Experts highlight family demand as a driver of housing markets across multiple states
Family‑oriented suburbs across Australia have been singled out as likely outperformers in 2026, with industry specialists identifying areas where demand from households with children is expected to underpin property activity.
The latest realestate.com.au Hot 100, now in its fourth year, names 100 suburbs selected by property experts using nine criteria, including affordability, suitability for families, location and long‑term investment potential. The list highlights markets forecast to post stronger performance over the coming year.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that couples with dependent children and single‑parent households with dependent children make up the largest share of family types nationally. This has reinforced “family appeal” as a key signal of future growth in many local housing markets.
For the purposes of the Hot 100, factors such as housing stock, perceptions of safety and access to quality schools are among the elements used to assess whether a suburb is attractive to families.
Almost two in five suburbs in this year’s Hot 100 were selected primarily on the basis of their suitability for families.
In New South Wales, Bateau Bay, Box Hill and Calderwood are among the locations expected to perform solidly in 2026. Experts point to recent development that has broadened housing options and price points for different household types, alongside new community facilities and open spaces regarded as important for family buyers.
Charlestown, Earlwood and Five Dock are also viewed as well placed for growth, with family‑oriented features such as access to schools, recreation areas and established community networks supporting buyer demand.
Silverdale, Tamworth and Wyoming have similarly been included for offering relatively affordable family homes in quieter, community‑driven neighbourhoods with access to usable outdoor areas.
In Victoria, Grovedale, Herne Hill, Kennington and Lalor appear in the Hot 100 as suburbs expected to benefit from strong family demand among other drivers. Many family properties in these areas are priced below the state’s median house price of $765,000 and median unit price of $595,000, with larger blocks, proximity to schools and shared spaces contributing to their appeal.
Mount Waverley, Oakleigh and Williamstown, while generally more expensive, are also forecast to perform well. Their outlook is supported by a mix of public and private schools, varied housing choices and established community amenity.
Queensland accounts for nine family‑oriented suburbs in the Hot 100. Baringa, Griffin and Highfields are cited as likely strong performers due to their access to schools, green space and shared community infrastructure.
Petrie, Ripley and Upper Coomera have been in sustained demand from families, with ongoing investment in shared spaces, education precincts and lifestyle facilities underpinning expectations of further growth. Wavell Heights and Yeronga have likewise been identified for their family‑friendly characteristics, including school access, local services and a suburban environment.
In South Australia, Brooklyn Park, Old Noarlunga and Renmark are among the family‑focused suburbs expected to see growth in 2026. These areas are drawing family buyers through continued development, access to schools and community hubs, and proximity to natural amenities.
Western Australian suburbs Alkimos, Baldivis, Ellenbrook and South Bunbury have been selected for their family appeal, with relatively affordable family housing, improving transport links and upgraded recreational facilities, all within reach of schools.
Within the Australian Capital Territory, Denman Prospect, Giralang and Melba are included among family‑orientated suburbs forecast to experience solid growth next year. Giralang and Melba, as more established areas, offer larger family homes close to schools and community spaces, and provide a quiet lifestyle on tree‑lined streets.
In Tasmania, Brighton, Legana and Sorell feature in the Hot 100 for their growing popularity with families. These suburbs have undergone significant development and now offer a mix of older and newer housing across a range of price points. The rollout of schools and community infrastructure is expected to support further growth as family demand strengthens.
With a large proportion of the population made up of families seeking suburban locations close to schools and essential services, analysts expect many of these areas to show resilient demand and comparatively strong performance over the year ahead.
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