For first-home buyers, the entry price of a property is where affordability really begins. Entry-level prices — usually the cheapest 25% of properties sold — affect everything that follows: how big your deposit needs to be, how long it takes to save, and how much you’ll need to borrow.
In 2026, entry prices across Australia have continued to rise, with especially strong growth in several capital cities. Every capital recorded annual growth in entry-level house prices, although the speed of growth differed from city to city.
According to a 2026 first-home buyer report by Domain, here’s how the numbers look:
Entry House and Unit Prices (2026)
| Area | Entry Houses – Price | Annual Change | 5-Year Change | Entry Units – Price | Annual Change | 5-Year Change |
| Sydney | $1,150,000 | +15.0% ($150,000) | +64.3% ($450,000) | $645,000 | +4.0% ($25,000) | +9.7% ($57,000) |
| Melbourne | $720,000 | +6.7% ($45,000) | +20.0% ($120,000) | $441,250 | +1.3% ($5,875) | -2.4% (-$10,750) |
| Brisbane | $856,000 | +20.6% ($146,000) | +106.3% ($441,000) | $660,000 | +24.0% ($127,875) | +80.8% ($295,000) |
| Adelaide | $720,000 | +20.0% ($120,000) | +159.2% ($442,250) | $508,000 | +12.9% ($58,000) | +84.7% ($233,000) |
| Perth | $780,000 | +22.1% ($141,000) | +105.8% ($401,000) | $550,000 | +25.0% ($110,000) | +83.9% ($251,000) |
| Hobart | $623,894 | +5.7% ($33,894) | +38.6% ($173,894) | $470,000 | +4.4% ($20,000) | +34.1% ($119,500) |
| Darwin | $565,000 | +21.5% ($100,000) | +61.4% ($215,000) | $355,000 | +21.4% ($62,625) | +42.0% ($105,000) |
| Canberra | $780,000 | +4.0% ($30,000) | +47.7% ($251,876) | $420,472 | -3.5% (-$15,278) | +12.1% ($45,472) |
| Australia | $685,000 | +12.3% ($75,000) | +67.9% ($277,000) | $515,099 | +7.3% ($35,099) | +30.4% ($120,099) |
Entry-Level House Prices: A Clear Divide
Sydney is still the most expensive city for entry-level houses, with prices sitting at $1,150,000. That’s up 15.0% in one year and 64.3% over five years. Even at already high levels, prices are still rising strongly.
But the fastest growth hasn’t been in Sydney.
- Perth: $780,000 (+22.1% in a year; +105.8% over five years)
- Brisbane: $856,000 (+20.6% in a year; +106.3% over five years)
- Adelaide: $720,000 (+20.0% in a year; +159.2% over five years)
- Darwin: $565,000 (+21.5% in a year; +61.4% over five years)
Adelaide stands out. While its entry price is well below Sydney, its five-year growth of 159.2% is the strongest of all capitals. That’s a huge shift in affordability.
More moderate growth was seen in:
- Melbourne: $720,000 (+6.7% in a year; +20.0% over five years)
- Canberra: $780,000 (+4.0% in a year; +47.7% over five years)
- Hobart: $623,894 (+5.7% in a year; +38.6% over five years)
Across Australia, the average entry-level house price is now $685,000, up 12.3% in one year and 67.9% over five years.
The strong growth in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth has reduced the gap between them and Sydney. Even though their prices are lower, fast growth means deposits are rising quickly and buyers may need more time to save.
Entry-Level Unit Prices: Still Cheaper, But Rising
Units are usually more affordable than houses. In 2026, they are still cheaper — but prices are rising quickly in some cities.
Sydney’s entry-level unit price is $645,000, up 4.0% over the year and 9.7% over five years. That’s slower growth compared to houses.
Melbourne’s unit market remains soft at $441,250, with just 1.3% annual growth and a small five-year decline of 2.4%.
However, other capitals are seeing strong growth:
- Perth: $550,000 (+25.0% in a year; +83.9% over five years)
- Brisbane: $660,000 (+24.0% in a year; +80.8% over five years)
- Adelaide: $508,000 (+12.9% in a year; +84.7% over five years)
- Darwin: $355,000 (+21.4% in a year; +42.0% over five years)
Brisbane’s unit market is growing especially fast. In fact, Brisbane’s entry-level unit price growth is now stronger than Sydney’s.
Canberra was the only capital where entry-level unit prices fell over the past year (down 3.5%), although they are still up 12.1% over five years.
Nationally, entry-level unit prices now sit at $515,099, up 7.3% in one year and 30.4% over five years.
What’s Changing in the Market?
Two clear trends are emerging:
- Previously “Affordable” Cities Are Catching Up
Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have seen very strong growth over the past five years. These cities used to be seen as more affordable options. That gap is shrinking quickly.
- Units Aren’t Always the Easy Option
Units have traditionally been the cheaper and more stable way to enter the market. In 2026, strong price growth — especially in Brisbane and Perth — means units are rising quickly too.
In some cities, the price gap between houses and units is narrowing, making it harder for buyers to rely on units as a simple affordability solution.
What This Means for First Home Buyers
- Sydney is still the most expensive city.
- Adelaide has had the strongest five-year growth.
- Brisbane’s unit market is moving quickly.
- Perth is seeing strong growth across both houses and units.
- Melbourne and Canberra are growing more slowly compared to other capitals.
For first-home buyers, the price today is important — but how fast prices are rising matters just as much. Rapid growth increases the deposit you’ll need, the size of your loan, and the overall financial pressure.
Understanding both the price and the pace of change is now essential when deciding where and when to buy.
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