The year 2024 has been another strong one for South Australian property, with Adelaide’s median house price climbing to a record high, despite the state struggling through cost of living pressures.
Prices are still strong, due to the fact that demand is still outstripping supply in most markets.
That said, there are still good buying opportunities to be found if you know where to look.
The Advertiser asked five of the state’s leading property experts where to buy, across a range of areas and prices.
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And while some old favourites rated highly, there were some surprise picks – hidden-gem suburbs that don’t often attract the same attention as their more popular neighbours, while offering the same lifestyle at a friendlier price.
While some readers would baulk at the price category for first homebuyers being “up to $800,000, remembering a time just a few years ago when most first homebuyers were paying close to half that, it’s important to remember Adelaide’s median house price now sits at $846,000, with out combined dwelling price at $795,000, according to PropTrack.
In that category, Gawler East was singled out as the place to buy in the north by both Harcourts SA CEO Heather Edwards and Ouwens Casserly managing director Nathan Casserly, with Ms Edwards saying it offers “affordable new developments, excellent amenities, and proximity to schools and parks.”
Norwood was the eastern favourite for three of our experts at this pricepoint, including Williams Real Estate partner Stephanie Williams.
“With it’s vibrant lifestyle, boutique shopping, and dining options all within a close-knit, convenient urban setting, it’s perfect for buyers seeking a townhouse or home unit.”
Golden Grove got a couple of votes for family buyers – those with an $800,000 to $1.5m budget – in the north, while Booth Real Estate director said Novar Gardens was the place to buy in the west.
![Supplied Real Estate 4 Everglade Court, Golden Grove](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1280 720"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
4 Everglade Court, Golden Grove recently set a new record for the suburb. Pic: Supplied.
“It offers good proximity to the coast and cosmopolitan Glenelg,” he says.
The perennial favourites of Unley Park and Hyde Park were not surprisingly tipped as places to buy if you’ve got more than $1.5m to spend, while Stirling in the Adelaide Hills also drew some expected votes.
Mr Casserly says nearby Crafers was his pick for Hills luxury.
“Here you’ll find high-end homes in tranquil settings with stunning views, combining the hills lifestyle with metropolitan convenience.”
Yet it was another Hills hotspot that emerged across a number of categories, with Mount Barker racking up four votes across a number of categories.
Ray White SA CEO Matt Lindblom had it as his pick for Hills and regional investments.
“It’s an obvious choice for investors due to the amount of new homes being constructed in the area,” he said.
It’s a place Nathan Hall, Jessica Veasey and their son love calling home, having moved into the suburb’s Bluestone development about a month ago.
IT worker Mr Hall, 31, and his scientist partner, 25, moved to the Hills hotspot from Maslin Beach – and Mr Hall says it offered both value and lifestyle.
“The bang for you buck that you get when you look up here is amazing,” he said.
December 23, 2024: Nathan Hall with partner Jessica Veasey and his son Adam 7 playing with their dig Arlo at their Mount Barker home. Picture: Kelly Barnes
“We were looking down south, like around Happy Valley and there you’d get a three-bedroom, one-bathroom ’70s-built house for $600,000 to $700,000 on quite a small block but up here for the same money you’re getting four or five bedrooms on quite a large block.
“Plus Mount Barker’s a fast growing city with so much to offer and so much to do and it’s really family friendly.”
When asked to identify suburbs that should be on buyers’ radars but probably weren’t, our experts singled out Frewville, Taperoo, Adelaide city, Forestville and Glenelg North.
So if you’re looking to buy in 2024, check out the expert advice below.
We hope it helps you make an informed and confident New Year purchase.
Where to buy in 2025
Our experts:
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 768 1024"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Stephanie Williams, Williams Real Estate partner
Harcourts SA CEO Heather Edwards. Supplied
Matt Lindblom, Ray White SA/NT CEO.
Nathan Casserly, Ouwens Casserly Real Estate managing director
Charles Booth, Booth Real Estate director
FIRST HOMEBUYERS – UNDER $800,000
NORTH
Hope Valley: It’s an excellent choice for first home buyers, offering affordable, solid homes on full-sized allotments with convenient access to schools, parks, and amenities. SW
Gawler East: It offers affordable new developments, excellent amenities, and proximity to schools and parks. HE
Ingle Farm: It offers great value for money, with a mixture of contemporary and original 1970s brick homes available for first home buyers. ML
Gawler East: It has affordable homes with modern amenities, offering a range of land sizes and build styles. NC
Prospect: It has undergone major development in recent years and still offers relative affordability. CB
SOUTH
Christies Beach: It offers a great combination of affordable coastal living, vibrant local amenities, and beautiful beaches. SW
Hackham West: Typically known for its low price point, with a number of homes newly renovated, this offers an affordable entry level home for first home buyers. HE
Morphett Vale: The ease of access to our north/south corridor makes suburbs such as Morphett Vale exceptional buying for first home buyers. ML
Seaford: It’s a great mix of affordability, new developments, and proximity to beaches. NC
Wayville/Unley. Established units/townhouses in these areas represent very good value. CB
The Parade at Norwood packed for the Norwood Food and Wine Festival 2024. Picture: Brenton Edwards.
EAST
Norwood: With its vibrant lifestyle, boutique shopping, and dining options all within a close-knit, convenient urban setting, it’s perfect for buyers seeking a townhouse or home unit. SW
Newton, Campbelltown, Magill, Stepney, Evandale: You can get some nice townhouses in Newton, Campbelltown through to Magill. If you are patient and happy to do some renovations, there are some good little cottages that come up around Stepney and Evandale for those who want to be closer to the CBD. HE
Norwood: Townhouses in Norwood provide an excellent opportunity to enter the market for executive couples or those willing to compromise on land size to experience the lifestyle that Norwood offers. ML
Rostrevor: It’s a hidden gem with good schools and access to nature at an affordable price. NC
Kensington/ Kensington Park: Solid, established, well constructed single-level units in these suburbs are exceptional buying. CB
WEST
Albert Park: It provides good value for first homebuyers, but with full-sized properties under $850,000 becoming increasingly rare, it’s a suburb to act on quickly. Its proximity to the beach and easy access to the city make it highly appealing. SW
Seaton: In 2025 there will be exciting opportunities provided to first home buyers in this highly sought-after suburb as part of the Renewal SA ‘Seaton 5023’ development. HE
Taperoo: This remains underrated and one of the last remaining affordable suburbs for first homebuyers this close to the coast. ML
Bowden: It’s close to the city with excellent transport links, experiencing strong growth potential thanks to its unique lifestyle offerings. NC
Bowden: Well constructed, established stock is good value especially in the context of replacement cost and great proximity to Adelaide city. CB
HILLS/REGIONAL
Littlehampton: It offers affordable homes in a peaceful, family-friendly Adelaide Hills setting, with a charming village atmosphere and convenient access to Mount Barker and Adelaide. SW
Port Lincoln, Nairne: Port Lincoln provides spacious homes with room to grow ranging from low $400k – $600k. In Nairne you can still find homes in the $500,000s to $600,000 offering great value in an up-and-coming township. HE
Mount Barker: It’s hard to overlook Mount Barker, given the significant investment in infrastructure and fast-growing population driving its expansion. ML
Mount Barker: It offers affordable homes in a growing community with a relaxed hills lifestyle. NC
Mt Barker: Established homes in need of some renovation but structurally sound represent good value. CB
FAMILIES – $800,000 TO $1.5M
NORTH
Broadview: It’s a great choice, offering spacious homes, leafy streets, and proximity to quality schools, parks and the city. SW
Golden Grove: It’s known for its family-friendly community, quality schools, and established infrastructure. HE
Blair Athol: It reaps the reward of its proximity to the CBD as well as the popular strip of cafes and restaurants on Prospect Road. ML
Golden Grove: It’s known for its excellent schools, parks, and family-friendly vibe. NC
Nailsworth: It’s a nice established area and offers relatively good value buying. CB
4 Everglade Court, Golden Grove – recently set a new record for the suburb at $2.8m, surpassing the previous suburb record by close to $1m. pic supplied.
SOUTH
Panorama: It provides a family-friendly lifestyle with stunning hill views, excellent schools, and easy access to both Adelaide’s CBD and surrounding nature reserves. SW
Woodcroft, Onkaparinga Hills: Here you’ll find larger, modern family-sized homes on larger allotments. Convenient to local schools and southern expressway. HE
Flagstaff Hill: It’s located within 15 mins of some of the best metropolitan beaches in Adelaide, as well as large shopping centres and popular schools. It has a country town type feel, with green open space and large block sizes. ML
Blackwood: It’s a leafy suburb with quality homes, excellent schools, and great community amenities, including sporting clubs. NC
Clapham/Panorama: These offer good value and are known for being solid performers. CB
EAST
Wattle Park: It blends luxurious homes with a tranquil leafy environment, top-tier schools, and a convenient location near the foothills and city. SW
Burnside, Stonyfell: There are some good value homes in Burnside and Stonyfell depending on the school zone. HE
Magill: It’s one of the larger suburbs in Eastern Adelaide, it’s developing its own personality with great cafes and shops. It offers a variety of property styles with generous block sizes and easy access to our wine regions through the hills. ML
Magill: It’s renowned for its schools, spacious homes, and proximity to the city. NC
Magill It offers good proximity to Adelaide city and is still relatively affordable. CB
WEST
Flinders Park: It combines riverside living, spacious homes, and easy access to the beach, city, and local amenities. SW
Findon: Family friendly, Findon offers unmatched proximity to the city, beaches and quality primary and secondary education facilities. HE
West Croydon: It’s a savvy choice of investment for those that prefer character bungalows. Leafy green streets and trendy cafes and shops is what you’ll find here. ML
Fulham Gardens: It offers family-friendly living with quality schools, cafes, and easy access to the beach lifestyle. NC
Novar Gardens. It offers good proximity to the coast and cosmopolitan Glenelg. CB
Riders come through the main street of Stirling during stage 2 of the Tour Down Under. Photo: Tom Huntley
HILLS/REGIONAL
Aldgate: It offers exceptional lifestyle appeal with a relaxed, leafy environment. SW
Crafers West: Here you’ll find great value buying, 10 mins from the tollgate, large block sizes and a variety of homes. HE
Bridgewater: It’s a tightly held area, so you may need to be patient to buy here. A 25-minute drive is all it takes for those still needing to commute to the city for work, or likely to have friends visiting at either your place or the famous Bridgewater pub! ML
Stirling: It’s a premium hills suburb with extensive amenities and a strong sense of community. NC
Littlehampton/Nairne: Currently going through a huge transformation, this hotspot has a range of great amenities perfect for families. CB
LUXURY – $1.5M+
NORTH
Medindie: It provides a prestigious lifestyle with grand estates, leafy streets, and convenient access to Adelaide’s CBD and top private schools. SW
Walkerville: It combines prestige, proximity to Adelaide CBD and stunning character homes. HE
North Adelaide: It is alive with new cafes, restaurants and the green open space it’s always been renowned for. ML
North Adelaide: Spacious luxury apartments and townhouses offering panoramic views, excellent amenities, and proximity to Adelaide Oval, cafes, and the CBD. NC
North Adelaide: With the development on O’Connell St providing the catalyst North Adelaide needed, it will increasingly become a sought-after location so close to the city. CB
SOUTH
Hyde Park/Unley Park: These combine timeless elegance with boutique shopping, fine dining, and beautifully restored character villas and estates, all within minutes of the city. SW
Port Noarlunga to Moana: Here you’ll find esplanade frontages with uninterrupted ocean views of some of Adelaide’s best beaches. HE
Colonel Light Gardens: It’s abundant with beautiful gardens, tree-lined streets and some of the proudest homeowners in Adelaide. ML
Hyde Park: Home to exclusive properties featuring high-end character renovations or modern new builds, it’s complemented by the vibrancy of King William Road. NC
Unley Park: It continues to be one of the most sought after suburbs in Adelaide with beautiful streets, an exceptional mix of character and modern homes on generous allotments) CB
Nicole Brown and son Ollie enjoy the recently opened 1.1km Witton Bluff Base Trail coastal walk, which connects Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach. Picture: Keryn Stevens
EAST
Rose Park/Toorak Gardens: These deliver a serene and sophisticated lifestyle with tree-lined streets, luxurious homes, and proximity to elite schools and the city. SW
Suburbs adjacent Dulwich, Tusmore and Beulah Park: It’s really important to determine what is most important to you, like location, block size, school zone or views. You can generally find good value still in suburbs that may be attached to a dearer suburb. HE
St Peters: There are infinite reasons as to why St Peters remains one of the destination suburbs of Adelaide real estate. Historically St Peters has been one of the highest performing suburbs for capital growth. ML
Rose Park: Here you’ll find prestigious homes on leafy streets with proximity to elite schools, plus impressive luxury apartment options. NC
Norwood/Rose Park/Toorak Gardens: Three of the most popular suburbs in Adelaide, they’re so well located to Adelaide City, Norwood Parade and newly refurbished Burnside Village, providing cosmopolitan living with beautiful tree-lined streets. CB
WEST
Somerton Park: It’s perfect for those seeking quiet coastal living, with high-end luxury homes and a peaceful beachside community atmosphere. SW
Henley Beach: Tightly held, Henley Beach not only offers a wonderful lifestyle for everyday living but is a blue-chip suburb, which will only bring amazing capital growth for your families future. HE
