

Matraville has undergone a quiet reinvention. Once a working-class pocket, it’s now one of the Eastern Suburbs’ most balanced places to live close to beaches, shopping centres, good schools and transport. Cafés and small businesses have flourished, families are staying longer, and young professionals are recognising the suburb’s potential.

This suburb offers value with upside: larger blocks, new developments, and proximity to both the beach and the airport. It’s ideal for those who crave coastal living without the inflated premiums of its northern neighbours.

Why it’s expensive: Demand has surged from young families and professionals priced out of Coogee and Randwick. Add in strong local infrastructure upgrades and proximity to the light rail, and the fundamentals stack up beautifully.

The Shared Allure: Lifestyle Meets Liveability

Both suburbs sit in that sweet spot minutes from Maroubra Beach, close to the airport and within easy reach of the CBD. They offer quiet streets, coastal air, and a genuine community feel that many say has been lost in the inner east.

And that’s why people are paying a premium. Because here, you can still surf before work, have brunch by the beach, and be in the city by nine. It’s the Eastern Suburbs dream, just a little less crowded.

Why Smart Buyers Use a Buyer’s Agent Here

Competition is fierce, and the best opportunities don’t last. Many homes in Malabar and Matraville sell off-market, through private networks or discreet agent calls. To find them, you need someone already plugged in.

Malabar and Matraville might have once flown under the radar, but that time is over. They represent everything Sydney buyers crave coastal calm, strong fundamentals and community warmth without the chaos of the more commercial eastern beaches.

The market knows it too, which is why competition is heating up fast.

If you’re ready to explore Sydney’s best-kept coastal secrets, talk to PB Property today — we’ll help you get ahead before the rest of Sydney catches on.