PHOTO: Domain chief of research and economics Nicola Powell
Affordable Suburbs in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth to Lead Housing Market Growth in 2025
Australia’s affordable housing markets are poised for robust price growth in 2025, even as interest rate cuts are pushed further out. Key cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth—along with select regional towns—are expected to experience double-digit price increases, while pricier postcodes may see a decline in demand.
The Interest Rate Impact
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s aggressive interest rate hikes in recent years have significantly impacted housing affordability. Despite these challenges, property prices have continued to rise in many areas, particularly in 2024. However, with no rate cuts anticipated until mid-2025, the dynamics of the housing market are shifting. Expensive suburbs, particularly in Sydney, are seeing a downturn in prices, while more affordable areas are thriving.
Sydney: A Tale of Two Markets
Sydney presents a clear divide between its high-end and more affordable markets. Prestigious suburbs near the city or coast have experienced price drops as homeowners struggle with higher mortgage repayments. Meanwhile, affordable outer suburbs like Mount Pritchard and St Marys have recorded strong annual growth rates of 13–17%.
Doug Driscoll, CEO of Starr Partners, notes that Sydney’s “sweet spot” remains properties around the $1 million mark. “Housing supply shortages and affordability challenges are pushing buyers toward lower-priced areas, sustaining demand in these suburbs,” he said.
Affordable suburbs in Sydney, Brisbane (Ipswich pictured) and Perth are set to experience double-digit price growth in 2025 – even as rate cuts are delayed
With no rate cut in sight until the middle of next year, expensive postcodes in Sydney are now going backwards but the affordable suburbs are still getting double-digit annual growth
Domain chief of research and economics Nicola Powell is expecting Melbourne’s property market to grow by 3 to 5 per cent in 2025
Brisbane: Affordable Suburbs Lead the Way
Brisbane’s satellite cities and outer suburbs are among Australia’s best-performing housing markets. Suburbs like Bundamba and Slacks Creek have seen annual price increases of nearly 20%, with mid-point house prices still within reach for average-income earners. Greater Brisbane’s affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne continues to attract both investors and homebuyers.
The Ipswich suburb of Bundamba saw an annual increase of 19.8 per cent, taking mid-point prices to $593,641 which is still attainable for someone on an average salary
In south-east Queensland, satellite cities a short drive from Brisbane like Ipswich are also among Australia’s best performing markets
Adelaide: Northern Suburbs Outperform
Adelaide’s northern suburbs, such as Elizabeth Grove, have outpaced the broader market with nearly 25% annual price growth. Traditionally working-class areas near the former Holden car factory are seeing significant gentrification as families priced out of inner-city areas move outward.
Eliza Owen, CoreLogic’s head of research, explains, “Gentrification and affordability are driving growth in Adelaide’s outer suburbs, with high-income buyers finding value in these areas.”
Adelaide’s north is continuing to experience some of Australia’s strongest price growth with Elizabeth Grove seeing a 24.8 per cent annual price increase
Working class suburbs near the former Holden car factory are outperforming the broader Adelaide market
Perth: A Booming Market
Perth’s north-east has emerged as Australia’s strongest-performing market in 2024, with suburbs like Middle Swan and Wanneroo experiencing price rises exceeding 24%. Affordable areas in southern Perth, such as Kwinana, remain attractive with median house prices under $550,000 despite sharp increases.
Nicola Powell, chief of research at Domain, expects Perth’s affordability to continue driving demand. “These markets are appealing to both investors and first-time buyers, particularly those seeking entry-level properties,” she said.
Affordable suburbs in Perth like Kwinana (house pictured) are continuing to be among Australia’s best performing housing markets
Perth’s north-east is Australia’s was strongest performing market in the year to November, CoreLogic data showed
Regional Australia: Affordable Towns Thriving
Regional markets in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia are also thriving. Townsville, Gladstone, and Mackay have recorded annual price growth of 20–27%, driven by affordable housing and high rental demand. The Yorke Peninsula in South Australia and Bunbury in WA have also shown strong growth, making them attractive options for investors and first-home buyers alike.
Melbourne: Poised for Recovery
While Melbourne has lagged behind other capital cities, interest rate cuts expected in 2025 could reinvigorate its property market. Affordable suburbs like Frankston North, with median prices under $600,000, remain attainable for average-income earners. Population growth through immigration is also expected to boost demand in the coming years.
What to Expect in 2025
Experts predict continued growth in affordable suburbs during early 2025, with some cooling expected in mid-tier markets as prices rise. However, demand in these areas is unlikely to match the steep declines seen in premium locations.
“As affordability tightens in booming suburbs, demand will naturally shift to other areas,” said Driscoll. “This trend will shape the market in 2025 and beyond.”
Investors and Homebuyers Capitalize on Opportunity
Astute investors are already entering affordable markets, hedging against future price increases. With housing supply remaining constrained, these markets are expected to offer strong returns in the near term.
Affordable regional areas are also doing well with Townsville’s median house price soaring by 27.1 per cent $541,660 in the north Queensland city with high rental demand (pictured is a house at Currajong)
Final Thoughts
Australia’s housing market in 2025 will continue to reflect the country’s affordability crisis. As expensive suburbs face slower growth or declines, affordable areas in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth—as well as regional towns—are set to lead the way. For homebuyers and investors, these markets represent a rare opportunity in a challenging economic environment.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL