Top 10 Affordable Sydney Starter Suburbs for First Home Buyers

Sydney is facing one of the most significant housing affordability crises in more than a decade.
Property experts say that Sydney’s housing prices will continue to rise throughout 2022 as demand increases while supply decreases, making the market tougher and less affordable than ever before to crack into for first home buyers.

However, not all hope is lost – for the savvy house shopper who is willing to be flexible on location, there are a great range of affordable suburbs on offer. You just need to know where to look.

Marsden Park
Median House Price: $980,000
Located in Sydney’s northwest, Marsden Park has all the features any first-home buyer could want, including great shopping with a well populated retail village, cafes, sporting fields, parks and bike paths. Proximity to the M7 and public transport make this a handy suburb for commuters. The median house price is on the high side at $980,000 but there are bargains to be found, including a three-bedroom two-bathroom newly constructed home in Wenlock Street for $870,000.

Ashcroft
Median House Price: $780,000
You can enjoy decently sized blocks in Ashcroft, located in Sydney’s southwest. This suburb delivers on all the criteria for a first-home buyer, including readily available public transport. While the median house price is $780,000, for just $680,000 you can buy a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house on almost 600 square metres, with plenty of lawn for young children to run around on and space inside for family and friends to visit.

Blacktown
Median House Price: $880,000
Blacktown is a diverse, culturally rich metropolis that offers plenty to entice first homebuyers looking for a bargain and a place to live that is a step up from bland suburbia. Even though the median house price is $880,000, there is a range of affordable fibro cottages that will suit the first-time house buyer looking for a 35-to-40-minute commute to the CBD. With water parks, outstanding shopping and stunning food options, Blacktown should be on every first homebuyer’s shortlist.

Quakers Hill
Median House Price: $1m
Nestled in the hills district northwest of Sydney, Quakers Hill is heading towards a median house price of $1 million. However, this highly desirable suburb still offers some pockets of affordable housing for the first home buyer – if you can be flexible and go for a townhouse, you’ll have a lot more options in the $800,000 price bracket.

Oran Park
Median House Price: $931,883
This western suburb of Sydney boasts a median house price of $931,883 and is rising quickly. One of Sydney’s fastest growing suburbs, the population has increased from 200 in 2011 to more than 12,000 a decade later, mostly comprising young families. If you’re willing to consider a duplex or townhouse you can snag a newly or recently built home for $620,000.

Marsden Park
Median House Price: $980,000
Located in Sydney’s northwest, Marsden Park has all the features any first-home buyer could want, including great shopping with a well populated retail village, cafes, sporting fields, parks and bike paths. Proximity to the M7 and public transport make this a handy suburb for commuters. The median house price is on the high side at $980,000 but there are bargains to be found, including a three-bedroom two-bathroom newly constructed home in Wenlock Street for $870,000.

Engadine
Median Unit Price: $700,00
Located in the Shire south of Sydney, Engadine is worthy of consideration for first-time apartment hunters. A two-bedroom unit in a central position can be bagged for less than $700,000 and if you like bush settings, then this suburb should tick the box. In addition to parks, schools and a range of playing fields, Engadine is beside National Park, which amplifies its peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. Great for young families or those who like to be close to nature.

Cronulla
Median Unit Price: $958,000
Cronulla is surrounded by ocean-frontage, making it a fantastic option for the first homebuyer seeking a laid-back suburb close to beaches. Although the median unit price is a hefty $958,000, there are ample affordable one-bedroom opportunities for FHBs. However, a two-bedroom unit on Elouera Road, just one block back from the beach sold earlier this month for $956,000 – so if your budget is more modest, start your search further back from the beach and look at onebedders.

Epping
Median Unit Price: $780,000
This one definitely ticks all the boxes – proximity to the CBD, a nearby university campus, parks and schools. Epping can be a great place to settle in for the long haul. The median unit price of $780,000 is a good indicator of how popular the suburb is, but a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit sold earlier this month on Epping Park Drive for $700,000, proving there are great options out there for the savvy shopper.

Lane Cove
Median Unit Price: $860,000
A two-bedroom unit at Lane Cove is going to set you back around $860,000, but this location is premium. Minutes to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the CBD with plenty of entertainment options nearby, Lane Cove is a dream location. Units with cheaper price tags will be found if you hunt carefully, although the trade-off is likely to be proximity to a busy road. If your unit is at the back of the block, that won’t matter! Take your time and look carefully – there are still opportunities to be found.