Aussie suburbs where there’s a first homebuyer boom

New data from National Australia Bank reveals the Australian suburbs booming in popularity amongst first-home buyers. 

These areas provide hope for those applying for a home loan and entering the property market for the first time. 

Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs, and a northwest Sydney suburb top the list, but the data revealed locations in other states which are seeing first-home buyers making their nest.

NAB executive of home ownership, Andy Kerr says first-home buyers are looking for new opportunities in an evolving market.

"Value and location remain the two most important factors for first home buyers when looking to purchase their first property," Kerr said.

Despite the cost-of-living crisis and softening market conditions on our hands, the data shows that the rate of first-home buyers didn’t slow down in the second half of last year. 

Instead, NAB suggests, Australians are taking advantage of falling house prices and government support schemes, like the First Home Owners Grant. 

Where are Australian first-home buyers looking? 

The following suburbs were the most popular areas for first-home buyers in Australia in the latter half of 2022.

Victoria

One in ten first-home buyers in Victoria bought in the western or northern suburbs of Melbourne, according to NAB. 

These areas of growth have been bolstered by billions of dollars of investment in roads and transport infrastructure. 

“First home buyers in Victoria continue to be attracted to growth areas to the north, west and south-east of Melbourne, with good amenities, growing transport links, new schools and parks and a more relaxed, suburban lifestyle,” said Kerr.

The top suburbs for first-home buyers in Victoria were: 

1. 3029 – Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina

2. 3064 – Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Kalkallo, Mickleham and Roxburgh Park

3. 3978 – Cardinia, Clyde and Clyde North.

New South Wales 

Topping the list in NSW, the northwestern suburb of Schofields recorded a 63% jump in quarter-on-quarter demand in the second half of 2022, according to NAB. 

This jump is attributed to the completion of several new housing developments and properties that were eligible for government scheme support. 

“Schofields and Liverpool are some of the most in-demand suburbs for first home buyers in NSW, with new housing developments here falling within the price thresholds for a number of state government assistance schemes, and they have growing public transport options, retail and education precincts and parks in a suburban environment,” said Kerr.

The top NSW suburbs for first-home buyers were: 

1. 2762 – Schofields

2. 2765 – Berkshire Park, Box Hill, Maraylya, Marsden Park, Nelson, Oakville, Riverstone and Vineyard

3. 2170 – Casula, Chipping Norton, Hammondville, Liverpool, Lurnea, Moorebank, Mount Pritchard, Prestons and Warwick Farm.

Queensland 

In Queensland, suburbs surrounding ‘the Garden City’ of Toowoomba were hot property for those getting into the market for the first time, including Darling Heights and Drayton. The popularity of the regional city, says NAB, is due to an infrastructure boom. 

“Toowoomba has been going from strength-to-strength in past years, attracting families with its quick commute to Brisbane, schools, laidback lifestyle and spacious land sizes. With billions of dollars of investment coming down the pipeline on the Inland Rail Link and a new Toowoomba Hospital, the Garden City is shaping up as an exciting place to buy and live,” said Kerr.

Three of Queensland’s top five suburbs for first-home buyers were regional – Toowoomba, Mackay and Bundaberg – outside of the Greater Brisbane area. 

In Queensland, the top suburbs targeted by first-home buyers included: 

1. 4350 – Toowoomba and its surrounds

2. 4207 – Beenleigh and Yarrabilba

3. 4300 – Springfield Lakes and Goodna.

Western Australia

According to Kerr, southeast Perth’s popularity amongst first-home buyers is growing due to its access to transport infrastructure, schools, and the natural environment. 

“Perth’s southeast is growing rapidly, with good access to transport corridors and employment, as well as affordable and sustainable housing. Recently opened schools and access to parks and bushland give first home buyers in Harrisdale access to the suburban lifestyle with the chance to escape the hustle and bustle.”

WA’s top suburbs for first-home buyers were: 

1. 6112 – Armadale and Harrisdale

2. 6061 – Balga and Nollamara

3. 6164 – Success and Cockburn Central.

South Australia

In SA, the southern suburbs of Adelaide proved to be the target of many first-home buyers, due to the transport infrastructure used to commute into the CBD and access to nature. 

“Adelaide’s southern suburbs continue to be in-demand locations for South Australian first home buyers. Transport upgrades make Morphett Vale, Woodcroft and Hallett Cove even more attractive places to live and commute into the CBD. Mt Barker is a gem in the Adelaide Hills, providing easy access to growing amenities and fresh air.”

SA’s most popular suburbs for first-home buyers were:

1. 5162 – Morphett Vale and Woodcroft

2. 5158 – Hallett Cove and O’Halloran Hill

3. 5251 – Mount Barker.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, the most popular suburbs for first-home buyers were:

1. 7320 – Burnie, Acton and Camdale

2. 7011 – Berriedale and Chigwell

3. 7310 – Devonport and East Devonport.

Australian Capital Territory

In the ACT, the most popular suburbs for first-home buyers were:

1. 2602 – Dickson and Watson

2. 2913 – Casey and Franklin

3. 2617 – Bruce and Lawson.

Northern Territory 

In the NT, the most popular suburbs for first-home buyers were:

1. 0810 – Nightcliff and Casuarina

2. 0870 – Alice Springs and Gillen

3. 0832 – Rosebery and Bakewell.

If you’re a first-home buyer you’ll want to be informed about the home loan process, especially when it comes to matters like home loan approvals. But before you go and submit an application, it’s important to compare home loan options. Get started with some of your options below, or head over to our award-winning home loans page to see the best home loans in Australia in 2023.