The Illawarra property market has thrived during 2021, with many out-of-area buyers drawn to the region's beaches and associated lifestyle.
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The work from home phenomenon amid the COVID-19 pandemic has also helped drive this shift.
Therefore, for the benefit of both local and out-of-area buyers, the Mercury spoke to a series of the region's agents to find out the best beachside suburbs to buy in this summer.
Trever Molenaar - Molenaar + McNeice
Mr Molenaar said he believed Bulli was one of the region's most picturesque beachside suburbs, and felt there was more growth left in the suburb with its proximity to Sydney.
"It's relatively untouched with high-density living and has a mix of styles of homes," he said.
"I also believe both Coledale and Shellharbour are two beachside suburbs I would also invest in as they both have opportunities to buy with direct beach access.
"Shellharbour has great infrastructure, and Coledale is a small suburb with a village that has limited options for buyers which retains its value well."
Neil Campbell - Ray White Gerringong
Mr Campbell highlighted Werri Beach, due to the proximity of Werri lagoon and the beach.
"It's got a beautiful walk from the north end of Werri down to the surf club at the south end of Werri Beach - it's a paved boardwalk," he said.
"And the views go back to Rose Valley and the Illawarra escarpment."
Neil Webster - Stone Real Estate - Illawarra
Mr Webster highlighted a couple of suburbs that he said fit the bill - Port Kembla and Warilla.
"Port Kembla is an area that's going to see a massive change over the next few years," he said.
"We're already seeing it transition [with] generational change, from the steelworks employees that lived there to more younger families moving in, and there's a fair bit of investment going into the area as well.
"Also, Little Lake down at the edge of Warilla is a great family spot.
"You're seeing a lot of homes in that area that sell along the drive there that are hitting high prices, but a street back, along Osborne Parade, they're a little cheaper. So I think there will be some growth in that area."
Michelle Mannex - Shellharbour Marina Real Estate
Ms Mannex's selection was Shell Cove.
She said the recently opened, "world-class" Shellharbour Marina and beaches were key to the appeal of Shell Cove.
*The boat harbour has a catchment of 3.45 square kilometres, larger than Darling Harbour, with the water body 12 hectares in area coupled with a picturesque boardwalk wrapping the harbour's perimeter," she said.
"There's cafes, bars and restaurants now open with more to come."
She also said there were great spots for surfing, swimming, driving and snorkeling, with popular venues like The Farm, Mystics Beach, South Beach, Bass Point and Bushrangers Bay all within close reach.
Andy Wharton - First National Coast & Country
Mr Wharton's pick was Kiama. He said with its close proximity to Sydney and easy access via rail or road, the area had become a desirable location for leisure activities.
"However, as a place to live permanently the Kiama area has many outstanding and desirable features," he said.
"Its unspoilt beaches, lush rolling hills, famous Blowhole, world-class waves, ancient rainforests and outstanding coastal walks promise a true lifestyle change.
"Whether you're trekking the coastal cliffs, riding a wave on one of our beautiful beaches or enjoying a swim in one of our crystal sea pools a true coastal lifestyle is right at your doorstep.
"Salty air, sunshine, surf and long stretches of sand - Kiama epitomises everything great about the NSW South Coast."
Mattias Samuelsson - Ray White Helensburgh
Mr Samuelsson's pick was Stanwell Park, due to its quiet, peaceful vibe and village feel, in addition to having a park adjacent to the beach that was great for families wanting a day out.
"And you don't have many houses built right up to the beach - looking back from the sand, you can see the escarpment; aesthetically it's the most beautiful beach in the region," he said.
"It still blows me away after all these years.
"It has a good sense of community too - the school, cafes, social groups. It has that really tight-knit community feel to it."