Somerton Park: It plays host to some of the most valuable real estate in Adelaide, as well as popular public and private schooling options for families. ML
West Lakes Shore: Here you’ll find luxury modern properties with premium waterfront lifestyle opportunities. NC
Somerton Park: It’s just a fantastic beachside location. CB
Night-time revellers enjoying popular Henley Square. Image/Russell Millard
HILLS/REGIONAL
Stirling: It provides an exclusive hills lifestyle with stunning estates, lush surroundings, and a vibrant village feel. SW
Aldgate: There’s such a variety of architecture, land size and topography in one of the prettiest locations of the hills. HE
Crafers: Here you’ll find high-end homes in tranquil settings with stunning views, combining the hills lifestyle with metropolitan convenience. NC
Stirling: It has a unique offering in both lifestyle and property. It’s visually appealing no matter the season, with everything you require in it’s town centre. ML
Stirling, Mylor and Port Elliot: All suburbs are exceptional in their own right when you look at them through the national lens. They’re scenic, beautiful and easily commutable. CB
INVESTMENTS – ANY PRICE
NORTH
Greenacres: It offers exceptional value, with full-sized, developable lots, often overlooked compared to Lightsview, but with strong potential for growth and redevelopment. SW
Munno Para: It’s a rapidly growing area with high rental demand and affordable entry points. HE
Mawson Lakes: It’s a hotspot for investors with modern contemporary homes and demand for rental homes. ML
Prospect: The release of more high-density living near Prospect Road is a major drawcard for investors. NC
North Adelaide/Prospect: With the development of O’Connell St and Prospect Rd in recent years these suburbs are becoming increasingly popular, especially due to their good proximity to Adelaide city. CB
SOUTH
Unley: It blends charming character homes and affordable townhouses with a vibrant lifestyle, strong tenant demand, and excellent capital growth rate that outpaces the national average. SW
Morphett Vale: It’s the largest catchment in the southern area, leading to more variety on the market. It’s sought after by tenants for its convenient location and affordability. HE
Seaford: It benefits from the ease of access from the north/south corridor and house and land packages are available, often popular with investors. ML
Christies Beach: It’s an affordable coastal investment with strong growth potential and rental yields, plus good access to stunning beaches. NC
Wayville/Everard Park: These suburbs have become attractively priced when compared to neighbouring suburbs and are still very well located. CB
Unley is a lot of people’s go-to place for all their shopping and dining needs. Picture: The City of Unley
EAST
Kent Town: It combines a convenient CBD fringe location with untapped potential, making it a standout choice compared to its more famous neighbour, Norwood. SW
Any location around the Norwood or Glenunga School Zone: These locations are always highly sought by families. HE
Stepney: Stepney is alive with breweries, cafes, restaurants and this is providing a popular lifestyle offering for tenants and in turn attracting investment. ML
Kensington Gardens: It has a strong rental market with consistent capital growth, especially in the unit segment. NC
Kent Town/Norwood: The city fringe still represents exceptional value both from a local perspective but particularly from a national perspective. CB
WEST
Richmond: It delivers excellent investment potential, offering affordability and growth opportunities, along with easy access to both the city and nearby suburbs. SW
Ottoway, Wingfield, Rosewater and Gillman: These are my pick for great investment opportunities in the west, as they are small, hidden gems! HE
Bowden: There is rarely a dull moment in Bowden and once again this popular spot is a proven winner for tenants and landlords alike. ML
Findon: Here you’ll find well-priced properties in a gentrifying suburb close to the city. NC
Glenelg North: It has some relatively affordable properties which are often overlooked by investors. CB
Mount Barker’s main street has still retained its character charm despite the rest of the town rapidly developing. Photo: Nick Clayton.
HILLS/REGIONAL
Bridgewater: It’s a hidden gem that’s gaining attention, offering a relaxed hills lifestyle with increasing demand, often resulting in steady capital growth. SW
Mount Barker: It’s popular due to close proximity to transport and all services, and has plenty of schools to choose between for tenants. HE
Mount Barker: It’s an obvious choice for investors due to the amount of new homes being constructed in the area. ML
Goolwa/Victor Harbor: These are both lifestyle investment hotspots with rising populations and significant infrastructure investment. NC
Littlehampton: It’s enjoying the uplift of Mt Barker but with still has the country feel and is still easily commutable from the city. CB
SUBURBS NOT ON BUYERS’ RADAR BUT SHOULD BE
Frewville: Just minutes from the city, Frewville combines luxury living with large, stylish homes and easy access to elite schools, boutique shopping, and fine dining. Often overlooked compared to neighbours like Parkside and Toorak Gardens, it offers strong growth potential and a highly desirable location. SW
Taperoo: Positioned in a coastal locale with excellent amenity, Taperoo is a hidden gem on the Peninsula! HE
Adelaide 5000: With Gather Round, Fringe and all of our other great events, there’s no better time to live and invest in the CBD. Research the pockets that suit you best. The East, particularly around the Hutt Street/East End are my favourite! ML
Forestville: Rapidly transforming with urban renewal, it offers proximity to the city, excellent value for money, and a growing lifestyle hub. NC
Glenelg North: It offers relative affordability with great beaches and cosmopolitan feel. CB
