Semaphore (SA): Why is it a first home buyer hotspot?

Hotspot in Focus: Semaphore Suburbs

Semaphore is a north-western seaside suburb approximately 14km from the hear of Adelaide, South Australia. Beachside Semaphore has an impressive vibe, with antique shops, organic cafes and historic pubs. The three popular Semaphore suburbs include:

  • Semaphore
  • Semaphore Park
  • Semaphore South

[vc_row el_class=”blog-table”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”title”]SEMAPHORE AT A GLANCE[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”blog-table”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1497860906012{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text el_class=”small-title”]DISTANCE TO ADELAIDE CBD[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”orange”]14KM[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text el_class=”small-title”]POSTCODE[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”orange”]5019[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1497860912075{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”small-title”]COUNCIL[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”orange”]City of Port Adelaide[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”blog-table”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text el_class=”small-title”]POPULATION[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”orange”]7,500[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text el_class=”small-title”]POPULAR SCHOOLS[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”orange”]Le Fevre High School, Westport Primary School, Dominican School[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”blog-table”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1497860933316{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”small-title”]LOCAL TRANSPORT[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”orange”]Bus, Car, Train[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1497860921580{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”small-title”]MEDIAN DWELLING PRICE[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”orange”]$480,000[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Disclaimer: This article is general nature and should not be relied upon. FHBA is not qualified or licensed to recommend locations for your first home. If you do not know where you want to buy your first home you should speak to a licensed professional.

Why the suburbs of ‘Semaphore’?

Semaphore Beach’s white sands, family-friendly playing areas and foreshore make the Semaphore suburbs an attractive place for first home buyers. Semaphore is backed by low dunes rather than tall buildings, so you get a sense of being a while away from anywhere. Some reasons why first home buyers might find Semaphore as a suitable first home choice include:

Variety & Lifestyle – One of the key features of Semaphore is it’s proximity to the sea. Enjoy the expansive green foreshore covering 2kms of space. The suburbs have a lot to offer for first home buyers and their families:

  • Bike tracks
  • Beaches
  • Jetty and a family-themed amusement park
  • A range of specialty, café, restaurant, food and service outlets
  • A local cinema

Therefore, first home buyers in Semaphore can enjoy all the benefits of community living but with easy access to everything the area has to offer. It is ideal for families as it is an established suburb and has something for everyone – i.e. young couples & families.

Transport & Location – Semaphore is a short drive from the centre of Adelaide, with Port Road connecting the Semaphore area with the city of Adelaide. Bus and train services also run regularly from the city and suburban centres.

The train journey from Adelaide CBD to Semaphore takes about 25 mins with Glanville Station being the closest station that serves the Semaphore suburbs.

Several bus routes service the Semaphore area from the Adelaide CBD and from Glanville station.

Schools –  There are plenty of child care and early learning centres in Semaphore & surrounding suburbs, making it the ideal suburb for young families. As the population in the suburb continues to grow, more child care centres are opening and capacity in the schools is being increased.

There are a large number of primary schools and several secondary schools, both state and specialised schools servicing the suburb of Semaphore.  The three most popular schools in the region include:

  • Westport Primary School
  • LeFevre High
  • Goodstart Early Learning – Semaphore

Semaphore first home buyer

Semaphore is one of Adelaide’s most picturesque locations

The Semaphore economy

The City of Port Adelaide Enfield has a substantial role in the South Australian economy. The Council area has a particularly solid manufacturing base, with businesses operating in all areas of manufacturing including metals manufacturing, non-metal products and food and beverage products. Tourism is also considered one of the major drivers for the Semaphore economy.

An analysis of the jobs held by the resident population shows the three most popular industry sectors were:

  • Health Care and Social Assistance
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail Trade

There are over 700 different businesses in the Semaphore region, providing for local employment options.

Some of the major economic developments taking places in the Semaphore area includes the following:

  • PortLink – deliver a new tram service to Outer Harbour, Port Adelaide and Grange and construction of a new tram line to West Lakes and Semaphore.
  • Transformation of Semaphore Road into a vibrant precinct – for businesses and residents

Semaphore first home buyer housing

With the median house price in Adelaide’s inner suburbs considerably more expensive and the fact that Semaphore is a beachside area, it is no surprise that the suburbs of Semaphore are popular with aspiring first home buyers, especially those looking to take advantage of the SA FHOG by buying brand new house & land packages.

According to APM Data, the median house prices in the three Semaphore suburbs are as follows (as of February 2018):

Semaphore – $619,000

Semaphore Park – $480,000

Semaphore South – $624,000

The median prices mentioned above are higher than Adelaide’s median house price, however, the Western Coast of Adelaide is considered to be one of the more attractive areas for residents.  For first home buyers looking to buy a townhouse or unit, there are considerably cheaper options with the median unit price at $370,000 (as of February 2018)

A boom in the construction industry in SA has also resulted in a greater number of house & land packages becoming available in the area and allowing first home buyers take advantage of the $15,000 FHOG in SA (for a purchase price below $575,000). This means there is plenty of supply for first home buyers to take advantage of when buying their first home.

We can help you find a brand new house & land package in the Semaphore suburbs

Looking to determine if you have saved enough for your first home in one of the above suburbs? Click here to use our Eligibility Estimator.

How can FHBA help secure your first home in Semaphore?

Buying your first home can be quite tricky. That’s why at FHBA, we are with you every step of the way, even as far as helping you move into your first home!

First Home Loan

Your FHBA Coach will explain all the steps, determine your borrowing capacity, offer suitable loan options, compile your loan application paperwork and even assist you with applications for the FHOG in SA. Click here to get pre-approved with a no-charge assessment!

FHOG eligible brand new home

We have access to a range of brand new property opportunities for aspiring first home buyers looking to buy in Semaphore and surrounding areas (all with FHOG eligibility + the FHBA 50 Rebate!). Be sure to complete the form at the bottom of this page if you are interested and want to know more about the exciting apartments, townhouses and house & land packages we have access to. Alternatively, search our large range of properties by clicking here.

Established homes

FHBA assists first home buyers looking to buy an established home – regardless of budget, property type, or property location, we will not rest until you have successfully settled on a property you have chosen & you have comfortably moved into your first home.

If you are looking for more information or if you have any questions, please complete the form below to speak with an FHBA Coach.








Written By,

First Home Buyers Australia

First Home Buyers Australia
First Home Buyers Australia

Australia’s leading organisation specialising in assisting first home buyers achieve the great Australian dream of property ownership.