Top 10 Queensland suburbs for first home buyers
Queensland offers plenty of affordable locations for first home buyers – if you know where to look. We shine a spotlight on ten suburbs with price tags that could let you take the first step on the property ladder.
Rising property prices have been challenging for first home buyers, but across Queensland there are still suburbs offering the perfect combo of affordability and lifestyle.
Check out these ten suburbs that could fit your buying budget no matter whether you’re a city lover or you prefer a regional lifestyle.
Ipswich
Just 40 kilometres west of the Brisbane CBD, Ipswich offers plenty of lifestyle at a reasonable price. The median house value is an achievable $500,000, though the Real Estate Institute of QLD (REIQ) says the median apartment value is $300,000 – definitely first home buyer territory!
What’s to love:
Ipswich is a rapidly growing city, and just a train ride away from Brisbane’s CBD.
Moreton Bay
Lying to the north of Brisbane, between the city and the Sunshine Coast, the Moreton Bay region is one of Australia’s fastest developing locations. The median house price is $700,000; however, apartments are more affordable for first home buyers, with a median value of $403,000.
What’s to love:
Moreton Bay is a true lifestyle location. Along with pristine waterfronts, you’ll find thriving local communities.
Redlands
Houses in Redlands have a median value of $800,000, which could put this popular area out of first home buyer contention. Dig a little deeper though, and the REIQ says apartments have a median value of $461,000 – a price point that could put Redlands on your wish list.
What’s to love:
What’s not to love about Redlands? A beautiful coastline combines with outdoor attractions and close proximity to Brisbane’s city centre.
Logan
Logan has a median house price of $598,000, but for real bargains take a look at apartments, which have a median value of $305,000 – very affordable for first home buyers!
What’s to love:
Nestled between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Logan holds plenty of appeal for first home buyers. You’ll find mega homemaker centres, walking and cycle trails along the Logan River and a good selection of markets offering fun shopping.
Toowoomba
Fun fact: Toowoomba is Australia’s second most populous inland city after Canberra! That means plenty of opportunities for first home buyers to find value in a city where the median house price is $480,000 and apartments have a median value of $310,000.
What’s to love:
The biggest city of the Darling Downs, Toowoomba offers the best of city and country living. You’ll find plenty of transport options including Australia’s newest airport – Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, and a good selection of shopping centres.
Mackay
If you want to make your money go further, it's possible to pick up a unit in Mackay for around $255,000. If a house is more your style, you could still get into the market with a budget of $425,000.
What’s to love:
Mackay offers plenty of attractions, from Harbour Beach and the marina to Bluewater Lagoon – a popular city water park. Or take a bush walk in nearby Eungella National Park. Bustling Mackay also has a very low unemployment rate of just 2.5 per cent.
Fraser Coast
Across the Fraser Coast region home values range from a median of $510,000 for houses, or $395,000 for units. First home buyers can find plenty of affordability across the twin cities of Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
What’s to love:
The Fraser Coast spans the Wide Bay-Burnett area about 250 kilometres north of Brisbane. It offers no shortage of coastal walks, parks and boat ramps as well as community fun with the mid-year Mary Poppins Festival!
Bundaberg
Bundaberg definitely ticks the box for first home buyer value. Houses have a median price tag of $400,500, or for even more affordability, the median apartment value is $265,000.
What’s to love:
Bundaberg may be famous for its namesake rum, but the city also boasts a stunning botanic gardens and Mon Repos Regional Park – home to sea turtles. A short flight from Bundaberg Airport is Lady Elliot Island, one of the top five destinations on the planet for diving with manta rays.
Cairns
Cairns’ property market has always offered tremendous value combined with a laidback far north Queensland lifestyle. The median house price is $520,000, or pay as little as $269,000 for an apartment.
What’s to love:
On the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns has a sunny character all its own. Stroll along the Esplanade lined with bars and restaurants – and featuring a swimming lagoon. Or head northwest to enjoy bushwalking in Daintree National Park. Cairns even has its own international airport providing a gateway to global travel.
Rockhampton
If your heart is set on a house, Rockhampton dishes up plenty of value with a median house price of $330,000. Apartments are keenly sought after, and the REIQ says this has seen unit values jump 34.6 per cent over the past 12 months!
What’s to love:
Rockhampton has been described as the ‘economic powerhouse' of central Queensland with the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research saying the local economy is rocketing ahead. Job seekers are spoilt for choice, and the region’s unemployment rate is at a 10-year low.
The bottom line
First home buyers in Queensland still enjoy a wealth of options to get started in the property market. City or country, coast or inland, the choice is yours!
Want more information on buying in any of these suburbs?
Find the nearest BOQ branch in the area to chat to a home loan specialist; head here to find a number of branches nearby.
