Australia’s most popular FHB locations revealed

The back half of 2022 saw first home buyer activity remain steady as house prices eased and government support schemes took effect. Mr Kerr said these conditions caused FHB sales to buck national trends, even growing certain hotspots.

Schofields, in Sydney’s north-west, led the way regarding first home ownership, recording a 63 per cent quarter-on-quarter demand increase in the final half of last year, buoyed by a string of new housing developments and off-the-plan properties that fall under state government assistance thresholds.

However, Mr Kerr explained the suburb’s growing demand was not isolated, with “outer metro growth areas like Tarneit in Melbourne, Hallett Cove, right near Adelaide’s southern beaches and suburbs south-east of Perth have great amenities, particularly for young families”. 

“The popularity of these areas for first home buyers remained strong throughout the second half of 2022, and we expect to see steady demand early this year, as first home buyers look to areas representing the best value,” he said. 

Each state’s three most popular FHB postcodes are: 

Victoria

1. 3029 – Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Truganina
2. 3064 – Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Kalkallo, Mickleham, Roxburgh Park
3. 3978 – Cardinia, Clyde, Clyde North

Mr Kerr explained FHBs in the state remained “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”. 

Given forecasts of Melbourne’s population to leapfrog Sydney’s within the next decade, Mr Kerr believes “these areas along key transport corridors will be whether we continue to see that growth”.

NSW

1. 2762 – Schofields
2. 2765 – Berkshire Park, Box Hill, Maraylya, Marsden Park, Nelson, Oakville, Riverstone, Vineyard
3. 2170 – Casula, Chipping Norton, Hammondville, Liverpool, Lurnea, Moorebank, Mount Pritchard, Prestons, Warwick Farm

With several new housing developments falling beneath the price thresholds for several state government assistance schemes, Mr Kerr said that “Schofields and Liverpool are some of the most in-demand suburbs for FHBs in NSW”. 

Also playing favour to these regions are their expanding public transport networks, retail and education precincts and parks within suburban environments.

Queensland

1. 4350 – Toowoomba and surrounds
2. 4207 – Beenleigh, Yarrabilba
3. 4300 – Springfield Lakes, Goodna

“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,” Mr Kerr said. 

“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.”

Western Australia

1. 6112 – Armadale, Harrisdale
2. 6061 – Balga, Nollamara
3. 6164 – Success, Cockburn Central

“Perth’s south-east is growing rapidly, with good access to transport corridors and employment, as well as affordable and sustainable housing,” he said. Adding that Harrisdale’s appeal is increased by its ability to provide home owners “the suburban lifestyle with the chance to escape the hustle and bustle”.

South Australia

1. 5162 – Morphett Vale, Woodcroft
2. 5158 – Hallett Cove, O’Halloran Hill
3. 5251 – Mount Barker

Adelaide’s southern suburbs continued to be in demand amongst first home buyers. Mr Kerr detailed that transport upgrades in the 5162 and 5158 postcodes increase their appeal to first home buyers commuting to the city. Meanwhile, “Mt Barker is a gem in the Adelaide Hills, providing easy access to growing amenities and fresh air.”

Tasmania:

1. 7320 – Burnie, Acton, Camdale
2. 7011 – Berriedale, Chigwell
3. 7310 – Devonport, East Devonport

Northern Territory

1. 0810 – Nightcliff, Casuarina
2. 0870 – Alice Springs, Gillen
3. 0832 – Rosebery, Bakewell

ACT