Home buyers hoping for a bargain in Helensburgh may need to look elsewhere, if a new property forecast proves correct.
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New research has revealed the top 20 locations for forecast annual median house price growth in 2020.
The analysis by SuburbGrowth.com.au - part of the Select Residential Property Research Group (SRP) - identified the locations where median house prices are tipped to increase by up to 7.5 per cent this year.
In their top 20 locations for forecast median house price growth in 2020, Helensburgh ranked at No.12.
According to the report, the suburb had a median house price of $758,000, with a forecast growth of seven per cent (or $53,000) for 2020.
The suburb also has a demand to supply ratio of 74 out of 100.
The list is based on a model whereby they score supply and demand for suburbs around Australia, taking into account factors such as auction clearance rates, vacancy rates and percentage of stock on market.
"That's all combined together into a single score, called the demand to supply ratio," SRP director of research Jeremy Sheppard said.
"The idea is that if demand exceeds supply, then property prices are going to go up."
The research focused on suburbs within significant urban areas and houses rather than units.
Mr Sheppard said the top 20 list featured a number of beach-type, lifestyle locations.
"I'm figuring that this time of year, the lifestyle of being near a beach is more prominent than it is in cooler months," he said.
"That combined with easier lending, more affordability because of price drops and better interest rates is probably combining to make Helensburgh one of those hot spots."
Mr Sheppard said he didn't want to suggest that this will "take off and we'll see another boom like we did from 2012 to 2017".
"I don't think it's anything like that," he said.
"Home buyers should probably be aware though that because the Helensburgh market is one where demand exceeds supply, you're not going to be able to hunt down a bargain.
"You're going to have to put in a strong offer, have your finance already arranged and you're going to have to make a quick decision.
"Sellers will be licking their chops - they won't have any problem finding a sale."
Principal of Raine & Horne Helensburgh Julie York said the suburb's appealing qualities included its close proximity to Sydney and Wollongong, as well as the beach.
She said it remained in high demand, with their agency having a database of prospective buyers "bursting at the seams" to live there.
The SuburbGrowth analysis found that the number one location for forecast median house price growth in 2020 is St Leonards in Launceston, Tasmania.
The second-best location for forecast growth over the year is Bangor in the Sutherland Shire.