I think the southern area has been pretty heavily hit by the GFC.   There have been quite a few job loses in the manufacturing industries in Lonsdale and people generally aren't spending money – not sure if it has since picked up, but was pretty bad there for a while (my dad owns a business in Christies Beach).  Perhaps its a good time to grab a bargain?  It's a nice area – although it does give you the feeling of living in the 1960s

I've found Aldinga to be primarily first home buyers who are willing to commute the extra distance if it means they can enter the housing market.  I've considered it myself, however, in my opinion its not really a renters market – its too far out.  Having said that, there have been some decent capital gains in the last 2-3 years.