First home buyer guides
Best Geelong Suburbs for First Home Buyers: Where Should You Start?
The best Geelong suburb for a first home buyer depends on budget, dwelling type, commute and tolerance for repairs. Start by comparing suitable properties across several locations, then assess the individual street and home.
“Where is the best place to buy my first home in Geelong?”
My answer starts with a few questions. Where do you work? What can you comfortably spend? Are you open to a unit? How much maintenance can you take on?
The best suburb for you needs to work with those answers.
Compare different types of locations
These are useful groups to investigate, rather than a ranking or a promise of homes at a particular price:
| Search area | What to compare closely |
|---|---|
| Norlane and Corio | Individual street, condition, surrounding uses and repair costs |
| Whittington and Newcomb | Immediate surroundings, road exposure and access to your daily destinations |
| Grovedale and Leopold | Houses versus units, layout, transport and total purchase cost |
| Armstrong Creek, Charlemont and Mount Duneed | Established resale homes versus new builds, block size and commute |
| Lara | Location within the suburb and actual access to the station or freeway |
| Drysdale and Portarlington | Daily travel requirements and housing options that fit your budget |
Look beyond the suburb name
Two properties in the same suburb can offer very different buying outcomes.
I look at the street, traffic, neighbouring properties, layout, light, condition and access to amenities. A cheaper property on a busy road may offer less practical value than a smaller home in a location you enjoy living in.
Visit the area at different times. Test your commute. Check where you would shop, walk and catch public transport.
Be flexible about property type
If a detached house puts too much pressure on the budget, consider whether a unit or townhouse could work.
Review owners corporation fees and records where applicable, parking, private outdoor space, storage and any proposed works. A lower purchase price does not automatically mean lower ongoing costs.
Buy for the next stage of your life
Your first purchase does not have to meet every future need. It should give you a workable home and a financial commitment you can manage.
Talk it through with me
I help buyers narrow their search to the locations and properties that fit their actual brief. Get in touch if you would like help building your shortlist.
Book a free 20-minute call