The North Shore is one of Sydney’s most coveted regions - for good reason. It's leafy, well-connected, and packed with top schools, vibrant communities, and a strong sense of liveability. The downside? Property prices are often sky-high.

But not all hope is lost. In 2025, there are still pockets of value across the North Shore where buyers can enter the market, whether you're after a house with a backyard or a sleek, low-maintenance apartment.

Below, we reveal the 7 most affordable suburbs to buy in North Shore Sydney in 2025, with prices, school info, public transport access, and more. Let’s find you a place to call home - and if you need help with your home loan, be sure to get in touch with Sabea Financial, we're local mortgage brokers who are who to help you secure the finances without the stress.

Please note: Please check for the latest prices, purchase and rental prices are consistency changing, or just get in touch with the team here and we can help.

1. Asquith – Great for Families and First-Home Buyers

Median House Price (2025): $1.58M
Median Apartment Price (2025): $735,000
Median House Rent: $680/week
Median Unit Rent: $570/week

Asquith continues to shine in 2025 as a standout for young families and first-home buyers. With leafy streets, nearby bushland, and access to quality schools like Asquith Public and Asquith Girls High, it’s a suburb where community comes first.

The train station provides fast, reliable service to the Sydney CBD in around 40 minutes, and the Pacific Highway makes commuting by car a breeze.

Walkability is strong near the shops and station, and crime rates remain low. The ongoing redevelopment of Hornsby town centre is expected to lift local property values even further so now is a good time to find affordable units, family-friendly lifestyle, and a transport-connected hub just minutes from Hornsby.

Why buy here? Affordable units, family-friendly lifestyle, and a transport-connected hub just minutes from Hornsby.

2. Mount Colah – Affordable Bushland Living

Median House Price (2025): $1.51M
Median Apartment Price (2025): $710,000
Median House Rent: $660/week
Median Unit Rent: $550/week

Mount Colah offers a rare mix of affordability and natural beauty. Nestled among national parks, it's a quiet and peaceful suburb that’s only 50 minutes from the city via the T1 Line.

Local schools like Mount Colah Public have strong reputations, and there’s a growing mix of townhouses and newer apartment blocks close to the station.

Walkability is improving with more pedestrian-friendly upgrades, and crime rates remain well below average. With Hornsby just down the road for shopping and dining, Mount Colah gives buyers a relaxed, spacious lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.

Why buy here? Solid house and apartment value, bushland charm, and excellent transport access.

3. North Ryde – Metro-Connected and Growth-Ready

Median House Price (2025): $1.83M
Median Apartment Price (2025): $880,000
Median House Rent: $820/week
Median Unit Rent: $640/week

Located just 12km from the Sydney CBD, North Ryde is one of the North Shore’s most strategic suburbs for affordability and future growth. Thanks to the Metro North West Line, residents enjoy rapid connections to the city, Macquarie Park, and Chatswood. Plus, schools like North Ryde Public and Macquarie University are major drawcards.

Walkability is solid in areas near the Metro and shopping precincts. Ongoing upgrades in Macquarie Park’s tech hub continue to drive demand and investor interest.

Why buy here? High rental demand, great unit options, and metro-level connectivity.

4. Lane Cove North – Lower North Shore Value Buy

Median House Price (2025): $1.95M
Median Apartment Price (2025): $825,000
Median House Rent: $850/week
Median Unit Rent: $630/week

Lane Cove North gives you all the prestige of the Lower North Shore, without the multi-million dollar price tags. It’s just a 15-minute drive to the city and enjoys fantastic local infrastructure.

Families love the Mowbray Public School catchment, and parks like Stringybark Creek Reserve offer green escape in every direction.

Bus links to the city and Chatswood are excellent, and the suburb boasts a strong walkability score of 80+.

Crime is low, and planned enhancements to pedestrian access and green spaces continue to boost its livability.

