Property prices in the northern, western and outer fringe suburbs are expected to experience the biggest growth in Melbourne this year.

They are among the 229 suburbs with rising sales, the highest number in seven years, according to Hotspotting’s latest Autumn Price Predictor Index, as reported in the Herald Sun.

Prices in Darebin, Moonee Valley and Banyule municipalities are expected to surge, as well as those in affordable suburbs such as Hoppers Crossing, Meadow Heights and Sydenham, Hotspotting’s Terry Ryder said.

“It shows that people are inevitably chasing affordability, which has become harder and harder in Melbourne,” Mr Ryder said.

Located 22km northwest of the CBD, Sydenham had a significant rise in sales activity in the last quarter with 54 properties changing hands, and this would lead to major price growth, according to Mr Ryder.

One of Barry Plant Taylors Lakes’ core areas, Sydenham has seen a 15-20 per cent rise in sales in the past two years, according to agent Michael Costa.

The suburb’s median house price has jumped 12.5 per cent in the past 12 months to $715,000, realestate.com.au data revealed.

“Sydenham represents affordability and value,” Mr Costa said.

“And it’s a great option for those priced out of neighbouring suburbs, including Taylors Lakes.”

The suburb’s infrastructure developments and easy access to Watergardens Town Centre with its shops, medical facilities and train station, are also drawcards.

There is a diverse range of properties on offer, including apartments, units and townhouses on smaller 450-700sq m blocks closer to Watergardens Town Centre, which attract singles and couples wanting a low-maintenance lifestyle, Mr Costa said.

A three-bedroom house on 504sq m at 5 Blue Moon Way attracted five bidders at auction and was snapped up by a local couple for $690,000.

The property, in the sought-after Rose Hedge Estate, sold well above the seller’s reserve, according to Mr Costa.

“This is a popular price point and the home is in a great location within walking distance to Watergardens,” he said.

Also near Watergardens Town Centre, a near new two-bedroom unit in a block of three at 2/19 Dunraven Court, attracted multiple offers from first-home buyers.

“There was strong interest at the opens and it sold for $510,000 to a young buyer from Hoppers Crossing,” Mr Costa said.

Larger homes on 800-1000sq m blocks and subdivisions are mainly found on the outer areas to the right of the Melton Highway, and attract families wanting extra space and lifestyle property, Mr Costa said.

A first-home buyer from Taylors Lakes splashed $860,000 on a four-bedroom house on 1012sq m at 7 Argyll Street.

“The property sold above expectations because of its land size and potential for future development,” Mr Costa said.