John McGrath’s 10 Sydney suburb picks

Where would the top real estate industry experts buy? It’s a question regularly asked by property investors.

John McGrath, one of Australia's leading commentators and real estate identities, has shared the areas he believes investors should take a look at, and his reasoning.

Here are his top 10 Sydney picks. Keep an eye on Property Observer for his other states and territory picks over the coming week, from the McGrath Report 2014.

  Millers Point, The Rocks

 This historical northern fringe of the CBD is about to explode. With the top end of the town as one neighbour, Barangarroo as another & Sydney Harbour at your door it is the best located suburb in the country.

  Camperdown, Erskineville, Newtown

Close to the CBD & benefitting from Sydney University embedded within. King Street retail strip along with Erskineville Village are great spots to wander & find great coffee on the weekend. The Victorian terraces make this area somewhat unique and add to its charm.

  Botany, Mascot

Once a working class industrial factory suburb, this area has transformed itself completely & is fast becoming a fashionable address. Right next door to the airport it will come into its own for commuters.

  Balmain, Birchgrove

This area is not cheap. Nor should it be. Minutes by car or ferry to the CBD. Lace terraces alongside contemporary town homes, small warehouses & nearby apartments – all wrapped around a hub of activity & restaurants in the village.

  Earlwood, Bardwell Park

For many years this hidden gem has escaped the radar of many buyers. Only 12km from the CBD & with an historically large Greek community, it is now being discovered by a new group of buyers who may have previously bought in areas like Haberfield & Five Dock.

Turn over page for results six to ten

RESULTS SIX TO TEN

  Concord

Walk down the thriving coffee strip on Majors Bay Road. Look around & you’ll feel that this is an area on the move. Whilst prices are no longer the obvious value they were a few years ago, they’re still well short of where they will be in the next ten!

  Little Bay, Matraville, Chifley

The smart young families who want an Eastern Suburbs beachside location without the price tag have discovered this area. Full of leisure & sporting pursuits, it’s now home to a growing army of young professionals with families seeking better value & more land than the inner City alternatives.

  Forestville

Surrounded by bushland Forestville is hidden between the northern surf beaches & the leafy North Shore. This cosy neighborhood is rapidly becoming the preferred address for many buyers from the East & Inner West who are craving more land & value for money.

  Rouse Hill, Castle Hill

An hour wandering through Rouse Hill Town Centre retail village tells you this area is thriving. As new transport links arrive this area will have everything it needs. Strong growth over 5 years.

  Dolls Point

This picturesque pocket on the edge of Botany Bay is home to a small tight knit group of 1500 residents. Buy to occupy or as an investment & you’ll be rewarded by the increasingly popular enclave.