The 16 standout suburbs that everyday Aussies can still afford

From Sydney to Perth, there are still pockets of Australia’s capital cities that are within budget for everyday buyers.

As house prices continue to climb across the country, it can be a challenge finding a property you can afford on an average Australian income. 

But these 16 suburbs are still within reach for households with two full-time income earners. 

“In a market where affordability is a pressing concern, it’s essential to identify suburbs that provide value without sacrificing quality of life,” Mike Mortlock, managing director of MCG Quantity Surveyors, says.

MCG Quantity Surveyors recently named 16 suburbs that they have slated for growth in 2025. 

Each suburb has a median house price that is within reach for buyers on median local incomes. 

“Investing in these suburbs is not just a financial decision; it’s about becoming part of a community with strong foundations and future prospects,” Mortlock says. 

Sydney

The top suburb picks in and around Greater Sydney are Berkeley Vale on the Central Coast, Springwood in the Blue Mountains, and Bangor in Sutherland Shire. 

Only Bangor has a median house price above $1 million – a rarity in Sydney – and it’s seen 10 per cent growth over the past year. 

And you can still scoop up a two-bedroom townhouse in Bangor for $880,000. 

For Sale - $800,000 - $880,000

4/2 Anzac Avenue, Engadine NSW 2233

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Melbourne

As one of the more affordable capital cities in Australia right now, Melbourne has plenty of prime suburbs for homebuyers hunting for a bargain. 

Viewbank in north-east Melbourne, and Montrose and Tecoma in the outer east are MCG Quantity Surveyors’ top choices for detached family homes. 

For $750,000, you could buy this three-bedroom house on a lush garden block at the foothills of the Dandenongs. 

$750,000 - $790,000

976 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Montrose VIC 3765

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Brisbane

Some of the best suburbs for Brisbane buyers are Ferny Hills in the Moreton Bay region, Runcorn in south Brisbane, and Bellbowrie in the west. 

Further south on the Gold Coast, Pacific Pines is a suburb where growth has been strong in the past year, but the median house price is still below $950,000. 

This three-bedroom brick house in Runcorn is listed for offers over $860,000. 

Offers over $860,000

18 Collinson Street, Runcorn QLD 4113

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Adelaide

Hawthorndene, Gulfview Heights and Banksia Park are all strong choices for Adelaide homebuyers. 

Prices have been ticking up in recent years, but the median house price is still hovering around the $700,000 to $900,000 range in these three suburbs. 

In Banksia Park, this charming three-bedroom house could be yours for just $679,000. 

SOLD - $795,000

2 Yurla Court, Banksia Park SA 5091

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Perth

Buying conditions in Perth have been rough over the past year as the city witnessed a massive price boom, but there are still affordable suburbs out there for local buyers. 

Hammersley, Maida Vale and Kingsley are three family-friendly suburbs that have median house prices in the low-$800,000s. 

In Hamersley, this three-bedroom brick house is on the market for offers in the mid-$800,000 range. 

Mid $800,000's+

21 Glenorchy Crescent, Hamersley WA 6022

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