After seeing property values fall under the weight of the global economic downturn, Gold Coast properties are forecast to regain its luster.

"The Gold Coast is a unique part of Australia with a great variety of living options ranging from absolute waterfront, river, canal, golf course and lakefront to hinterland acreage properties," said Aaron Maskrey, research director with PRDnationwide.

"These varied choices continue to make the Gold Coast a popular place to live. Many factors combine to create strong population growth and there are no indications this will not continue. With population growth comes demand for residential accommodation and non residential development. This continued demand should hold the Gold Coast in good stead going forward."

After the challenging year of 2009, Maskrey focused on areas where recovery will most likely thrive when selecting his 2010 hot spots.

He picked Helensvale, Labrador, Southport, Surfers Paradise, Robina, Varsity Lakes, Tugun, Kingscliff, Casuarina and Murwillumbah as this year's top investment hot spots.

"I'm confident my 2010 picks will be a good growth story as they have been chosen based on current pricing levels, infrastructure, property trends, access to amenity and other factors."

He said a property's proximity to reliable transport nodes that provide easy access to employment and amenity is key. "Access to amenity and employment nodes and affordability will be important to ensure short term and long term price growth. Look for bargains in good suburbs and sort your finances to make the most of low interest rates," he said.

Maskrey noted that investors are now slowly returning, enticed by the increasing rents and declining numbers of first home buyers.

"We have already seen increasing levels of activity in most suburbs and as activity increases expect prices to follow suit," he said.

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