Some areas that come to mind (in NSW) with your point are:
Ryde: as soon as the gvt announced a train line prices sky rocketed and they are currently maintained, you should check out between 2000-2012 in that area and you'll be shocked.
Blacktown + surrounding: The govt announced a project (which later failed and was an epic waste of taxholder money) that there would be increased infrastructure to allow for the development of these area. Prices sky rocketed and the project well through. Don't quote me, but I think this was around 2007-2009?
Deewhy: Slowly housing commission is being pushed out of the area and prices are going up.
Parramatta: increased infrastructure (trains, busses, better roads) with the idea to creat a second or third CBD to take the pressure off Sydney CBD. Prices are quite high.
To add another point to yours malaga, If I were looking around the city or a bit out, I would be thinking about m2 and if I could turn this overly spacious 2 bedroom into a 3 bedroom whilst maintaining quality of life...