Why buy here? An affordable way to get into a premium postcode, with strong apartment value.

5. Berowra – Sydney’s Affordable North Shore Frontier

Median House Price (2025): $1.42M
Median Apartment Price (2025): $660,000
Median House Rent: $640/week
Median Unit Rent: $510/week

Berowra is perfect for buyers looking for more space, nature, and a laid-back lifestyle — all without straying too far from the city. It’s one of the most affordable suburbs on the North Shore, with excellent public transport via Berowra Station and direct access to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Schools like Berowra Public and St Bernard's Catholic Primary offer solid education options, and the crime rate is impressively low.

The suburb’s quiet appeal is attracting both young families and retirees, especially with remote work making longer commutes less of a worry.

Why buy here? A genuine value buy for both houses and apartments in a peaceful setting.

6. South Turramurra – Quiet and Family-Oriented

Median House Price (2025): $1.79M
Median Apartment Price (2025): Limited stock; ~$910,000 when available
Median House Rent: $770/week
Median Unit Rent: N/A

South Turramurra is the quieter, more affordable sibling of Turramurra, offering a tranquil and tightly held community feel. It backs onto Lane Cove National Park and features beautiful walking trails, parks, and bushland that families adore.

Public schools like Turramurra High and Turramurra Public are both in-demand, and local shops cover all the basics.

Although there’s no train station directly in South Turramurra, frequent buses connect you to Turramurra Station and Macquarie Centre.

Why buy here? A suburb with heart — peaceful, green, and still accessible.

7. Chatswood West – Leafy, Central and Still Underrated

Median House Price (2025): $1.98M
Median Apartment Price (2025): $865,000
Median House Rent: $870/week
Median Unit Rent: $690/week

Tucked away behind the bustling Chatswood CBD, Chatswood West offers a surprising escape from the chaos while staying right in the action. With Ferndale Park and the Lane Cove River walking trails nearby, it’s a leafy paradise that also gives you access to premium schools like Chatswood High.

Transport is a dream — the Chatswood Interchange puts you on the train or metro to the CBD in minutes.

Despite being next to a major business hub, property here remains more affordable than central Chatswood, especially for apartments.

Why buy here? A hidden gem close to everything, with solid long-term growth potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most affordable suburb in the North Shore in 2025?
Berowra offers the lowest entry prices for both houses and apartments in the region.

Is it cheaper to buy an apartment than a house in the North Shore?
Yes, apartments are significantly more affordable and popular with first-home buyers and investors.

What are good family suburbs in the North Shore?
Asquith, Mount Colah, and South Turramurra are top picks thanks to great schools and low crime.

Are these suburbs good for investment properties?
Yes — suburbs like North Ryde, Lane Cove North, and Chatswood West show strong rental demand and growth prospects.

How long does it take to reach the Sydney CBD from these suburbs?
Most offer train or metro access to the CBD in under an hour, with North Ryde and Chatswood closer to 20 minutes.

Which suburbs have new developments planned?
North Ryde, Lane Cove North, and Berowra all have infrastructure or retail upgrades on the way.

How do I apply for a mortgage in these areas?
Contact Sabea Financial here or call 1300 001 755 for expert help from local brokers.

Wrapping It Up: Affordable Living on the North Shore

The most affordable suburbs to buy in North Shore Sydney in 2025 prove that you don’t need a multi-million-dollar budget to live in one of Sydney’s most desirable regions. From nature-rich Berowra to metro-linked North Ryde and family-friendly Asquith, there are still opportunities to buy smart and live well.

Whether you're after a family home, your first apartment, or an investment with long-term upside - these suburbs tick all the right boxes.

Need help securing finance in today’s market? The team at Sabea Financial can help. Our expert Logan mortgage brokers specialise in finding the right loans for North Shore buyers, with access to a wide panel of lenders and competitive rates.

📞 Just call 1300 001 755 or visit www.sabeafinancial.com.au to get started today.