St. George Bank survey reveals 1 in 5 Aussie first-home buyers want to buy this Spring

By Rhianna Dews · · 4 min read
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St. George Bank’s recent Spring-time Housing Survey has revealed that 56% of Aussie first-home buyers know exactly what they want in a new home, with 72% feeling confident to lock in a new home in the current low-interest-rate environment.

“As the current market conditions are making it a prime time to buy, it’s positive to see that homebuyers are going into the process equipped with a good idea of what they’re looking for,” said St. George Bank General Manager, Ross Miller.

According to the study, of all the features on first-home buyer’s wishlists, the non-negotiables were backyards (63%), quiet roads (55%), easy neighbours (53%), wardrobe space (46%) and even the height of the showerhead (48%).

Another big deciding factor for Aussie first home buyers when picking out a new home was location, with preference to family-friendly neighbourhoods (64%), views (61%), proximity to sporting facilities (52%), cafes and bars (46%) and access to food delivery options (42%).

“Whether it’s a backyard big enough for the kids, friendly neighbours, great views or being close to a local café or pub, Aussies are prioritising easy living and family-friendly features when it comes to their first home hit-list,” Miller said.

St George launches new online home loan application process

The survey found that 1 in 5 Aussie first-home buyers want to buy in the current Spring property season, however, it seems many feel overwhelmed by the challenging home loan application process.

In fact, 56% admitted they’d be more comfortable applying for a home loan under the guidance of an expert, 44% if there was less paperwork and 35% if an online application process was available. Taking this into account, St George Bank just launched a new online home loan application process.

“The application process can sometimes seem tricky, that’s why we have launched a digital paperless process, which provides information for every stage of the home buying journey, so households can focus their energy on finding their perfect home,” said Miller.

“Our customers have enjoyed the paperless, online home loan application because it allows you to complete your application through an easy to use 24/7 digital app, with a clear step by step process to fill in at your own pace – all within the comfort from your home and with help available at the click of a button.”

It’s been low-rate home loans galore since all the RBA rate cuts over the past few months, so, if you’re looking to buy your first home, get in quick while the market’s still in good shape! Get the ball rolling by running a quick home loan comparison to help you find a home loan deal that’s right for you.

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Last updated 5 December 2025 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
What are your home loan needs?
Loan purpose
Buying or Refinancing
  • Promoted

    Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.10 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an automatic loyalty discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank

  • First Home Buyer Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    • For first home buyers
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    4.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.04 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,681
    Go to site
    • Competitive interest rate – 4.99% p.a. (comparison rate* 5.04% p.a.)
    • Offset account to reduce interest and save on repayments
    • No establishment or monthly fees, plus valuation fees waived up to $1,000 (limited time)

  • Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.09 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.43 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,712
    Go to site
    • No ongoing annual fees
    • Make up to $25,000 extra repayments during a fixed period, fee free (T&Cs apply)
    • Lock in for up to 5 years.

  • Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.10 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an automatic loyalty discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank

  • Discount Great Rate Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.20 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • Get up to $3,000 cashback when you apply online (T&Cs apply)
    • No paperwork or payslips required (see site for details)
    • Low variable rate

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.29 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.33 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    Go to site
    • No monthly or ongoing fees
    • Option to add an offset for 0.10% p.a.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.39 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.42 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,805
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees to pay.
    • Pre-approval valid for 3 months
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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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