Brisbane property guide
First home buyer's guide to Brisbane
Getting into your first Brisbane place in 2026 is doable, despite what the headlines say. It just takes preparation. Here's the deposit you actually need, the grants and concessions worth chasing, the suburbs where first-home money still buys something good, and how to hold your own against experienced buyers at auction.
Published 20 January 2026 · 13 min read
What you need to get started
Most first-home buyers are working towards 5–20% deposit, plus stamp duty (with concessions if you qualify), legal costs and a small buffer. Brisbane's median house price is around $925,000; unit median is closer to $575,000. Set a clear savings target and a realistic budget before you do anything else.
Queensland First Home Owner Grant
If you're buying or building a new home in Queensland, you may qualify for the First Home Owner Grant — a one-off payment towards the purchase. Eligibility, value and timing change. Check the Queensland Revenue Office website for the current rules before you bank on it.
Stamp duty concessions
Queensland has a transfer (stamp) duty concession for first-home buyers up to certain price thresholds. The saving can run into tens of thousands of dollars. It's capped, so know the threshold before you bid above it — once you're over, the full duty applies.
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Get my free valuationWhere first-home money still goes the distance
Northside: Aspley, Stafford, Bald Hills, Wavell Heights. Southside: Salisbury, Coopers Plains, Inala, parts of Logan close to a train line. Bayside: Wynnum West, Lota and Birkdale still have character cottages in range. For units, look at Annerley, Greenslopes, Mount Gravatt and Chermside — good amenity at sensible prices.
Getting finance ready
Lenders look at income, savings history, deposit, debts and credit. Talk to a broker or your bank at least three to six months before you want to buy so you can fix anything broken. Pre-approval tells you your real budget and makes your offers stronger.
Inspecting and bidding without losing your head
Most first-home buyers look at 30+ properties before they buy. Write down your must-haves and your nice-to-haves and stay honest about the difference. Don't skip building, pest or strata inspections when you find one you like. At auction, set your max before you arrive and don't move it.
After you buy
Budget for the move, council rates, insurance and the things that break in the first six months. Build an emergency fund of three to six months of repayments. And give it time — Brisbane property held for five-plus years has historically done well.