Top suburbs for first home buyers in Brisbane in 2025
Hoping to buy your first home in Brisbane this year? You’re not alone. The market in southeast Queensland is absolutely humming right now, with more and more people flocking to the lifestyle, housing affordability and long-term growth potential on offer. It’s competitive, especially for first timers, and the fast-moving nature of the market means it can be confusing to know which areas to prioritise. Brisbane is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own personality, price point and perks. Whether you’re after a quiet young family vibe, great public transport or a bit of an up-and-comer with big capital growth prospects, there’s something for everyone. The trick is knowing where to start. To help, we’ve rounded up some of the top suburbs for first home buyers. These picks strike a balance between affordability, liveability and long-term value. |
1. Keperra
Why it’s great: Affordable houses, green outlooks and easy transport.
Tucked away in Brisbane’s northwest, Keperra has long flown under the radar – but that’s changing. Just 10 kilometres from the CBD and serviced by a train line, Keperra combines convenience with that quiet, suburban feel.
You’ll find a mix of post-war homes and newer builds, with prices still pretty reasonable compared to neighbouring Mitchelton or The Gap.
For first home buyers, it’s the perfect entry point. You’ll be able to sniff out solid homes on good-sized blocks that are close to shops, parks and transport, all without blowing the budget.
2. Chermside
Why it’s great: Big lifestyle perks without the inner-city price tag.
If you’re after accessibility, Chermside ticks the boxes. With one of the biggest Westfield shopping centres in the country plus a whole host of cafes, medical hubs and great bus connections, you won’t have to stray far for your everyday needs.
It’s also just nine kilometres from the city, with plenty of units and townhouses for below the Brisbane median price.
Buyers love Chermside for its convenience and potential, especially with new development pl
3. Zillmere
Why it’s great: Great value for money and strong rental demand.
Neighbouring Chermside is Zillmere, another northern suburb that’s gaining traction. It’s one of Brisbane’s most affordable suburbs within 15 kilometres of the CBD and is attracting plenty of first-home buyers and investors.
The suburb is well-connected via train and has a mix of older homes ripe for renovation as well as newer townhouses.
If you’re thinking long-term, Zillmere offers that “buy now, grow later” opportunity. Plus, it’s still one of the rare pockets where you can buy a standalone house without heading to the outer fringe.
4. Wynnum
Why it’s great: Bayside living without the big coastal price tag.
Craving ocean breezes and weekend strolls by the water? Look east. Wynnum is one of Brisbane’s most affordable bayside suburbs, offering the kind of lifestyle usually reserved for higher-end markets.
It’s about 16 kilometres from the city, connected by train and packed with charm, from its village-style shops to family friendly parks and a beautiful foreshore.
Wynnum has seen consistent growth over the past decade but still has options for first home buyers, especially when it comes to older houses or low-maintenance townhouses.
5. Tingalpa
Why it’s great: Suburban comfort close to the coast and the CBD.
Just west of Wynnum lies Tingalpa, another rising star for first-time buyers. It offers a good balance between price and proximity, only 10 kilometres from the CBD and a quick drive to the bayside.
The suburb is packed with schools, parks and shopping centres, making it a great choice for young families or couples planning to settle down.
Most properties here are standalone homes on decent blocks, which means room to grow. It’s a sensible buy for those who want space, comfort and convenience.
6. Moorooka
Why it’s great: Inner-south buzz, multicultural flair, and future growth.
Located just seven kilometres from the city, Moorooka has a lot going for it – a mix of vibrant cultures, a growing café scene, and some of the most affordable homes this close to the CBD.
You’ll find post-war houses as well as newer townhouses and apartments, all with excellent access to public transport connections, including bus and train.
Moorooka is increasingly popular with young professionals and first-time buyers who want the vibe of the inner south, without paying Stones Corner and Woolloongabba prices.
7. Oxley
Why it’s great: An established suburb with a community vibe and room to grow.
Oxley sits about 11 kilometres south-west of Brisbane and has become a sleeper hit with first home buyers. It’s a leafy suburb with a strong sense of community, plenty of schools and decent-sized homes that still sit under the Brisbane median.
Oxley offers easy train access to the city and good proximity to shopping hubs and the Ipswich Motorway. It’s one to watch if you’re looking for family friendly living that won’t break the bank.
8. Everton Park
Why it’s great: A northside suburb with growing lifestyle appeal.
Everton Park has had a glow-up in recent years. Thanks to the arrival of new cafés, restaurants and shopping precincts, it’s now one of the trendier picks for first home buyers on the northside.
Located just eight kilometres from the city, it has a combination of older homes and newer townhouses and apartments.
If you’re after a suburb with growth potential, Everton Park has the infrastructure and lifestyle drawcards to keep rising.
9. Acacia Ridge
Why it’s great: Super affordable with room to renovate or rebuild.
On Brisbane’s southern fringe, Acacia Ridge is one of the most affordable suburbs within 15 kilometres of the CBD. It’s not glamorous, but that’s part of the appeal – solid homes, wide blocks and prices that let first home buyers get into the market without compromising on space.
For handy buyers or those willing to renovate, Acacia Ridge offers real potential. That’s why it’s quietly attracting a younger demographic priced out of nearby suburbs like Sunnybank and Coopers Plains.
10. North Lakes
Why it’s great: Masterplanned, family friendly and jam-packed full of amenity.
Okay, so North Lakes isn’t technically in Greater Brisbane, but the Moreton Bay region. Still, it deserves a mention.
For many first home buyers, North Lakes offers the dream thanks to new homes, good schools, shopping centres, and parks and walking trails, all in one neat package.
The area has a community feel and strong infrastructure, and while it’s about 25 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, express trains and the Bruce Highway make the commute fairly manageable.
Keep in mind…
There’s no one ‘perfect’ suburb for first home buyers in Brisbane. It all depends on what matters most to you.
Maybe it’s being close to the CBD. Perhaps it’s having a big backyard. Or maybe it’s living near the coast or being close to your family.
What these suburbs all have in common is potential – potential for growth, for lifestyle and for helping you make that crucial first step onto the property ladder.
If you’re ready to explore your options or just want to know what your borrowing power looks like, a mortgage broker can make the whole process smoother. We’ll help you understand what you can afford, compare your options and figure out the best loan to suit your goals.
Looking to buy your first home in Brisbane? Let’s talk about your borrowing power, the best loans for you, and how to make your dream a reality.
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