Location is everything in property — but for first home buyers, the right location is the one you can actually afford. Here’s a look at where Queensland’s first home buyers are finding value in 2026, from Greater Brisbane to the regions.
Greater Brisbane hotspots
Within the Brisbane metropolitan area, three suburbs consistently appear on the radar for first home buyers: North Lakes, Springwood-Kingston, and Forest Lake-Oxley. These areas offer a combination of established infrastructure, good transport links, and entry-level prices that remain more accessible than the inner city. They’re not cheap — nowhere near Brisbane is cheap right now — but they represent some of the more realistic options for buyers who want to stay within the metro area.
Suburbs to watch in 2026
A number of suburbs are gaining attention as areas where value still exists and growth potential is strong. These include Herston, Yeronga, Bray Park, Griffin, Petrie, and Ripley in the greater Brisbane region, as well as Lowood, Plainland, Logan Central, Upper Coomera, and Baringa further afield. These areas vary significantly in character, distance from the CBD, and price point, so it’s worth researching each one to find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Regional Queensland
For buyers who have flexibility on location, regional Queensland continues to offer meaningfully more affordable entry points than the southeast corner. Cairns and Townsville in particular are attracting attention from first home buyers — not just for their price points but for the lifestyle they offer. Regional areas also benefit from the 50% allocation of places reserved under the Boost to Buy shared equity scheme, which can give regional buyers an additional advantage.
A note on new developments
Many of the most viable entry points for first home buyers in 2026 are in newer development corridors — areas like Ripley, Baringa, and Plainland where land supply is greater and new builds are more abundant. These areas are particularly relevant if you’re looking to access the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant or the stamp duty exemption on new builds, both of which require a new property.