Industry experts have chosen suburbs that they predict will grow in 2026, among them are suburbs well suited for families.
Now in its fourth year, the annual realestate.com.au Hot 100 features a list of suburbs property experts select based on nine key factors such as affordability, family appeal, location and investment prospects. They represent areas which are anticipated to outperform throughout 2026.
Families with children (couples with dependent children and one-parent families with dependent children) account for the largest share of family types in the country according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, making family appeal a strong indicator of property growth prospects.
Dwelling type, perceived safety and proximity to good schools are among many traits that collectively define whether a suburb is family friendly in this context.
Almost 40% of suburbs in the Hot 100 this year were suburbs chosen for their appeal to families.
Jump ahead to see the family friendly suburbs in:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Australian Capital Territory
- Tasmania
New South Wales
| Suburb | Median house 12 month % change | Median unit price | Median unit 12 month % change | |
| Bateau Bay | $1,170,000 | 4% | N/A | N/A |
| Box Hill | $1,297,000 | 10% | N/A | N/A |
| Calderwood | $990,000 | 6% | N/A | N/A |
| Charlestown | $985,000 | 8% | $690,000 | 8% |
| Earlwood | $2,050,000 | -6% | $835,000 | -7% |
| Five Dock | $2,826,000 | 7% | $1,148,000 | 2% |
| Silverdale | $1,292,000 | 4% | N/A | N/A |
| Tamworth | $680,000 | 5% | $339,000 | -7% |
| Wyoming | $930,000 | 4% | $628,000 | 1% |
In New South Wales, Bateau Bay, Box Hill and Calderwood are projected to perform strongly in 2026 due to a number of features, with a key one being their strong family appeal.
These suburbs have experienced ongoing development which has resulted in a variety of property types and pricing of homes for different types of families as well as the introduction of new community spaces and facilities, important considerations for families.
Charlestown, Earlwood and Five Dock are also primed for growth in the upcoming year as they boast of several family-friendly traits such as good proximity to schools, recreational areas and a strong sense of community.
Silverdale, Tamworth and Wyoming featured in the Hot 100 as well, due to the presence of affordable family homes in a quiet, community-driven neighbourhood with access to safe outdoor spaces
Victoria
| Suburb | Median house price | Median house 12 month % change | Median unit price | Median unit 12 month % change |
| Grovedale | $682,000 | 3% | $508,000 | 2% |
| Herne Hill | $755,000 | 12% | $340,000 | -3% |
| Kennington | $603,000 | 4% | $500,000 | 19% |
| Lalor | $756,000 | 8% | $565,000 | 9% |
| Mount Waverley | $1,650,000 | 1% | $1,100,000 | -1% |
| Oakleigh | $1,366,000 | 3% | $573,000 | 1% |
| Ringwood East | $1,062,000 | 7% | $725,000 | -1% |
| Williamstown | $1,566,000 | 0% | $820,000 | 20% |
Grovedale, Herne Hill, Kennington and Lalor in Victoria were identified by experts as part of the 100 suburbs tipped for strong growth, driven by their family appeal, among other factors.
Family-friendly homes were quite affordable, with most being under the state's respective median house and unit price of $765,000 and $595,000. Their popularity with families are driven by their large blocks of land, proximity to schools and communal spaces.
While the suburbs of Mount Waverley, Oakleigh and Williamstown generally have more expensive homes, they are forecast to perform well due to their their family‑friendly attributes. These include access to a range of public and private schools nearby, diverse housing options and strong community appeal.
Queensland
| Suburb | Median house price | Median house 12 month % change | Median unit price | Median unit 12 month % change |
| Baringa | $850,000 | 6% | N/A | N/A |
| Griffin | $888,000 | 8% | $658,000 | 19% |
| Herston | N/A | N/A | $770,000 | 13% |
| Highfields | $975,000 | 15% | N/A | N/A |
| Petrie | $900,000 | 10% | $600,000 | 28% |
| Ripley | $790,000 | 10% | N/A | N/A |
| Upper Coomera | $1,021,000 | 12% | $752,000 | 9% |
| Wavell Heights | $1,500,000 | 15% | $744,000 | 10% |
| Yeronga | $1,720,000 | 29% | $775,000 | 11% |
In Queensland, nine suburbs were included in the Hot 100 due to their family appeal.
Baringa, Griffin and Highfields were among these suburbs. Being close to quality schools, nature and shared community amenities, experts believe these areas will perform strongly in the upcoming year.
The suburbs of Petrie and Ripley and Upper Coomera are also featured on the list with strong growth potential. These suburbs have been in high demand among families as a result of their ongoing development on shared spaces, educational hubs and lifestyle offerings.
Wavell Heights and Yeronga were among the suburbs selected for their family friendly characteristics such as easy access to schools, amenities and a suburban feel.
South Australia
| Suburb | Median house price | Median house 12 month % change | Median unit price | Median unit 12 month % change |
| Brooklyn Park | $990,000 | 8% | $465,000 | 23% |
| Old Noarlunga | $856,000 | 27% | N/A | N/A |
| Renmark | $436,000 | 14% | N/A | N/A |
In South Australia, Brooklyn Park, Old Noalunga and Renmark are among several family suburbs primed for growth in 2026, according to property experts.
They are popular among families due to ongoing development, proximity to schools and community hubs and nature.
Western Australia
| Suburb | Median house price | Median house 12 month % change | Median unit price | Median unit 12 month % change |
| Alkimos | $730,000 | 9% | $625,000 | 18% |
| Baldivis | $710,000 | 5% | $558,000 | 24% |
| Ellenbrook | $725,000 | 12% | $480,000 | 7% |
| South Bunbury | $700,000 | 8% | $525,000 | 12% |
Alkimos, Baldivis, Ellenbrook and South Bunbury were selected as part of the Hot 100 for their family appeal.
Family homes are quite affordable in these suburbs that are now seeing strong development in transport, and recreational facilities and are also close to schools.
Australian Capital Territory
| Suburb | State | Median house price | Median house 12 month % change | Median unit price | Median unit 12 month % change |
| Denman Prospect | ACT | $1,289,000 | -7% | $585,000 | 0% |
| Giralang | ACT | $885,000 | -3% | $765,000 | 9% |
| Melba | ACT | $891,000 | 1% | N/A | N/A |
In Australian Capital Territory, Denman Prospect, Giralang and Melba are among a group of family‑focused suburbs forecast by experts to see solid growth in 2026.
Being established areas, Giralang and Melba offer large family homes with proximity to schools, community spaces and provide a quite lifestyle within leady streets.
Tasmania
| Suburb | Median house price | Median house 12 month % change | Median unit price | Median unit 12 month % change |
| Brighton | $600,000 | 1% | $485,000 | 1% |
| Legana | $698,000 | -6% | $558,000 | 13% |
| Sorell | $710,000 | 10% | N/A | N/A |
The suburbs of Brighton, Legana and Sorell in Tasmania were featured in the Hot 100 for their appeal to families.
These suburbs which have undergone major development and offer a mix of old and new homes at different prices points are likely to see strong growth as the introduction of schools, community infrastructure improve their popularity with families.
With a large proportion of the population made up of families, we expect these suburbs which provide a family‑oriented suburban lifestyle alongside good access to schools and amenities, to perform strongly in the upcoming year.
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