Buying your first home in Brisbane

Brisbane has become one of Australia’s most talked-about property markets. For first home buyers, that can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Prices have moved, demand is strong, and competition is real. The upside is there are still genuine opportunities, especially when you understand the grants available and where to look.

What’s happening in Brisbane right now

Brisbane has seen steady growth driven by interstate migration, infrastructure investment, and lifestyle appeal. Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, it still offers relative affordability, which keeps demand high.

Some key trends first home buyers are noticing

• Entry-level houses are tightening, especially within 10–15km of the CBD
• Units and townhouses are becoming a more popular first step
• Outer-ring suburbs and growth corridors are seeing strong interest
• Rental pressure is pushing more people to consider buying sooner

This creates competition, but also opportunity if you approach it with the right strategy.

QLD grants and schemes to know

There are several government incentives that may help reduce your upfront costs. Eligibility criteria apply, so it’s important to confirm what suits your situation.

First Home Owner Grant QLD

• One-off payment of $30,000 for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home
• Property value caps apply
• Must be a new build or substantially renovated home

Stamp duty concessions

• First home buyers in Queensland may receive reduced or no stamp duty depending on the purchase price
• Higher thresholds apply if you plan to live in the property

First Home Guarantee (5 percent deposit scheme)

• Buy with as little as 5 percent deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance
• Backed by the Australian Government
• Income caps and property price limits apply

Help to Buy Scheme

• Government contributes a percentage of the purchase price in exchange for equity
• Reduces the size of your loan and repayments
• Limited places and eligibility criteria apply

We always suggest checking the latest details via Housing Australia or discussing your options with a broker, as policies can change.

Hot suburbs first home buyers are watching

Brisbane is not one market. Each pocket behaves differently depending on infrastructure, transport, and lifestyle.

Northside growth

• Chermside, Aspley, Geebung
• Access to hospitals, Westfield, and transport links
• Mix of units and houses at more accessible price points

Southside value pockets

• Logan suburbs like Springwood, Slacks Creek, Crestmead
• Strong demand from both buyers and renters
• More affordable entry for houses

Inner-ring alternatives

• Annerley, Greenslopes, Holland Park
• Units and townhouses offering lower entry prices than houses
• Close to the CBD and lifestyle hubs

Emerging corridors

• Redbank Plains, Ripley, Caboolture
• New estates and house and land options
• Popular for buyers using grants and low deposits

The key is balancing price, growth potential, and how the property fits your lifestyle.

Why many first home buyers use a broker

Buying your first home comes with a lot of moving parts. Finance is one of the biggest.

A mortgage broker helps you

• Compare loan options from a wide panel of lenders
• Understand how much you can borrow and what your repayments may look like
• Structure your loan based on your income, deposit, and future plans
• Navigate policies around grants, low deposits, and eligibility
• Manage the process from application through to settlement

It is not just about finding a rate. It is about understanding what actually works for your situation.

A simple way to approach it

Start with the basics

• Understand your budget and borrowing capacity
• Check which grants or schemes you may be eligible for
• Shortlist suburbs that align with your budget and lifestyle
• Get your finance pre-approved before making offers

From there, it becomes a lot easier to move with confidence when the right property comes up.

Your next move

Brisbane is still one of the more accessible capital city markets for first home buyers, but timing and preparation matter. With the right support and a clear plan, getting into your first home may be more achievable than it feels right now.