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.
Home loan comparisons on Mozo - last updated 9 December 2023
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Featured Product
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Low Cost Home Loan - 2023
Unloan Variable
Owner Occupier, Refinance Only, LVR <80%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment5.74% p.a. variable5.65% p.a.For refinancers only. Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply in as little as 10 minutes.
CompareCompareUnloan Variable
For refinancers only. Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply in as little as 10 minutes.
- interest rate
- 5.74% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.65% p.a.
- interest rate
- 5.74% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.65% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $0.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum loan amount
- $10,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of loan
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Unloan Unloan Variable
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Low Cost Home Loan - 2023
Variable Home Loan 90
Principal and Interest, LVR <90%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.04% p.a. variable6.06% p.a.Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 10% deposit required. Advertised rates include Nov RBA rate increase. T&Cs apply.
CompareCompareVariable Home Loan 90
Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 10% deposit required. Advertised rates include Nov RBA rate increase. T&Cs apply.
- interest rate
- 6.04% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.06% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.04% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.06% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $530
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $0.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- Minimum loan amount
- $50,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $2,000,000
- Type of loan
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the loans.com.au Variable Home Loan 90
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Packaged Home Loan - 2023
Variable Rate Home Loan Special Offer
Package, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR<80%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.14% p.a. variable6.51% p.a.Package benefits across Home Loans, Visa Credit Card, Personal Loans and Term Deposits. No package fee for the first year. No application, settlement or redraw fees to pay. Quick and easy application. Free CoreLogic RP Data property reports. *Terms, conditions and lending criteria apply.
CompareCompareVariable Rate Home Loan Special Offer
Package benefits across Home Loans, Visa Credit Card, Personal Loans and Term Deposits. No package fee for the first year. No application, settlement or redraw fees to pay. Quick and easy application. Free CoreLogic RP Data property reports. *Terms, conditions and lending criteria apply.
- interest rate
- 6.14% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.51% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.14% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.51% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $395.00 yearly
- Discharge Fee
- $350.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum loan amount
- $150,000
- Maximum loan amount
- -
- Type of loan
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- $0 package fee for the first year.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Credit Union SA Variable Rate Home Loan Special Offer
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Well Balanced Special Offer
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <80%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.12% p.a. variable6.14% p.a.Competitive low rates available for owner occupiers. Free online redraws. 100% offset account for a small fee ($10 p/mth). Quick and easy application online. Get a free evaluation (Valued up to $300). Minimum loan amount $100K.
CompareCompareWell Balanced Special Offer
Competitive low rates available for owner occupiers. Free online redraws. 100% offset account for a small fee ($10 p/mth). Quick and easy application online. Get a free evaluation (Valued up to $300). Minimum loan amount $100K.
- interest rate
- 6.12% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.14% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.12% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.14% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $785
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $300.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- Optional - $10 per month
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum loan amount
- $200,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $2,000,000
- Type of loan
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
-
Solar Home Loan
Investment, Principal & Interest, LVR <90%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.19% p.a.variable for 60 months and then 6.73% p.a. variable6.58% p.a.Enjoy a lower interest rate for the first 5 years if you have solar panels or plan to get them. Get up to a 30 year loan term. Unlimited additional repayments. Option offset sub-account. No ongoing fees to pay. Free unlimited redraws.
CompareCompareSolar Home Loan
Enjoy a lower interest rate for the first 5 years if you have solar panels or plan to get them. Get up to a 30 year loan term. Unlimited additional repayments. Option offset sub-account. No ongoing fees to pay. Free unlimited redraws.
- interest rate
- 6.19% p.a.variable for 60 months and then 6.73% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.58% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.19% p.a.variable for 60 months and then 6.73% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.58% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $530
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $300.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- Minimum loan amount
- $50,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $1,500,000
- Type of loan
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the loans.com.au Solar Home Loan
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Well Balanced
Investor, Principal & Interest, LVR <80%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.39% p.a. variable6.42% p.a.Competitive low rates available for investors. Free online redraws. 100% offset account for a small fee ($10 p/mth). Get a free evaluation (Valued up to $300). Fast online application. Minimum loan amount $100K.
CompareCompareWell Balanced
Competitive low rates available for investors. Free online redraws. 100% offset account for a small fee ($10 p/mth). Get a free evaluation (Valued up to $300). Fast online application. Minimum loan amount $100K.
- interest rate
- 6.39% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.42% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.39% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.42% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $785
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $300.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- Optional - $10 per month
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum loan amount
- $200,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $2,000,000
- Type of loan
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Well Money Well Balanced
-
Simplicity PLUS Special Offer
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <80%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.64% p.a. variable6.64% p.a.Refinance your eligible home loan of $250,000+ and 80% or less LVR and get $2,000 cashback (T&Cs apply) with ANZ’s Simplicity PLUS Home Loan Special Offer. Get discounted rates upfront on eligible loans (T&Cs apply). $0 set up or ongoing fees to pay. Verify your ID and sign documents online for super simple home loan refinancing.
CompareCompareSimplicity PLUS Special Offer
Refinance your eligible home loan of $250,000+ and 80% or less LVR and get $2,000 cashback (T&Cs apply) with ANZ’s Simplicity PLUS Home Loan Special Offer. Get discounted rates upfront on eligible loans (T&Cs apply). $0 set up or ongoing fees to pay. Verify your ID and sign documents online for super simple home loan refinancing.
- interest rate
- 6.64% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.64% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.64% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.64% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $160
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $160.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum loan amount
- $50,000
- Maximum loan amount
- -
- Type of loan
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- $3,000 cashback for eligible First Home Buyers, $2,000 cashback when you refinance loans of $250k+, apply from 1 Dec 2022, settle within 180 days.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the ANZ Simplicity PLUS Special Offer
-
Elevate
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, <80% LVR
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.09% p.a. variable6.20% p.a.Get competitive rates on loan terms of 5 to 30 years with the Aussie Elevate Home Loan. Structure your loan with up to five splits. Make additional repayments (T&Cs apply). Offset accounts available. Unlimited redraw using your online banking account. Choose from weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments For loan amounts from $10,000 to $5 million.
CompareCompareElevate
Get competitive rates on loan terms of 5 to 30 years with the Aussie Elevate Home Loan. Structure your loan with up to five splits. Make additional repayments (T&Cs apply). Offset accounts available. Unlimited redraw using your online banking account. Choose from weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments For loan amounts from $10,000 to $5 million.
- interest rate
- 6.09% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.20% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.09% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.20% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $498
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $325.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- Optional extra - $10 per month
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum loan amount
- $10,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $5,000,000
- Type of loan
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Aussie Elevate
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Low Cost Home Loan - 2023
Variable Investor Home Loan 80
Investor, Principal and Interest, LVR<80%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.24% p.a. variable6.26% p.a.Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers.. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 30% deposit required.
CompareCompareVariable Investor Home Loan 80
Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers.. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 30% deposit required.
- interest rate
- 6.24% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.26% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.24% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.26% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $530
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $0.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum loan amount
- $50,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $2,000,000
- Type of loan
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the loans.com.au Variable Investor Home Loan 80
-
Featured Product
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Low Cost Home Loan - 2023
Unloan Variable
Investment, Refinance Only
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.04% p.a. variable5.95% p.a.For refinancers only. Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for investors. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply in as little as 10 minutes.
CompareCompareUnloan Variable
For refinancers only. Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for investors. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply in as little as 10 minutes.
- interest rate
- 6.04% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.95% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.04% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.95% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $0.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum loan amount
- $10,000
- Maximum loan amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of loan
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Investor
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Unloan Unloan Variable