The synthesis of methyl 2-(5-hydroxy-3-methoxypyridin-2-yl)acetate and alkyl 2-(5-hydroxypyrimidin-2-yl)acetate is described. Methodology for an efficient access to 5-hydroxy-pyridin- and pyrimidin-2-yl acetate cores has been developed. Based on the difference in halogen reactivity, 5-bromo-2-chloropyridine and its pyrimidine analogue were functionalized judiciously by SNAr and palladium-catalyzed reactions. The outlined strategy provides a high-yielding route suitable for large-scale synthesis of these compounds as well as paves the way for a potential rapid access to other heterocyclic analogues.