Entering the market has become increasingly difficult for first-home buyers as housing affordability sits at near historical lows. However, with the help of government schemes, we are seeing more first-home-buyer activity.
The fourth edition of realestate.com.au’s Hot 100 brings together suburbs experts believe are well placed for 2026, underpinned by factors such as their affordability, location, investment prospects and population growth.
Many suburbs featured within the Hot 100 - those anticipated to record strong growth - cater to first-home buyers.
First home buyers represent a cohort that typically to have higher loan-to-value ratios and lower deposits which often limits the share of properties they are able to afford.
However, the update to the 5% deposit scheme and the introduction of help to buy scheme have lowered the barrier to entry and improved housing options for first home buyers.
Using the 5% deposit scheme price caps as a benchmark, just over half of the Hot 100 are defined as suburbs suited for first-home buyers.
Although recent interest rate hikes have reduced the borrowing capacities of buyers, we expect first home buyer activity to remain fairly strong following the updates to the 5% deposit scheme and introduction of the help to buy scheme.
Suburbs with affordable homes, infrastructure developments and lifestyle appeal are expected to be popular among first-home buyers, and are therefore likely to see strong growth prospects.
| Suburb | GCCSA | Median house price | Median unit price |
| Austral | Greater Sydney | $1,018,000 | N/A |
| Bateau Bay | Greater Sydney | $1,170,000 | N/A |
| Bathurst | Rest of NSW | $660,000 | $458,000 |
| Boambee East | Rest of NSW | $793,000 | $590,000 |
| Box Hill | Greater Sydney | $1,297,000 | N/A |
| Dubbo | Rest of NSW | $615,000 | $351,000 |
| Tamworth | Rest of NSW | $680,000 | $339,000 |
| Leppington | Greater Sydney | $1,083,000 | N/A |
| Silverdale | Greater Sydney | $1,292,000 | N/A |
| St Marys | Greater Sydney | $1,058,000 | $691,000 |
| Wallacia | Greater Sydney | $1,113,000 | N/A |
| Wyoming | Greater Sydney | $930,000 | $628,000 |
In Sydney, Austral, St Marys and Wyoming were chosen by property experts as suburbs poised for growth in 2026. With median home and unit prices below the $1,500,000 threshold, properties are relatively more affordable and accessible to first-home buyers.
Bateau Bay, Wallacia and Leppington also feature in the Hot 100 and stand out as attractive options for first‑home buyers.
In Regional NSW, Bathurst, Tamworth and Dubbo were among the list of suburbs with strong growth potential. Their affordability paired with lifestyle and opportunity are major drawcards for buyers seeking on their first home.
| Suburb | GCCSA | Median house price | Median unit price |
| Ararat | Rest of Vic | $390,000 | $270,000 |
| Carisbrook | Rest of Vic | $495,000 | N/A |
| Clyde North | Greater Melbourne | $740,000 | N/A |
| Cranbourne East | Greater Melbourne | $735,000 | N/A |
| Footscray | Greater Melbourne | $916,000 | $447,000 |
| Huntly | Rest of Vic | $599,000 | N/A |
| Kennington | Rest of Vic | $603,000 | $500,000 |
| Lalor | Greater Melbourne | $756,000 | $565,000 |
| Lilydale | Greater Melbourne | $861,000 | $630,000 |
| Mildura | Rest of Vic | $520,000 | $344,000 |
| Tarneit | Greater Melbourne | $663,000 | $440,000 |
| Werribee | Greater Melbourne | $639,000 | $445,000 |
| Winter Valley | Rest of Vic | $570,000 | N/A |
The Melbourne suburbs of Clyde North, Lalor and Werribee are forecast to see strong gains in the upcoming year as part of the Hot 100.
Cranbourne East and Tarneit are also expected to perform strongly.
These suburbs are affordable relative to the median of the city, have strong infrastructure development and are home to a high share of people in their 30s, all appealing characteristics for first home buyers.
