Developers have identified sites close to transport, particularly train and light rail are sure bets in attracting buyers. Retail outlets, cafes and restaurants grow up around transport hubs giving buyers more reasons to move close by.  Before long, the suburb becomes a hotspot.

Positioned on the southern banks of the Cooks River and north of Arncliffe, Wolli Creek has flourished since its redevelopment by Australand and Landcom over the past decade. Thousands of apartments have been built along with a shopping and dining precinct in the village square and a transport interchange at Wolli Creek station.

Residents have been drawn to the area 10 kilometres south of the city centre but only three train stops from Central. Part of the redevelopment of the area has included upgrading of the parks and riverfront with walking and cycling tracks.

A pair of 13-level residential towers named Cahill Gardens is planned for a site opposite Cahill Park and the Cooks River. Designed by Dickson Rothschild Architects, the buildings will offer residents park, river and city outlooks.

Patrick Tian, director of developers, Grand City International, says the group spent six months searching for an appropriate site.

"We view Wolli Creek as a fast-developing area and the most important factor for us was its convenience," Tian says. Cahill Gardens will be less than 500 metres from the train station and village square and only one train stop from the airport.

The director of project marketing for selling agents Colliers International, Curtis Field, says Sydney's inner south is popular for its connection to the CBD but also to employment hubs around the airport and south to Hurstville.

Cahill Gardens' park-front position has influenced its design. Architect Nigel Dickson has used the green outlook as a theme for the apartment complex, incorporating vertical gardens and vine-leaf motifs in laser-cut metal panels on the exterior. There will be landscaped gardens and two outdoor areas, one on level eight of one of the towers.

Sydney's inner west is developing its own hotspots along its light rail line. Like the boutique apartment block Society, which is drawing attention for its proximity to Lewisham's light rail station as well as for its design, Arlington Grove at Dulwich Hill is expected to attract plenty of interest at its May 10 launch.

Designed by Smart Design Studio, it will house 246 units across four buildings that are footsteps from the new Arlington light rail stop. It will have its own community garden, an orange grove, café, gym and barbecue facilities.

As interest in the Green Square area grows, the appetite for new homes there continues. At Rosebery, now the home of destination retail such as Kitchen by Mike, Koskela and Black Star Pastry, a new six-storey complex, 33 Dunning is drawing attention.

Developer Trident Real Estate Capital's Costa Argyrou and his lawyer sister, Stella Argyrou, have long had confidence in the area identifying it as a culturally and economically diverse community. They believe the high growth is due to its inner-city location and affordability compared with Paddington and Surry Hills.

The design by Jackson Teece architects includes high ceilings, bespoke interiors and a 400-square-metre landscaped rooftop terrace by Aspect Studios.

Cahill Gardens
8 Gertrude Street, Wolli Creek

Wolli Creek is three train stops from Central station. Dickson Rothschild Architects have designed two 13-storey towers flanking a podium level opposite Cahill Park and the Cooks River waterfront. Residents will have views towards the city. One-bed plus study (56-60 square metres) from $565,000, two-beds (73-82 square metres) from $810,000 and three-beds (107 square metres) from $995,000. Strata levies yet to be struck. Due for completion late 2017. Stage One launches on May 2. Phone Colliers 1800 986 880. cahillgardens.com.au

Case study: 'The way for the future'

Carmel Davidson had no qualms about leaving the coastal suburb she grew up in when she bought off the plan in Rosebery. "I've lived in Maroubra all my life but I'm excited about moving out,"  the 62-year-old retiree says. "I like the industrial feel of Rosebery and all the infrastructure coming to the Green Square area."

Davidson and her husband, Charlie, have bought a three-bedroom, single-level apartment in 33 Dunning. They wanted to be in a small block and to be close to the city. "This is the way for the future with all the cafes and restaurants we can walk to," says Davidson. Their 24-year-old son will move with them and grandchildren will visit.

Or try these:

Arlington Grove
24 Grove Street, Dulwich Hill 

All apartments in the four eight-storey buildings designed by Smart Design Studio have car spaces despite being footsteps from the new Arlington light rail stop and close to Dulwich Hill train stop. One-beds (up to 68 square metres) from $600,000, two-beds (up to 105 square metres) from $800,000 and three-beds (up to 165 square metres) from $1.35 million. Strata levies not yet set. Due for completion mid-2017. Public launch May 10. Phone CBRE, 1800 881 221. arlingtongrove.com.au

Dunning 
33 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery

This boutique complex of 33 apartments is in one of Sydney's hottest spots close to Green Square station and town centre, Kitchen by Mike and Black Star café. Architect Jackson Teece worked with Aspect Studios to give all units balconies or courtyards as well as a shared rooftop terrace. One-beds (about 57 square metres) from $620,000, two-beds (about 75 square metres) from $840,000 and three-beds (about 101 square metres) from $1.1 million. Strata levies from $665 a quarter. Due for completion early 2017. Phone Coastline Agency, 0419 696 555. 33dunning.com