The best suburbs to buy in
The Rocks is becoming one of the most fashionable addresses in Sydney. iStock.com/zetter
In our recently released 2015 McGrath Report, which documents not only what’s been happening in Australian real estate (and particularly the Eastern Seaboard) but we also look at the important trends we see shaping the broader national market over the next five-to-10 years.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll delve into the issues and trends raised in our report in more detail to give you a good understanding of what’s going on and what’s coming up, so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family in terms of buying, selling and investing.
I’ll start off by saying that I think this is one of the most fascinating periods in residential real estate for the last 50 years. On a national level, the market is in many different stages of recovery.
Clearly, Sydney and Melbourne have been the star performers with 62 per cent and 32 per cent growth respectively since the GFC (2009-2015). These are rapidly growing metropolitan centres that rate highly alongside global cities like Hong Kong, London and New York for lifestyle and commerce.
However, if you look beyond the last few years and review growth in both cities over the last decade, it’s fair to say that longer-term growth rates have not been as extraordinary. In fact, Australia’s two biggest cities both underperformed against their usual 10-year growth rates.
Looking around the country, many other metropolitan markets are in the very early stages of their growth cycle at best. In some instances, they’re still as flat as the proverbial pancake.
Overall, I believe Australian residential real estate is fairly valued and this will remain the case over the long term. When you calculate the growing wealth, the unarguably amazing lifestyle and factor in the currency discount against the US dollar, we remain an attractive place to live and invest.
Across the Eastern Seaboard, here are the specific locations I rate as the best markets to buy in today based on current opportunity and long-term prospects for continuing capital growth.
SYDNEY
The Rocks
A shift in housing stock from Government-owned to private dwellings is bound to bring a massive upgrade to these beautiful harbourside Georgian and Victorian homes. Just a five-minute walk to the CBD and Barangaroo, The Rocks is becoming one of the most fashionable addresses in Sydney.
Kensington
With the recent surging interest from overseas buyers, Kenso will benefit due to its university campus and the upcoming light rail, which will whisk residents in and out of the city and to Moore Park and Royal Randwick.
Curl Curl
The gorgeous Northern Beaches lifestyle is attracting great attention from water babies looking for better value than the Eastern Suburbs. We like Curl Curl’s intimate positioning by the sand and relatively easy access to the CBD compared to its sister suburbs further north.
Parramatta
Parramatta is buzzing with new commercial and infrastructure activities. Smart companies are relocating closer to employees and the forgotten Parramatta River has found new life. New high quality medium density riverside dwellings will establish new pricing benchmarks over coming years.
Engadine
The Shire offers a great lifestyle but as surf-side suburb prices shoot north, areas like Engadine offer an affordable entry point. A budget under $750,000 will secure a home on a 600sqm block. That’s sensible value you couldn’t spot elsewhere.
BRISBANE & SURROUNDS
Murarrie, Brisbane is coming of age as young singles, couples and families priced out of nearby Bulimba, Morningside and Cannon Hill venture in looking to renovate.
Everton Park, Brisbane offers a huge range of properties and there is plenty of value for money. Investors and first home buyers are competing strongly for the lower priced homes.
Paddington, Brisbane presents the best value among Brisbane’s blue chip suburbs. Over the past two years, Paddington buyers have been venturing into Bulimba, Ascot, New Farm and Hawthorne for better value. Now they are returning following a rejuvenation of Paddington’s café scene.
Paradise Point, Gold Coast has a wonderful burgeoning café scene and offers four bedroom houses around $700,000 just 200 metres from the water.
Birtinya, Sunshine Coast offers great value and there is plenty of room for growth as the suburb continues to benefit from the ongoing development of the Kawana health precinct.
ACT
Crace is a relatively new suburb and very popular with families due to its modern housing, parks, sporting facilities, cafés and schools.
Forde is the more affordable alternative to Crace, with similar facilities but a $50,000 discount on homes. As Crace property prices grow, we see great upside potential for neighbouring suburbs.
Lyons is a gentrifying sleeper suburb next to Curtin, where property prices are peaking off the back of extremely strong demand. Lyons used to have a poor reputation but this has changed and we are now seeing Curtin buyers expanding their search into Lyons.
Dickson will enjoy long-term benefits from the light rail and Dickson centre master plan, which will bring more eateries, expanded retail and streetscape upgrades. Much of the suburb is zoned for medium density development so there is great opportunity for land banking.
Downer is just north of Dickson and will also receive benefits from the light rail and Dickson centre master plan. It offers close proximity to schools and good prospects for price growth.
MELBOURNE
Murrumbeena/Hughesdale/McKinnon is conveniently located close to Chadstone Shopping Centre, public transport and the CBD. With a selection of high quality secondary schools, the area is popular with both families and investors.
Balwyn is one of the city’s most exclusive suburbs with its tree-lined streets, period homes and large blocks. Some of Melbourne’s best schools have been driving demand from wealthy, affluent buyers.
Glen Waverley offers leading education institutions and public transport options. Million dollar homes are in high demand from a burgeoning Chinese community.
Brunswick is a trendy, multi-cultural suburb with a rich history and a strong rental market. Townhouses and apartments are popular with young professionals, yet there are still plenty of classic period homes.
Williamstown has the charm of a maritime village with its historical architecture, beaches and parklands. It’s accessible by train and ferry and has experienced widespread gentrification in recent years through increased interest from younger buyers.
In The Ultimate Guide To Real Estate, John McGrath — one of the Australia’s most innovative and successful real estate experts — shares his vast knowledge of the Australian property market. To purchase your copy of his best-selling book, visit the Total Real Estate Training website.
