Property experts pick cool hot suburbs across Sydney - The Daily Telegraph

Hayley and Rowan Canak with their children Lachlan and Layla at home in Kings Langley. Picture: Kelly Rohan Source: The Sunday Telegraph

THEY'RE the suburbs that are hot even though you think they're not.

There are pockets of Sydney where homes can still be picked up for bargain prices that don't reflect their attractions, such as cafes, art galleries and community spirit.

"People need to try to focus on the in-between suburbs - the areas you never hear about," says Charles Tarbey, chairman of Century 21.

So while they may be off your real estate radar, experts have identified a handful of areas set to become the next "hip" places to live.

Campsie

(median price $725,000)

WHAT the experts say: David He, Laing+Simmons Campsie said the area appeals to first-home buyers and investors who want an affordable home in a suburb which has "significant potential growth".

Westmead

($700,000)

WHAT the experts say: Westmead has excellent public transport links including T-way buses and express city trains. It's also appealing for its hospital, good schools and parks, Ray White real estate's Rowan Thredgold said.

Kings Langley

($561,000)

WHAT the experts say: Chris Mourd, head of residential for LJ Hooker, nominates Kings Langley as a suburb to watch. "Kings Langley is aspirational for Blacktown residents," he said. "There's a great community spirit and some beautiful homes. People are wanting to get in and buy there."

Arncliffe

($680,000)

WHAT the experts say: Well serviced in terms of transport and with an affordable median house price, this southern suburb is attracting younger couples. "There's more renovation of older homes there rather than knocking down," Mr Mourd said. "It's a dynamic of renovate, tidy up and reinstate the heritage."

Earlwood

($797,500)

WHAT the experts say: Mr Tarbey says growth and renewal is being reflected in its prices: "For me it's a suburb that's had a lot of opportunity for a while. In the past couple of weeks there have been some record prices set there."

North Ryde

($830,000)

WHAT the experts say: The Epping to Chatswood rail line has boosted North Ryde's popularity, says Fred Jabbour, Richardson & Wrench Gladesville. Macquarie Park and Macquarie University are also big drawcards. "There are a lot of houses in the area that offer scope for renovation or knock-down," he said.

Greenacre

($560,000)

WHAT the experts say: When people can't afford to get into South Strathfield, they look to Greenacre, says Mr Mourd. "It's a chance to create your own dream home. People are finding a block of land with a really old home and knocking it down to rebuild."

Dulwich Hill

($850,000)

WHAT the experts say: McGrath Estate Agents chief executive John McGrath said Dulwich Hill "is the new Randwick". "It offers young professionals and families a mix of urban living, with more land and a value price tag," Mr McGrath said. Positive Real Estate CEO Sam Saggers said the approval of light rail had put the suburb on the map. "It has previously been over shadowed by premium inner-west areas," he said.

Dee Why

($921,000)

WHAT the experts say: Richardson & Wrench Dee Why principal Tony Norris said Dee Why was a very cosmopolitan place popular with families and young people. "The real action is in Dee Why. There is a constant demand for units and that is because rentals are so strong and they are relatively well priced," he said.

Belfield

($712,500)

WHAT the experts say: Mr Saggers said there have been at least five new cafes open in the suburb in the past six months, and developers and locals are enhancing the area. "There's a lot less hustle than many busy areas in the southwest," he said.