Australia’s property market continues to shift in 2025, with some areas becoming harder to enter while others are quietly emerging with strong potential. Investors are on the lookout for suburbs that still offer solid value—places where the numbers make sense and the long-term outlook is promising.

To identify these opportunities, over 4,000 suburbs across 19 of Australia’s largest city regions were reviewed. From that process, five areas in Brisbane and Melbourne have emerged as standout options. These suburbs aren’t just affordable—they’re also backed by data, with long-term growth histories and signs of short-term upside.

For buyers looking to get in before prices move, these markets offer a genuine chance to act early.

Brisbane’s Southside Beach Suburbs

High Value Near the Water

Brisbane’s southside beaches—stretching from Birkdale to Redland Bay—are sitting well below the price of comparable waterfront suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne. While the lifestyle on offer is similar, homes in these areas are often selling for half the price.

Median prices currently range from $600,000 to $1.5 million, offering a broad mix for different buyer types. Analysts expect the average price to rise significantly by the 2032 Olympic Games, with estimates suggesting a jump to $1.3 to $1.5 million over the next seven years.

The combination of affordability, coastal appeal, and proximity to quality schools and infrastructure makes this area one of Brisbane’s most underrated property zones.

Real Example – Redland Bay

A standout example is a four-bedroom home on a 710sqm block in Redland Bay, which recently sold in early 2025 for just over $1 million. The property was fully renovated, tenant-ready, and required no immediate upgrades—an ideal scenario for investors seeking strong value with minimal hassle.

What’s even more appealing is that the replacement cost for a home of this size and finish likely exceeds the sale price. In today’s market, rebuilding a home of that standard plus land value would typically cost significantly more—making this an opportunity that’s difficult to overlook.

Western Melbourne Suburbs

Underrated and Affordable

Western Melbourne suburbs like Werribee and Caroline Springs haven’t seen the same growth as other parts of the city over the past decade. While many areas across the country moved up in value, these suburbs have grown at a slower pace—between 4% and 6% annually.

But the longer-term view still looks strong. Historically, Melbourne has delivered around 9.5% annual growth since the 1970s. That gap suggests these areas are undervalued right now and may have more room to move over the next cycle.

For buyers and investors looking for entry points into the Melbourne market, the west presents one of the few chances to secure decent homes below $700,000.

Real Example – Werribee

One example is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom brick home in Werribee that sold in March 2025 for $596,000. The home had modern finishes, updated flooring and kitchen, and was tenant-ready without needing renovation.

Considering today’s build costs, replicating a similar home with land and construction would likely run well over $700,000. That kind of discount to replacement cost is rare—especially in a capital city market—and gives investors a solid edge in terms of value and long-term upside.
 

Brisbane’s Logan Corridor

Strong Rental Demand Between Brisbane and Gold Coast

The Logan corridor, stretching from Marsden to Edens Landing, sits in a key location between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It’s one of the few areas left where buyers can still find freestanding homes in the $650,000 to $800,000 range.

This region attracts families and investors alike. It’s well connected, offers good access to schools and amenities, and benefits from consistent rental demand. As Brisbane continues to grow south and the Gold Coast pushes north, these in-between suburbs are gaining more attention.

Real Example – Crestmead

A three-bedroom home on 600 square metres in Crestmead sold in March 2025 for $758,000. The house had been recently renovated with updated paint and finishes, making it ready for tenants from day one.

What makes this property even more attractive is the long-term potential. With a few future upgrades—like kitchen or floor plan improvements—it could be significantly boosted in both value and rental return. It’s the kind of low-maintenance asset that suits investors aiming for growth without a full renovation project upfront.

North Melbourne Growth Belt

Middle-Ring Suburbs with Room to Grow

North Melbourne is gaining interest for good reason. Suburbs like Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, and Epping still offer homes in the $550,000 to $750,000 range—significantly cheaper than what you’d pay in East Melbourne for similar properties.

These areas sit within reach of the city and continue to expand, offering strong infrastructure, local schools, shopping centres, and train access. For buyers priced out of inner suburbs, this part of Melbourne gives them a chance to enter the market without compromising too much on quality or convenience.

Real Example – Craigieburn

In Craigieburn, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a double garage recently sold for $740,000. The property was freshly painted, fitted with modern fixtures, and ready to move in.

It didn’t need any major updates and was set up for either owner-occupiers or investors looking for a low-maintenance, tenant-ready asset. With median values rising across nearby suburbs, properties like this offer a solid entry point with real growth potential.

Western Brisbane and Ipswich Corridor

Brisbane’s Cheapest Property Options

For investors hunting value, the western suburbs of Brisbane—stretching into the Ipswich corridor—stand out as some of the most affordable in the region. Suburbs like Goodna and Ipswich still offer homes priced between $450,000 and $700,000, well below inner-Brisbane averages.

This area is starting to attract more attention thanks to proposed infrastructure upgrades, including Queensland’s first fast train, which could reduce the trip from Ipswich to the Brisbane CBD to just 22 minutes. With strong population growth projected, interest in these suburbs is growing quickly.

Real Example – Goodna

A three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse in Albert Street, Goodna, recently sold for $531,000. The home was clean, freshly painted, and tenant-ready—requiring no upfront investment in renovations.

Rental income in the area is also strong, with similar properties fetching between $500 and $600 per week. With the population in the region expected to double over the next decade, this suburb offers both short- and long-term investment appeal.

Key Investment Fundamentals to Stick With

No matter where you choose to invest, certain basics help set a strong foundation for long-term success. Properties that tick these boxes tend to hold value better, attract quality tenants, and offer potential for future growth:
    •  Stay close to key amenities: Look for homes near city centres, transport hubs, hospitals, schools, and universities. These locations attract renters and buyers alike.
    •  Choose larger blocks in quiet streets: Homes on 600sqm+ with simple layouts and low-maintenance gardens offer flexibility for future improvements and strong rental appeal.
    •  Check for structural and zoning safety: Avoid properties in flood zones or areas with landslip risks. Stick with homes that are structurally solid and ready to rent or live in without major work.

By focusing on these criteria, investors reduce risk and increase their chances of long-term returns—regardless of the suburb.

How BuyerAgentFinder Can Help

Navigating the property market takes more than just browsing listings. To truly find value, it helps to have expert guidance—and that’s where BuyerAgentFinder comes in.
    •  Compare trusted buyer’s agents: Whether you’re buying in Brisbane, Melbourne, or anywhere in between, BuyerAgentFinder connects you with experienced agents who specialise in different price points and strategies.
    •  Access suburb-specific insights: From Redland Bay to Craigieburn, our agents bring on-the-ground knowledge to help you understand where value lies and what trends are shaping future growth.
    •  Find off-market opportunities: Many of the best deals never reach public listings. Our buyer’s agents can give you access to properties before they go mainstream.

If you’re ready to make your next move with confidence, BuyerAgentFinder helps you match with the right expert who knows the market you’re targeting.

Conclusion

Brisbane and Melbourne still offer areas where buyers can get in at well below replacement cost—something that’s becoming rarer across Australia. In 2025, suburbs like Redland Bay, Werribee, Craigieburn, Crestmead, and Goodna are standing out with a mix of affordability, strong rental yields, and room for price growth.

These markets aren’t just affordable—they’re backed by real data, infrastructure plans, and shifting demand. With a clear strategy and help from the right buyer’s agent, you could secure a property that performs well over the next 5 to 10 years.

Looking for a buyer’s agent who knows how to spot long-term opportunities?
Visit BuyerAgentFinder to compare trusted experts across Australia.