As Brisbane property prices soar to record highs, the hopes of many first home buyers are fading. But there are still pockets of affordability in Brisbane for first-time buyers, ready to make their move.
In 2024, it was the stringent guidelines surrounding the First Home Owners Grant, and the requirement to purchase a new build, that meant it was not suitable for everyone.
Now, in 2025, the FHOG still applies only to new or substantially renovated homes under strict eligibility criteria (i.e. value caps, never occupied, etcetera). Yet it now sits alongside a broader suite of incentives that give us more levers to work with.
Hooray for newfound hope for homebuyers, even where the FHOG alone doesn’t stack up!
With recent RBA rate cuts improving borrowing power, and government pathways like the 5% deposit scheme creating new opportunities, the conversation has shifted beyond just grants. These incentives open doors, but they’re not always straightforward or suited to every buyer.
At LJBA, we’ve been able to help a multitude of first home buyers by navigating these changes and uncovering the strategies, suburbs, and properties that actually work for their long-term goals.
Consider a Unit for your First Home
Due to rising property prices and economic pressures, many first home buyers are choosing instead to purchase a unit, villa, or townhouse. Units in Greater Brisbane have shown better median price growth than both Melbourne and Sydney over the past year – so they can certainly offer a sound long-term investment, in addition to offering low maintenance and the ease of single level living.
Because property prices keep pushing upward and borrowing costs are under pressure, more first home buyers are pivoting toward units, villas, or townhouses.
They aren’t just a fallback. These property types offer a compelling mix of affordability, location, low maintenance, and access to core amenities.
The big advantage of considering a unit is that you are likely to be able to purchase close to the city and major suburban centres, with all their conveniences.
Areas to consider include Fortitude Valley, Newstead, Chermside and Nundah on the northside, or Coorparoo, Morningside, Murarrie and Wynnum in the south.
Best Northern Suburbs
Affordable established homes are still available in some parts of Brisbane’s northside, especially for first home buyers willing to explore the inner ring.
Petrie is an example. Located 24km north of Brisbane, in the Moreton Bay region, it offers a blend of older homes and modern townhouses, with a median house price of a~$697,500. Units in Petrie are also on the rise, with strong growth in the last year.
The train station supports commuter flows, and it benefits from ample amenities such as schools, parklands, and University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus.
Suburbs with similar affordability and growth potential include Bracken Ridge, Burpengary, Griffin and Narangba.
Affordable Brisbane Suburbs
There are still some areas of south-east Queensland with properties available within a a first home buyer’s budget. These include:
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- Some Ipswich suburbs, such as Springfield and Springfield Lakes
- In the south, Logan suburbs such as Crestmead and Waterford
- Some Moreton Bay suburbs like Burpengary and Narangba
- Units in Brisbane City Council like Zillmere, Chermside and Nundah
- Some Ipswich suburbs, such as Springfield and Springfield Lakes
How A Buyers Agent Can Help
It’s an extremely competitive market, with buyers needing to move on properties faster than ever. If you’ve been looking for a while, you’ll know how difficult it is!
Engaging a buyer’s agent can save you time, money and stress. When you choose LJBA, you benefit from our expertise, strong relationships with local selling agents, and in-depth knowledge of the market. We know the best suburbs in Brisbane for first home buyers and can help you achieve your home ownership goal within your budget, much sooner than if you go it alone!
Click to book in your FREE consult call today and let’s get started!