You'll be paying a premium for houses in these suburbs

Similarly, if you want to buy a house in the St George area.

Homeowners in many Sutherland Shire suburbs are holding onto their houses for an average of more than 16 years according to recent data released by agent comparison site, OpenAgent.com.au.

The average hold period for houses in the Sutherland Shire is the highest in Woolooware (18.77 years) while the average hold period for units in the Shire is the highest in Gymea.

Houses in the St George area are held on to for approximately 13 years and units for nine.

McGrath Sutherland Shire real estate agent Melissa Hatheier said prices would be higher in pockets that are tightly held.

"I recently sold a house that had been in the one family for 60 years," she said.

"So the houses tend to be more expensive because they are rarely on offer."

Average hold periods in the region typically sit around 13.71 years for houses and 9.80 years for units

The average hold period for houses in Bundeena sits at 17.62 years and Sylvania at 16.49 years.

McGrath Sutherland Shire real estate agent Murray Cole said the accessibility of Woolooware attracts buyers when they are on the market.

"A lot of people try to go to Cronulla, but then there's the traffic and everything's really busy, so you'll find that Woolooware, just one suburb away, is good because it's more accessible, easier to get in and out of, and you still get everything that Cronulla has to offer," he said.

"Usually people buy in Woolooware when they're a young family and the only reason they have to sell is to get something smaller once the kids leave home, hence why you have that 19 year time period."

OpenAgent data analyst Carson Teh said suburbs with long holding periods have features that encourage residents to stay in the area.

"Suburbs with easy access to the city, efficient public transport facilities, major roads, high-performing schools, and employment opportunities could all be reasons not to sell," said Mr Teh.

"With demand back in the region, homeowners looking to sell should definitely highlight the Sutherland Shire's best characteristics when listing their properties.

"Woolooware, the Sutherland Shire's most tightly held suburb, is close to beaches, parks, schools, shops, hospitals and transport, a safe suburb that's ideal for families."

The average hold period for units in the Sutherland Shire is the highest in Gymea (11.18 years), Kirrawee (11.02 years) and Engadine (10.79 years).

Gymea is popular with young families, especially because of its proximity to the Gymea Village, Miranda Mall, Cronulla Beach, Sutherland Hospital and has an overall great community.

"With the average hold periods in the region typically sitting around 13.71 years for houses and 9.80 years for units, these suburbs definitely have something to offer," Mr Teh said.