Looking to buy your first home in 2026?
National property specialists Oliver Hume have revealed the 10 suburbs they recommend hopeful first-time buyers should seek, with the list made up almost entirely of properties in Adelaide north.
Elizabeth Downs, Davoren Park, Andrews Farm, Paralowie, Gawler East, Parafield Gardens, Lightsview, Mawson Lakes and Golden Grove made the list – all in Adelaide’s north.
Morphett Vale in Adelaide’s south rounded out the top 10.
The study analysed suburbs on the basis of affordability, available supply and proximity to important infrastructure and eligibility for government buying assistance.
Adam Duster of Oliver Hume.
Oliver Hume MyFirstHome CEO Adam Duster said while first home buyers had done it tough in recent years, there was still choice for those prepared to look outside the city.
“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 home ownership was not out of reach for first-time buyers.
“As one of the more affordable major capitals, Adelaide provides plenty of suburbs with median prices well under the cap of $900,000,” Mr Bell said.
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“Like other hot established markets, levels of listings are generally low and one of the key variables used to select suburbs below.”
“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.”
Matt Bell of Oliver Hume
The report called out three suburbs as being its buying hotspots – Davoren park, Morphett Vale and Andrews Farm.
Davoren park was identified for its affordable house price, high number of properties on the market at any given time, low entry price, potential for capital growth driven by urban renewal and proximity to job hubs.
Morphett Vale was singled out as having good affordability compared to Adelaide’s core, and offering a great lifestyle appeal as a coastal-adjacent suburb.
Darryl and Ede-Leigh Bothe at the Davoren Park home they sold earlier this year. Picture Ben Clark
Andrews Farm was called out for its proximity to the Elizabeth Interchange for public transport, low median, solid capital growth potential and for being well under the First Home Buyer Guarantee cap.
Edge Realty director Mike Lao, who specialises in selling in Adelaide’s north said the report reinforced what he had been saying for years.
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“If you’re looking to enter the market the northern suburbs really is the best place to do it,” he said.
“There is some great affordable buying up here and it has really shaken that stigma that it has had from what is really quite a long time ago now.
Edge Realty director Mike Lao.
“Infrastructure upgrades are making the area more desirable area; there are some fantastic family-focused amenities up here and it is really growing into itself as a wonderful community.
“Plus, looking at its capital appreciation in recent years – the largest across metro Adelaide – it’s quite evident it offers a really solid likelihood for continued value growth.”
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