Sydney – home of the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and… exorbitant house prices.

For Aussie first home buyers, the dream of owning a slice of Sydney seems more elusive than ever, especially with property prices skyrocketing in recent years.

While the days of finding a cheap cottage in the heart of Sydney are long gone, there are still a few locations where you can still nab a family home for under $1,000,000. Yes, you read that right – a house, not a shoebox-sized flat.

Where does this rare property unicorn still roam free? Armed with the latest data from CoreLogic, SQM Research, Domain, and the ABS, let’s focus on the six suburbs in Sydney where families can still buy a home for less than 1 mil.

St Marys: The Suburb with Room to Grow

Top of our list, nestled in Sydney’s western corridor, St Marys has long been a sleeper suburb, but recent developments and infrastructure projects are seeing the buzz start to awaken this suburb.

With the Western Sydney Airport (set to open in 2026) just around the corner, this area is poised for growth—meaning that buying here in Spring 2024 could be a smart long-term investment.

Why St Marys?
– Transport Links: St Marys is connected by train to the city, and the new airport will bring more transport options and jobs to the area.
– Community Vibe: The suburb has a mix of young families and older residents, creating a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere.
– Development Potential: With new commercial and residential developments in the pipeline, St Marys is on the verge of transformation.

Current Suburb Median House Price: $850,000 (CoreLogic, September 2024)

Buying in St Marys now is like getting in on Netflix before it blew up—underrated, but primed for a major glow-up.

Campbelltown: A South-Western Star on the Rise

Once considered too far from the city, Campbelltown is now drawing first home buyers with its affordability, improving infrastructure, and proximity to major amenities.

A growing population, recent investments in health and education, and a burgeoning arts scene make this an appealing choice for savvy buyers as we enter the Spring market.

Why Campbelltown?
– Urban Growth: Campbelltown is undergoing significant urban renewal, with new parks, shopping precincts, and community facilities.
– Transport: It’s just an hour’s train ride to the CBD, making it a viable option for city commuters.
– Cultural Hub: The Campbelltown Arts Centre has put the suburb on the map as a regional creative hub.

Current Suburb Median House Price: $920,000 (Domain, Spring 2024)

Campbelltown’s property market is like a classic underdog story. It may not be flashy, but it’s got heart—and in property terms, heart equals future value.

Penrith: A Gateway to Affordable Living

Penrith, sitting at the foot of the Blue Mountains, is another western suburb that offers an appealing blend of affordability and lifestyle. It’s ideal for first home buyers who want a bit of nature without sacrificing proximity to city conveniences.

Why Penrith?
– Lifestyle: With its proximity to the Nepean River and Blue Mountains, Penrith offers a more relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities.
– Infrastructure: As a major hub in the west, Penrith has excellent infrastructure, including a growing shopping precinct, medical facilities, and educational institutions.
– Growth Potential: The suburb is set to benefit from further expansion tied to the Western Sydney Airport.

Current Suburb Median House Price: $950,000 (SQM Research, Spring 2024)

Living in Penrith is like being on the edge of the wild, without sacrificing your need for a good flat white. Best of both worlds? Absolutely.

Blacktown: The Dark Horse of Western Sydney

Once dismissed as too far west, Blacktown is now one of the most culturally diverse and fastest-growing regions in Sydney.

Thanks to its affordability, access to transport, and community development, Blacktown is becoming a serious contender for first home buyers.

Why Blacktown?
– Transport Access: Blacktown is a major transport hub with excellent road and rail links to the Sydney CBD, Parramatta, and other key areas.
– Diversity: With a vibrant and multicultural community, Blacktown is full of character and home to some fantastic eateries.
– Employment Opportunities: The area offers a range of job opportunities in education, health, and retail, making it ideal for young families.

Current Suburb Median House Price: $980,000 (CoreLogic, Spring 2024)

If Sydney’s inner suburbs are champagne, Blacktown is the sparkling water—refreshing, full of fizz, and easy on the budget.

Liverpool: Sydney’s Underrated South-Western Gem

Liverpool is another affordable option in Sydney’s south-west, with solid transport links and plenty of amenities. It’s a multicultural suburb with a lively food scene, excellent public schools, and easy access to both Sydney and Parramatta.

Why Liverpool?
– Transport: The extension of the metro line and improved road infrastructure have made commuting easier.
– Amenities: Liverpool boasts a massive Westfield, public hospitals, and a soon-to-be-developed university campus.
– Growth Potential: Continued urban development and investment in the area make Liverpool a suburb with excellent growth potential.

Current Suburb Median House Price: $975,000 (CoreLogic, Spring 2024)

Liverpool’s like the best kept secret on the south-west circuit—part city, part suburb, all potential.

Windsor: Where History Meets Affordability

Just a little farther out, Windsor offers the charm of a historical town, coupled with more affordable housing options.

With the Hawkesbury River flowing by and the Blue Mountains as a backdrop, Windsor is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle.

Why Windsor?
– Heritage Charm: Windsor’s colonial history and charming architecture set it apart from more modern suburbs.
– Lifestyle: With plenty of parks, riverside cafes, and weekend markets, Windsor offers a lifestyle that feels like a rural retreat.
– Proximity to Growth Areas: While it feels quaint, Windsor is just a short drive from rapidly developing suburbs like Penrith and Marsden Park.

Current Suburb Median House Price: $895,000 (Domain, Spring 2024)

Windsor’s got more charm than your nan at Christmas dinner—warm, welcoming, and surprisingly full of hidden treasures.

The Big Picture: Why Now?

While Sydney’s property market might feel like it’s racing ahead, as this piece suggests there are still opportunities for first home buyers.

Data from CoreLogic shows a steady uptick in property prices, but suburbs like those listed above offer a glimmer of hope.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Sydney’s median house price reached $1.3 million in mid-2024, and is now about to tip $1.5 million as quoted by CoreLogic—making these sub-million-pound suburbs even more appealing.

The key is to act fast. With barely stable interest rates and limited stock, the competition is fierce. But with a bit of research, a dose of patience, and a trusted Property Buyers Agent (more on that in a moment), owning a home in Sydney is still within reach.

Enter Kitty & Miles—Your Property Buyers Agent

Navigating Sydney’s property market can feel like a high-stakes game of Monopoly, where every decision counts. That’s where Kitty & Miles, your expert First Home Buyers Agent, comes in.

With insider knowledge of the best suburbs, market trends, and negotiating tactics, we’ll help you secure the best property at the right price.

Don’t let the market intimidate you—let Kitty & Miles guide you through the process with intelligence, strategy, and a keen eye for value. Contact us today at support@kittyandmiles.com.au to get started on your home-buying journey.