In Regional Victoria, Ararat, Kennington and Mildura are part of the elusive list of high‑potential suburbs chosen by property experts. With median prices below the $650,000 price cap for the 5% deposit scheme, they are particularly well suited to first time buyers who seek out more budget-friendly options on the market.
| Suburb | GCCSA | Median house price | Median unit price |
| Bray Park | Greater Brisbane | $864,000 | N/A |
| Bundaberg West | Rest of Qld | $543,000 | $450,000 |
| Cairns City | Rest of Qld | N/A | $673,000 |
| Griffin | Greater Brisbane | $888,000 | $658,000 |
| Herston | Greater Brisbane | N/A | $770,000 |
| Logan Central | Greater Brisbane | $734,000 | $425,000 |
| Lowood | Greater Brisbane | $681,000 | N/A |
| Mackay | Rest of Qld | $558,000 | $368,000 |
| Petrie | Greater Brisbane | $900,000 | $600,000 |
| Plainland | Greater Brisbane | $787,000 | N/A |
| Ripley | Greater Brisbane | $790,000 | N/A |
| Townsville City | Rest of Qld | N/A | $455,000 |
Of the Queensland suburbs included in the Hot 100 list, three-quarters are well-suited for those looking to purchase their first home.
In Brisbane, Griffin, Logan Central and Petrie are among the suburbs primed for growth in 2026. Their median prices fall below the 5% deposit scheme threshold of $1,000,000. The suburbs' affordability of homes as well as access to amenities are likely to be popular among first-home buyers.
Bray Park, Plainland and Ripley homes are also attractive options for first-home buyers as a result of their infrastructure development and lifestyle appeal.
The Hot 100 included the regional Queensland suburbs of Townsville City, Mackay and Bundaberg West as well. Forecast to see strong growth, their lifestyle offerings and diverse economy are potential drivers of interest from first-home buyers.
| Suburb | GCCSA | Median house price | Median unit price |
| Brompton | Greater Adelaide | $865,000 | $703,000 |
| Elizabeth North | Greater Adelaide | $510,000 | N/A |
| Old Noarlunga | Greater Adelaide | $856,000 | N/A |
| Port Adelaide | Greater Adelaide | $719,000 | $603,000 |
| Renmark | Rest of SA | $436,000 | N/A |
Brompton, Elizabeth North and Port Adelaide are expected to see strong price growth in 2026 as part of the Hot 100.
Median house and unit prices sit below the $900,000 cap placed on Adelaide homes for the 5% deposit scheme which make it an attractive option for first-home buyers. Gentrification and upgrades to these suburbs are an additional drawcard.
| Suburb | GCCSA | Median house price | Median unit price |
| Alkimos | Greater Perth | $730,000 | $625,000 |
| Baldivis | Greater Perth | $710,000 | $558,000 |
| Ellenbrook | Greater Perth | $725,000 | $480,000 |
| Nollamara | Greater Perth | $700,000 | $600,000 |
| Rockingham | Greater Perth | $760,000 | $485,000 |
In Perth, Alkimos, Baldivis and Ellenbrook were selected by property experts as suburbs with strong growth potential in the upcoming year.
With increased connectivity through transport and road developments, and affordable homes sitting under the price threshold of $850,000 for the 5% deposit scheme in the city, these suburbs have many characteristics that meet the needs of first home buyers.
Nollamara and Rockingham could be great options for first-home buyers too.
| Suburb | GCCSA | Median house price | Median unit price |
| Acton | Rest of Tas | $411,000 | N/A |
| Brighton | Greater Hobart | $600,000 | $485,000 |
| Invermay | Rest of Tas | $470,000 | N/A |
| New Norfolk | Greater Hobart | $470,000 | $425,000 |
The Hobart suburbs of Brighton and New Norfolk feature in the Hot 100 with experts forecasting solid growth outcomes throughout 2026.
They are expected to have strong interest from first-home buyers with many entry-level homes priced below $700,000, the threshold for the 5% deposit scheme.
In regional Tasmania, Acton and Invermay are also compatible with those interested in buying their first home. A younger population skewing towards 25–29‑year‑olds, combined with relatively affordable homes, adds to their appeal.
| Suburb | GCCSA | Median house price | Median unit price |
| Zuccoli | Greater Darwin | $590,000 | $453,000 |
| Suburb | Median house price | Median unit price |
| Bonython | $880,000 | $708,000 |
| Giralang | $885,000 | $765,000 |
| Melba | $891,000 | N/A |
Bonython, Giralang and Melba in the Australian Capital Territory were included in 2026 Hot 100. Not only are they expected to outperform in terms of price growth, but are also likely to attract first-home interest as a result of their affordability and liveability.
Typical homes were priced well below the $1,000,000 price cap of the 5% deposit scheme.
