Oyster Bay and Jannali House Prices Set to Surge After Region's Two Most Sacred Institutions Get Glow-Ups

Brock Ledger | Economics Correspondent | Sutherland Shire Gazette

17 June 2025

Property prices across the Shire are expected to skyrocket this week after two major local icons underwent what economists are calling a “dual-lane gentrification event” — the reopening of Metro Jannali Petrol Station and the controversial signage facelift at Oyster Bay’s beloved bottle shop.

Locals are describing the developments as “transformative” and “the biggest thing to happen since Engadine McDonald’s closed for renovations in 2017.”

In Jannali, the long-dormant Metro petrol station has roared back to life, boasting refurbished pumps, a pie warmer, and working Swap & Go gas bottles — without the need for a man in a flammable hi-vis jacket to appear from a shipping container with a smoke still in hand. Importantly, they’ve retained the famously low fuel prices, restoring hope to residents who were days away from siphoning unleaded from neighbour’s lawnmowers.

Meanwhile, over in Oyster Bay, the local bottle shop’s decades-old VB-branded sign — a beacon of suburban charm and barely-safe wiring — has been replaced with a sleek, modern LED display. Some locals are still in mourning, with one resident describing the new look as “too Manly and not enough Menai.” Others are already listing homes with the phrase “walking distance to curated alcohol experience” in their Domain ads.

Real estate agents are predicting a 12–15% surge in property values due to what they’re calling “The Double Uplift Effect™”: affordable petrol and artisanal Riesling, within a 10-minute drive. Investors are flooding in from Annandale.

Experts warn this could cause tension among long-time locals. “All it takes is one oat milk fridge and suddenly a bloke named Trent’s opening a dog yoga studio,” said Graham, 63, while clutching a Tooheys and refusing to call it progress.