First time home buyers more likely to buy in outer suburbs, says NAB

By Maria Gil · · 2 min read
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More first time home buyers are purchasing in outer suburbs, particularly in NSW and Victoria, new NAB data shows.

Even amidst some of the strictest lockdown restrictions first timers were involved, with a 77% lending surge of first time buyers compared to 2020, said NAB.

Andy Kerr, NAB executive home ownership, correlated the increase of people buying in outer suburbs to the growth of working from home in the last 18 months. 

“This has fundamentally changed home buyer options with locations based on hybrid working, opening up suburbs that haven’t been available in the past with the daily commute,” he said.

Regional spots continue to draw some buyers however.

“While activity has slowed in regional areas in QLD and WA from the first few months of this year, in NSW and Victoria it’s clear the sea and tree change continue to be incredibly popular for first-time buyers,” said Kerr.

Switching back to city locations

Typically houses further away from metro areas tend to be cheaper, which is why many first time home buyers try to break into the market in those regions. Recently, the Australian housing market’s total worth broke $9 trillion, but that flood of money hasn’t stopped new home buyers going out to find their dream homes - be it in the suburbs or out in the country.

While we’ve seen an increase in city dwellers migrating to regional areas since the pandemic, between May and August this year, buying activity in metro areas has grown compared to regional, said NAB.

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Last updated 27 July 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

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  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR 90-95%
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    Interest rate
    7.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    7.22 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,747
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    Initial monthly repayment
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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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