As prices in South Australia continue to rise, buyers are looking for opportunities to get onto the property ladder at a more affordable price.
According to May 2026 data from realestate.com.au, median house prices in Adelaide grew by 13.4% in the past year, while prices in the rest of South Australia grew by 13.1%.
Both sit above the national average of 7.5% annual growth and this made Adelaide one of the two best performing capital cities in May, along with Darwin.
This has meant that first-time buyers, young families, and downsizers are being priced out, and finding it difficult to secure property in the city’s long-term established neighbourhoods.
For many, exploring the possibility of moving into a new residential estate in more lifestyle-led areas like the Adelaide Hills suburb of Mount Barker has become the more attainable way into the market.
“Property prices have shifted significantly, and for many buyers it’s now about finding a pathway into the market that still delivers on lifestyle,” says David Allington, Executive Director at Landcap Development.
“The aspiration hasn’t changed – it’s the pathway to get there that has.”
Adelaide suburbs like Mount Barker are becoming more popular with first-time buyers, families, and downsizers.
A new path for cost-conscious buyers
One new residential estate that’s already standing out and seeing strong early sales is Senses Mount Barker.
A $180 million boutique master-planned community of approximately 254 homes in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, Senses is a carefully crafted collaboration between Landcap Development and Toro Property Projects.
“Senses is about creating a neighbourhood with a strong sense of connection and cohesion throughout,” says Anthony Andolfatto, Senses Project Director.
“Construction is now underway, and early interest in the project reflects strong confidence in the vision for Senses.”
Uniquely, Senses is offering a collection of homes tailored to buyers looking for an affordable option.
Senses have recently launched The Evoke Collection in collaboration with major South Australian builder Fairmont First, which are a range of house-and-land packages designed specifically for the development’s Cottage lots.
With house and land packages starting at $566,000, these compact lots and smart, space-conscious designs offer buyers refined, low-maintenance homes in Senses' picturesque setting without having to compromise on their budget.
“The Evoke Collection is a direct response to current market conditions, and the challenges buyers are facing,” says Mr Andolfatto.
“It provides a more attainable entry point into the Adelaide Hills while maintaining the quality and character of the community.”
A new range of Evoke Collection designs is also soon to be launched in June 2026, offering interested buyers even more choice.
For Amy, a buyer who has recently secured an Evoke Collection package at Senses, the opportunity has come at the perfect time for her and her daughter.
“After separating, I was looking for somewhere that felt right for us – somewhere we could feel settled and start again,” she says.
“The Evoke homes made it possible, and that was a big moment for me. It meant I could move forward while still being a part of a community which was so important to me.”
Fairmont First's Evoke Collection offers a path into the Senses community for budget-conscious buyers.
Sensory-led neighbourhood design
The team of urban designers as well as landscape architects behind Senses have developed the community around the idea of sensory-led design.
While sensory-led design – which priorities how sights, textures, and sounds create an immersive experience – is traditionally the domain of interior design, Senses have brought this attention to detail to the entire community.
“The design focuses on how the neighbourhood is experienced day to day,” says Mr Andolfatto.
“Cul-de-sac streets linked by open space help create quieter, safer environments that naturally encourage connection.”
The masterplan includes over 18,000sqm of landscaped open space, including sensory-inspired parks, textured planting, shaded walking trails and nature play areas that give residents places to connect, relax, and reflect.
For Amy, this unique approach to the community’s masterplan was something that immediately drew her to the development.
“When I learned about the thinking behind Senses, particularly the focus on sensory design, it really connected with me,” she says.
“My daughter has autism, so knowing that kind of care had gone into the community made it feel like somewhere we could feel comfortable and supported.”
Buyers like Amy appreciate the sensory-led approach that Senses have taken in their neighbourhood design.
A great time to buy in Mount Barker
Mount Barker has become one of South Australia’s fastest-growing regions, with the Mount Barker District Council population sitting at over 45,000 according to 2025 estimates and expected to grow to more than 68,000 by 2046.
“Mount Barker isn’t just growing – it’s being actively shaped by significant investment in health, education and community infrastructure,” says Mr Andolfatto.
“We’re seeing a level of coordinated investment that’s giving buyers confidence in the long-term direction of the region.”
These investments include a $320.8 million Mount Barker Hospital development and an at least $300 million investment in the Summit Precinct, which is set to be one of Australia’s leading regional recreation, leisure, sport and entertainment facilities.
The Mount Barker City Centre Project is also proposed to deliver a 2,000sqm town square with retail, dining, and hotel accommodation.
At the same time, Mount Barker strikes the ideal balance between CBD access and community life.
“It’s one of the few locations where you can access the Adelaide Hills environment while still being well connected to the city and everyday amenities,” says Mr Andolfatto.
Senses offers buyers an entry point into this popular and growing region, with the Evoke Collection making it even more attainable as house-and-land packages start at $566,000.
Initial civil works are expected to be completed later this year, with the first homes being built soon after that, making this fast-growing community one to watch.
“With construction now underway, buyers can see the project taking shape, which adds a level of certainty that’s increasingly important,” says Mr Andolfatto.
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