If I were building an ASX share portfolio from scratch, I'd start with these 5 stocks

Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch but not sure where to start?

I think focusing on quality businesses with attractive long-term growth prospects is a great place to start.

With that in mind, here are five ASX shares I'd want in my portfolio.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The first ASX share I'd buy is industrial property giant Goodman Group.

Goodman owns, develops, and manages high-quality logistics properties and data centres across major global markets.

I'm especially bullish on its growing exposure to data centres, where demand is being driven by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and the increasing digitalisation of the global economy.

With suitable land and electricity connections becoming harder to secure, Goodman's established development pipeline puts it in an enviable position.

Management is targeting operating earnings per share growth of 9% in FY 2027, and I believe it is well-placed to continue this level of growth for some time to come.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

For exposure to the financial sector, I'd turn to investment banking giant Macquarie Group.

Unlike the traditional big four banks, Macquarie has a diversified global business spanning asset management, investment banking, commodities trading, and retail banking.

This provides it with numerous opportunities to generate earnings as financial markets evolve.

Its latest half-year result demonstrated its earnings potential, with net profit increasing 50% to $2.48 billion.

Although its earnings can fluctuate with market conditions, I believe Macquarie's global reach, specialist expertise, and ability to identify profitable opportunities make it a compelling long-term investment.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another ASX share I'd want in my portfolio is property listings giant REA Group.

The company operates realestate.com.au, Australia's leading online property marketplace, which benefits from powerful network effects and an enormous audience.

Its dominant market position gives it significant pricing power, allowing the company to grow revenue through higher advertising prices and additional services.

This was demonstrated in the first quarter of FY 2027, when revenue increased 11% to $450 million despite national property listings declining 2%.

With opportunities to increase advertising yields, expand its services, and improve profitability, I think REA Group has an exciting future ahead.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

Another ASX share I'd include in my portfolio is sleep treatment company ResMed.

The healthcare company is a global leader in the treatment of sleep apnoea. It supplies devices, masks, and software solutions to patients and healthcare providers.

With millions of people worldwide suffering from undiagnosed sleep disorders, ResMed has a significant growth opportunity.

In light of this, I think ResMed could continue delivering attractive earnings growth for many years.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

A final ASX share I'd buy is diversified conglomerate Wesfarmers.

With businesses such as Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, and Priceline Pharmacy under its umbrella, Wesfarmers provides exposure to some of Australia's strongest retail brands.

I'm a big fan of its ability to generate strong cash flows, invest in growth opportunities, and reward shareholders with dividends.

Its disciplined approach to capital allocation has also helped it build an impressive track record of long-term shareholder returns.

And with Bunnings and Kmart continuing to perform well, alongside emerging opportunities in healthcare and lithium, I believe Wesfarmers has plenty of room to grow over the next decade.

The post If I were building an ASX share portfolio from scratch, I'd start with these 5 stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group, REA Group, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group, Macquarie Group, ResMed, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026