Aussie suburbs where there’s a first homebuyer boom

Smiling man lifting laughing woman in empty apartment

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.

Aerial view of Melbourne city CBD high-rise towers from Port Melbourne and Southbank above residential suburb house roofs and local streets, roads, cars and parks.

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.

Sydney city, aerial view. Houses, green trees, and Sydney Harbour in the distance.

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.

An aerial shot of Brisbane downtown and river.

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.

A view over the suburb of Mount Claremont, east towards the CBD of Perth.

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.

Aerial view City of Adelaide with treelined inner northern suburbs in foreground, Mt Lofty ranges in background.

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.

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Last updated 12 December 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
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  • Promoted

    Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Convenient offset account. No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Promoted

    Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    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 online in minutes.

  • Promoted

    Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR<70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.08 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Promoted

    Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<60%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.

  • Promoted

    Variable Home Loan 90

    • Principal and Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.06 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    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.

  • Promoted

    Budget Home Loan

    • LVR <80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.07 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Enjoy a discounted variable home loan from IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Life-of-loan discount off IMB’s standard variable interest rate. Unrestricted additional repayments. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). No monthly fees to pay. Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Promoted

    Neat Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.11 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR<70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.08 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <70%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Convenient offset account. No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

  • Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <95%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Get the security of a competitive fixed rate home loan for 2 years with IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Up to 12 months repayments in advance without penalties. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    5.79 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.27 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,931
    Go to site

    Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    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 online in minutes.

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Principal and Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.06 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    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.

  • Budget Home Loan

    • LVR <80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.07 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Enjoy a discounted variable home loan from IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Life-of-loan discount off IMB’s standard variable interest rate. Unrestricted additional repayments. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). No monthly fees to pay. Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Neat Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.11 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.33 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<60%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<60%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.39 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Ability to open up to 10 offset accounts per loan account. Fast online application. Linked Debit Mastercard® with fee-free access at ATMs across Australia. Package a credit card with your home loan and the annual card fee will be waived (T&Cs apply). 40% deposit required.

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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

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