The Top Ten Suburbs Where Brisbane First Home Buyers Should Head In 2026

• Redbank Plains, Caboolture  and Forest Lake  are the best options for buyers seeking value and connectivity 

• Each suburb has a median price below the price caps for the First Home Buyer Guarantee Scheme and the Help to Buy Scheme 

• Plenty of stock available to ensure buyers are not competing against investors and second-home buyers 

National property specialist Oliver Hume has released a list of Brisbane’s 10 best suburbs for first-home buyers in 2026, with Redbank Plains, Waterford West and Slacks Creek being identified as the leading options for buyers seeking affordable homes in great locations. 

Oliver Hume researchers analysed over 40 suburbs on the basis of affordability, eligibility for government buying assistance, available supply and proximity to important infrastructure. 

Oliver Hume MyFirstHome CEO Adam Duster said while first home buyers had faced significant challenges over recent years there was still plenty of opportunities for those willing to cast a wide net. 

“For first home buyers, it is all about getting into that first property and holding it for the long term,” he said. “The sooner you get started, the sooner you can start to build towards your dream home.”  

Oliver Hume Chief Economist Matt Bell said there were still plenty of options for first-home buyers in Brisbane. 

“Even with the explosive price growth of the last few years, Greater Brisbane still provides plenty of affordable suburbs, although having enough available stock remains tough with listings much lower than Melbourne,” he said. 

“The suburbs on our list don’t just meet the affordability test; they support the day-to-day needs of buyers who want their first home to work for their lifestyle. When you weigh up all the factors, they provide a great option for first home buyers looking to get on the property ladder.” 

“These suburbs remain standouts for buyers looking to maximise their deposit, get access to government assistance schemes while still living in well-located and serviced communities.” 

Suburb	Total Properties	Median sales price (last 12 mths)	# of listings last 12 months	# of listings last 1 month
Redbank Plains	7,628	$710,000	525	76
Waterford West	1,793	$738,000	120	25
Slacks Creek	3,080	$747,500	145	28
Logan Reserve	2,969	$766,500	268	47
Caboolture	9,649	$767,000	574	128
Morayfield	9,093	$775,000	487	97
Kallangur	7,135	$780,000	335	56
Springfield Lakes	5,916	$815,000	395	63
Forest Lake	7,801	$880,000	383	53
Alexandra Hills	5,799	$900,500	213	30

MyFirstHome  Pick 1 - Redbank Plains  

Situated 27 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD in the Ipswich LGA, Redbank Plains continues to appeal to first-home buyers seeking affordability within reach of major amenities. 

• Median house price: $710,000 

• Available listings over the last 12 months: 525 

• Key strengths: Good transport connections, established community services, family-friendly housing 

“Redbank Plains shows that you don’t have to be pushed to the outer fringe to find value,” said Matt Bell, Chief Economist at Oliver Hume. “Its location and amenity profile make it one of the more balanced options for first-home buyers trying to stay close to the CBD.” 

MyFirstHome  Pick 2 - Caboolture 

If you’re willing to go further out, Caboolture is the only suburb in Greater Brisbane with over 100 listings in August. With a median price of $767,000, it remains well under the caps, and is well serviced by train into the heart of Brisbane. Nearby Morayfield has a very similar median price and also has a relatively high level of available stock. 

• Median house price: $767,000 

• Available listings over the last 12 months: 574 

• Key strengths: train links directly to Brisbane CBD, access to the Sunshine Coast, plenty of choice 

MyFirstHome Pick 3 - Forest Lake 

The closest suburb to the CBD on the list, at only 18km away, has a median price of $880,000 and remains well under the First Home Buyer Guarantee Cap, with 53 listings available as of August. 

• Median house price: $880,000 

• Available listings over the last 12 months: 383 

• Key strengths: relatively close to the Brisbane CBD, lots of listings and choice at different price points, well under the First Home Buyer Guarantee Cap

“While there is no direct train line to the city, Wacol and Darra stations are not far away, and you get to enjoy the incredible amenity and community that has been built over the last two decades,” Mr Bell said.