Best Suburbs for First Home Buyers (Australia-Wide Guide)

Finding the Right Suburb for Your First Home

Choosing where to buy your first home is just as important as choosing the home itself.
The right suburb can mean lower prices, better growth potential, and a lifestyle that fits your needs.
Affordability and infrastructure are driving young buyers toward regional and outer metro areas — but smart first home buyers are still finding gems in every capital city.

1️⃣ What Makes a “Great” First-Home-Buyer Suburb?

While everyone’s idea of the perfect location is different, successful first home buyers tend to look for three key ingredients:

• Affordability: median prices within reach for deposits between 5–10%.
• Growth potential: planned infrastructure or strong rental demand.
• Livability: schools, transport, parks, and shops close by.

Balancing these factors helps you buy smarter — not just cheaper.

2️⃣ National Snapshot

• Outer suburban and regional areas continue to attract first-home demand.
• Hybrid work allows buyers to live further from CBDs while maintaining strong income levels.
• Infrastructure spending in growth corridors (train lines, highways, hospitals) is boosting long-term value.

Below are our top picks by state and territory — a mix of affordability, growth, and quality of life.

3️⃣ New South Wales – Western Growth Corridors

• Jordan Springs / Penrith: affordable houses around $750,000, strong rail links and new schools.
• Leppington / Austral: major infrastructure projects with Sydney Metro Southwest connection.
• Wollongong: popular for hybrid commuters — coastal lifestyle, 90 minutes from Sydney.

4️⃣ Victoria – North and West of Melbourne

• Werribee: excellent transport and amenities, median around $650,000.
• Melton: still one of Melbourne’s most affordable corridors with rapid growth potential.
• Sunbury: semi-rural feel, upgraded train line, first-home incentives still strong.

5️⃣ Queensland – Sunshine and Affordability

• Morayfield / Caboolture: growing family hubs north of Brisbane with houses under $600,000.
• Ripley Valley (Ipswich): master-planned community, strong infrastructure pipeline.
• Logan Reserve: halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, ideal for first buyers.

6️⃣ South Australia – Value Close to the City

• Christies Beach: coastal affordability, lifestyle appeal, under 40 minutes to Adelaide CBD.
• Munno Para: newer developments with detached homes around $500,000.
• Mount Barker: great schools, regional feel, strong community focus.

7️⃣ Western Australia – Perth Expansion

• Baldivis: modern homes, schools, and family infrastructure under $550,000.
• Byford: new rail extension in progress, easy Perth CBD access.
• Ellenbrook: growth hub with upcoming train connection (METRONET project).

8️⃣ Tasmania – Regional and Coastal Appeal

• Kingston: strong local economy, 15 minutes from Hobart CBD.
• New Norfolk: charming historic town, affordable entry point under $500,000.
• Launceston: infrastructure improvements, excellent rental demand.

9️⃣ Australian Capital Territory – Compact & Connected

• Gungahlin: strong job access, median unit prices under $600,000.
• Taylor: new estates with quality schools and family parks.
• Denman Prospect: growing premium suburb still offering first-home entry points.

🔟 Northern Territory – Affordable Land Opportunities

• Palmerston: 20 minutes from Darwin CBD, large blocks and new facilities.
• Zuccoli: new homes from $500,000, family-focused estates.
• Durack: established suburb near lakes and parks, great investment potential.

11️⃣ Tips for Choosing Your Ideal Suburb

• Balance commute time with lifestyle priorities.
• Check flood zones, bushfire overlays, and local infrastructure plans.
• Look at long-term growth, not just short-term affordability.
• Visit the area at different times of day to assess safety and traffic.

Related post: Buying vs Building – Which Is Better for First Home Buyers?

12️⃣ How Brokers Help You Narrow It Down

Once you’ve shortlisted suburbs, a broker can help estimate borrowing limits and repayment comfort levels based on local property prices.
This prevents wasted time looking at properties outside your budget and helps align your search with realistic finance options.

Next Steps

Whether you’re chasing affordability, lifestyle, or future growth, there’s a suburb to match.
The key is to do your research early and make decisions based on long-term value, not just short-term savings.