If you're an expat living overseas, you'll be used to a certain level of comfort, I'm sure. If you intend to reside in the property you purchase (and you've already ruled out Sunshine), then I'm certain you'll rule out Melton and similar suburbs in the west. A family member built out there and doesn't like the area or the general demographics and is looking to sell up, at no profit.

I'm very familiar with Brunswick/Coburg and someone's already mentioned it. Brunswick prices are through the roof,- you've missed that opportunity. Northcote is also very expensive. I would recommend the north-east as I used to live there and I honestly believe it's good value for money, hilly/green, good demographics/schools/shops, larger blocks etc. Look at suburbs such as View Bank, Watsonia, Greensborough, Yallambie, Bundoora. Rosanna is gorgeous but quite pricey as it's next to Ivanhoe, a fairly exclusive suburb.

Jump on realestate.com.au and check out the surrounding suburbs.