NRL Star Tom Trbojevic Puts Manly Vale Investment Apartment on the Market
Manly Sea Eagles champion Tom Trbojevic is making headlines off the field, with news that the NRL superstar is selling his Manly Vale investment apartment. The beloved fullback, widely regarded as one of the best players in the competition, is hoping to achieve a sale price of between $1.23 million and $1.27 million for the property — a strong return on an asset he purchased nearly a decade ago at just 20 years old.
The listing has attracted considerable attention from Sydney property watchers and NRL fans alike, shining a spotlight on the northern beaches real estate market and the savvy investment decisions made by some of Australia's top sporting identities. Here is everything you need to know about the property, the sale, and what it tells us about the Manly Vale apartment market.
About the Property: Kenneth Road, Manly Vale
The apartment sits on Kenneth Road in Manly Vale, a sought-after suburb on Sydney's northern beaches. It is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit with a notable feature not always found in apartment living — two private courtyards. These outdoor spaces add considerable lifestyle appeal to what is already a well-located property.
The apartment is situated within a block constructed in 2009, meaning it benefits from relatively modern building standards and is likely to appeal to both owner-occupiers looking for a comfortable home and investors seeking a well-maintained, easy-to-rent property.
The sale is being handled by Sweetnams, with the Kenneth Road listing currently available on realestate.com.au. Potential buyers and curious onlookers can view full property details through the agency's online portal.
A Smart Buy Back in 2016
Trbojevic purchased the Manly Vale apartment in 2016 for $895,000. At the time, he was just 20 years old and already establishing himself as a rising force in the NRL. Buying an investment property at that age is a remarkable financial decision that many young people — let alone professional athletes — rarely make, and it speaks volumes about the long-term thinking that has characterised Trbojevic's approach both on and off the field.
Since that purchase, Sydney's northern beaches property market has experienced significant growth, and the expected sale price of $1.23 million to $1.27 million represents a capital gain of approximately $335,000 to $375,000 over roughly nine years. That is a meaningful return on a real estate investment, and one that many investors in the same corridor would be envious of.
The Property as a Rental Investment
The Kenneth Road apartment has served as a rental property for Trbojevic throughout his ownership. As recently as May 2025, the property was advertised seeking a tenant at $830 per week. At that weekly rental rate, the property would generate approximately $43,160 per year in gross rental income — a solid yield for a northern beaches apartment at that price point.
Rental demand on Sydney's northern beaches remains robust, driven by lifestyle appeal, proximity to beaches, quality schools, and strong transport connections to the CBD. Manly Vale, positioned between the bustle of Manly and the quieter residential pockets of Balgowlah and Frenchs Forest, benefits from exactly this kind of enduring tenant demand.
Why Manly Vale Remains a Strong Property Market
The northern beaches of Sydney have long been among the most desirable real estate corridors in the country. Manly Vale, while perhaps less internationally famous than its neighbour Manly, offers a compelling mix of suburban comfort and coastal convenience that consistently attracts buyers and renters alike.
- Lifestyle appeal: Within easy reach of Manly Beach, coastal walks, and a thriving café and dining scene, Manly Vale offers residents the best of northern beaches living without the premium price tag attached to beachfront Manly.
- Strong rental demand: The suburb attracts a diverse range of tenants, from young professionals and families to tradies and healthcare workers accessing the broader northern beaches employment corridor.
- Capital growth history: As demonstrated by Trbojevic's own investment, properties in this corridor have delivered meaningful long-term capital appreciation, particularly for well-presented units with outdoor space.
- Infrastructure and connectivity: Improved bus routes and proximity to key arterial roads make Manly Vale accessible for commuters heading to the CBD or other employment centres on the northern beaches.
NRL Stars and Property Investment: A Growing Trend
Tom Trbojevic is far from the only NRL player who has turned to Sydney real estate as a vehicle for long-term wealth creation. Professional athletes, particularly those at the top of their sport, often seek stable, tangible assets to complement their income during their playing years and provide financial security beyond their careers.
Property investment has historically been one of the most popular choices for Australian athletes, and for good reason. Real estate offers potential for both rental income and capital growth, is relatively straightforward to understand, and benefits from a range of tax advantages when structured correctly. For a player of Trbojevic's calibre — who has spent his career at a single club and built his profile into one of the most recognisable in the game — property investment on the northern beaches, close to where he lives and trains, is a natural and logical choice.
What Buyers Should Know
For prospective buyers considering the Kenneth Road apartment, the price guide of $1.23 million to $1.27 million positions the property firmly within the mid-tier unit market for Manly Vale. With two bedrooms, two courtyards, and a solid 2009 build, the apartment offers genuine liveability as well as ongoing investment potential.
Given the property's recent rental history at $830 per week, buyers considering it as an investment should factor in the strong tenant demand the area commands. With interest rates a key consideration for all buyers in the current environment, those crunching the numbers will want to carefully assess borrowing costs against potential rental returns.
The profile of the vendor may also generate additional interest and competitive bidding, as properties previously owned by high-profile sporting figures often attract a level of buyer curiosity that can support strong auction outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Tom Trbojevic's decision to sell his Manly Vale investment apartment offers an interesting window into how savvy young athletes manage their finances and build wealth beyond the playing field. Purchased at $895,000 in 2016 when Trbojevic was just 20 years old, the Kenneth Road property has been consistently rented and is now expected to sell for up to $1.27 million — a testament to both Trbojevic's early financial instincts and the enduring strength of the northern beaches property market.
Whether you are an NRL fan, a property investor, or simply someone keeping an eye on Sydney's ever-evolving real estate landscape, the sale of this Manly Vale apartment is a compelling story of smart long-term investment paying off. Prospective buyers can view the listing on realestate.com.au or contact Sweetnams directly for more information.