Top 5 Suburbs in Melbourne for First Home Buyers (2025 Edition)

Buying your first home in Melbourne doesn’t have to feel impossible — especially if you know where to look.

At Nude Home Loans, we’ve helped hundreds of first home buyers find their perfect place in suburbs that tick the boxes: value, lifestyle, future growth, and a short commute (or at least a decent train line).

So if you're wondering where to get started in 2025, here are 5 suburbs we think every first home buyer should have on their radar — including pros, cons, and why they’re hot right now.

1. Werribee

Why we rate it:

• Median house price: ~$580,000 (as of early 2025)

• Family-friendly, with lots of green space

• Access to the Werribee train line straight to the CBD

• Schools, shops, and the zoo (yes, really)

Pros: Affordable houses, huge growth potential, great for young families Cons: Longer commute, traffic bottlenecks in peak hours

Nude tip: Clients looking for value + space without sacrificing liveability are loving Werribee. And it’s eligible for most VIC first home buyer concessions.

2. Sunshine

Why we rate it:

• Median house price: ~$670,000

• Huge investment in infrastructure (Sunshine Super Hub)

• 20 mins to the city via train

• Great food, multicultural community, up-and-coming vibes

Pros: Growth potential, excellent public transport, suburb on the rise Cons: Gentrification is pushing up prices quickly

Nude tip: Our Sunshine buyers are usually keen on access + upside. It’s not a secret suburb anymore — so act fast.

3. Pakenham

Why we rate it:

• Median house price: ~$580,000

• Plenty of house and land packages

• Great for families or couples wanting extra space

• Good train access and future freeway upgrades

Pros: Entry-level prices, new builds, quiet lifestyle Cons: Distance from CBD, fewer nightlife options

Nude tip: We’ve helped loads of first home buyers score house & land deals in Pakenham with 5% deposits — ask us how.

4. Thornbury

Why we rate it:

• Median unit price: ~$630,000 (houses ~$1.1M)

• Trams to the city, Northcote right next door

• Great cafes, parks, schools, and community energy

Pros: Inner-north cool, walkable, long-term value Cons: Pricey for houses, competitive market

Nude tip: Thornbury is perfect for apartment buyers who want lifestyle + location. Fast finance = the edge in a hot market.

5. Reservoir

Why we rate it:

• Median house price: ~$770,000

• Solid growth, more affordable than neighbouring Preston

• Access to Mernda train line, great schools, leafy streets

Pros: Up-and-coming but still accessible, family-friendly Cons: Prices rising, pockets vary in feel and quality

Nude tip: Reservoir gives you solid value close to the city. Our buyers love it as a long-term move with solid upside.

Final Thoughts: What’s Best for You?

Every suburb has its own flavour, price point, and potential. Whether you’re chasing backyard space or tram stops, the key is to match your loan strategy to your lifestyle.

That’s where we come in.

At Nude Home Loans, we don’t just help you get a loan — we help you buy smarter.

👉 [Book a suburb strategy chat with us today] and let’s find your perfect pocket of Melbourne.