We all know how expensive it is to buy a home in Brisbane in 2025. The prices just won’t stop rising.

In order to get on top, first home buyers need to break into the market with something that they can get a good return on. So, how can you climb up the property ladder? Renovating your first home could be the answer! Suburbs like Wavell Heights are selling renovated homes for hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the original price. Buyers don’t want to do the work — They just want to move in and not worry.

Let’s have a look at how you can start your journey.

Where Can You Find Properties Under $600K?

Finding a home in Brisbane under $600K can be a bit difficult, but they do exist. Be sure to take advantage of owner-occupier renovation loans and first home buyer schemes when you do start the process.

The best approach is to go for well-made homes from the 80s or earlier. In a world where everyone wants something new, there is opportunity to update these homes with an overdue renovation. Give the property some life and you’ll have a much bigger return to invest in your next home.

Keep checking with real estate websites and agents, because cheaper homes can be snatched up as soon as they are put on the market. In particular, you should focus on suburbs that have renovation potential and cheaper prices.

Wacol

Southwest of Brisbane suburbs like Wacol and its surrounds, including Durack and Richlands, are a good place to start. In Brisbane’s southwest, this affordable area is right by the Ipswich Motorway and great for public transport.

Caboolture

If you want to be on the north side, Caboolture, Morayfield and Burpengary have some potential. It’s a rapidly growing area that is close to schools and shopping centres.

This Caboolture property is a bit over the $600k budget, but it’s on a big block with lots of renovation potential. It has three bedrooms, one bathroom and a whopping three car spaces. It has the bonus of solar power and is plain, which means that your imagination can run wild.

Redcliffe

In suburbs like Redcliffe and its surrounds, homeowners are turning post-war homes into beautiful modern homes. Paired with the seaside lifestyle, access to schools and train station, there is a lot of potential for families.

Other northside suburbs to consider are Dakabin and Deception Bay.

Ipswich

Considering that the housing market is highly competitive at moment, homebuyers are looking to areas in Ipswich, like Booval, Redbank Plains and Goodna. There is a lot of development potential there, as more and more families are moving in for its affordability.

This three-bedroom house in Goodna is ready to be renovated selling at around $590k. On a massive plot of 622sqm with a large kitchen and a verandah, this property has great potential. It’s also very close to local shops, parks and schools.

Eagleby

Like Ipswich, Logan is full of possibilities. Situated perfectly between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, areas like Eagleby are great for first home buyers and investors.

Take this Eagleby property priced at only $550k, it has three bedrooms, a bathroom and garage with lots of outdoor space.

How Can You Make Sure the House is a Good Choice?

Your home’s renovation should require more cosmetic work or simple repairs rather than big fixes that put you further in debt. Major construction issues like shifting foundations will take more time than it is worth.

It’s important to have a local Brisbane building inspector have a look at the home. Your inspector can tell you where the load bearing walls are, which can help you plan your renovation.

Just because you already know it’s an old or ugly home, doesn’t mean that you should skip the inspector. Good bones are what will make a renovation worth it.

If there are some problems with the house, your property inspection can give you a bit more bargaining power. Negotiating the purchase price with the seller can help give a little more to your renovation budget.