I’m a firm believer that the first home buyer shouldn’t have to live on lentil casserole in order to meet their mortgage repayments. Adelaide’s north has numerous properties available that are relatively affordable, and have a comfortable standard of living. Here’s a selection of homes in the vibrant north that I think would be suitable for many first home buyers.

First on my list is 9/14 Vera Street, Paralowie. Listed for sale at $169,000 by Raine Horne This is a neat and tidy single level unit featuring two bedrooms, a private rear yard and a secure carport. Close to the bus on Waterloo Corner Road and a short drive to Hollywood Plaza. View the full listing for 9/14 Vera Street, Paralowie at RealEstateView.

My next property is a neat timber-frame homette in Salisbury, situated at 13 Post Avenue. This updated property sits on approximately 421m2 of land, and features a modern kitchen, floating floors, air conditioning, and a carport. Just a few blocks from the Salisbury interchange and the Parabanks shops, this is really quite convenient. Listed by Raine Horne for $185,000 – $195,000 , this represents great buying in this area. View the full listing for 13 Post Avenue, Salisbury at RealEstateView.

If you meet the criteria to be eligible for the SA Government’s Affordable Homes program, then 6/47 Amsterdam Cres, Salisbury could be the start for you. This is a neat two bedroom unit, single story, with off street parking. Ready to move in and priced at $165,000 by Smallacombe Sanderson Real Estate. View the full listing for 6/47 Amsterdam Cres, Salisbury at RealEstateView .

Now this one is a beautifully updated unit at a very affordable price. Listed at $179,000 – $196,000 by Toop and Toop, this ground floor unit at 3/32 Salisbury Highway, Salisbury has a private yard and secure carport, a modern kitchen with gas appliances, air conditioning, and a fresh, vibrant colour scheme. Just a short walk to the Salisbury interchange, this is the ideal first home for anyone who needs to commute to the Adelaide CBD. And a short walk in the other direction is the Holden factory too, so it would also be ideal for anyone working there. View the full listing for 3/32 Salisbury Highway, Salisbury at RealEstateView .

Where else in Australia besides Adelaide’s north will you find a metropolitan three bedroom home on a Torrens Title allotment of over 600m2 for under $200,000? Turner Partners have this lovely modernised semi-detached home at 54 Bagot Road, Elizabeth South on the market for $180,000 – $195,000. This house is nice and fresh, with a quaint pergola area and a huge back yard. It is situated close to the Elizabeth Shopping Center, Holden and the Elizabeth South train station which is due for a major upgrade in the coming months. View the full listing for 54 Bagot Road, Elizabeth South at RealEstateView .

So if you’re thinking about getting your first home, and you want an affordable property, think north.