Key takeaways
Aussie data reveals where first-home buyers were most active across Australia in 2026.
Outer metropolitan suburbs, regional centres and established apartment markets are all attracting buyers.
Learn what these location trends could mean if you're planning your first home purchase.
Buying your first home isn't just about finding a property you like, it's also about finding a location that fits your budget, lifestyle and long-term goals.
Using the latest Aussie home loan application data, we've identified where first-home buyers have been purchasing across Australia during April to June 2026, from established metropolitan suburbs to growing regional centres.
While affordability remains an important consideration, the data suggests buyers aren't all heading in the same direction.
Some are choosing outer metropolitan growth corridors, while others are finding value in regional communities or apartments in well-connected urban locations.
So, where are first-home buyers buying today, and what can those trends tell us if you're planning to enter the market?
What first-home buyers look for in a suburb
Key factors influencing buying decisions
Every first-home buyer has different priorities, but the latest Aussie data suggests location decisions are rarely based on price alone.
Alongside affordability, buyers are weighing lifestyle, convenience and longer-term goals when deciding where to purchase their first home.
Affordability
Budget remains one of the biggest considerations for first-home buyers. While the latest Aussie data shows buyers purchasing across a range of price points, many continue to balance what they can comfortably afford with the type of home and location that suits their needs.Proximity to work and transport
Easy access to public transport, employment hubs and everyday services remains an important consideration for many buyers, particularly those purchasing in established metropolitan areas.Lifestyle and liveability
Access to parks, schools, healthcare, shopping and community amenities can all influence where buyers choose to purchase, particularly if they're planning to stay in the area for the long term.Future growth potential
Buyers often think beyond today's needs. Access to planned infrastructure, growing communities and the potential to remain in a home as circumstances change can all influence purchasing decisions.Government support
Australian Government initiatives, such as the 5% Deposit Scheme, along with state-based grants and concessions, can influence where some eligible buyers choose to purchase by improving affordability in certain markets.
What the latest first-home buyer data tells us
The latest Aussie application data shows first-home buyers are purchasing across a wide range of locations and property types, reflecting the different ways buyers are responding to today's market.
Houses remain the most common choice overall, but apartments and townhouses continue to play an important role in helping buyers enter higher-priced metropolitan markets.
Rather than following a single trend, first-home buyers appear to be balancing affordability, lifestyle, and long-term goals based on their own circumstances.
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According to Blazenka Lovric, Aussie’s Lead Insights Analyst, the latest trends suggest first-home buyers are responding to today's market by making considered decisions about where and what they purchase.
"It tells us first-home buyers are adapting rather than stepping away. They are still highly motivated to enter the market, but they are doing so by making sharper trade-offs around property type, location and price point.” she said.
She added “In many cases, that means looking to outer-growth corridors, regional centres, or attached dwellings as a more realistic first step.”
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Where are first-home buyers buying in 2026?
Using Aussie home loan application data from April to June 2026, we've identified where first-home buyers are purchasing across Australia and where demand is continuing to grow.
Rather than one location dominating the market, the data highlights several different buying patterns.
Houses remain popular in outer metropolitan suburbs and regional centres, while apartments and townhouses continue to attract first-home buyers in established metropolitan locations.
Here's where first-home buyers were most active during the latest quarter.
Most popular suburbs for first-home buyers purchasing houses
Suburb | Median purchase value |
|---|---|
$699,000 | |
$540,000 | |
$800,000 | |
$782,000 | |
$792,000 | |
$662,000 | |
$641,000 | |
$730,000 | |
$700,000 | |
$840,000 |
Source: Aussie Internal Data, July 2026
Most popular suburbs for first-home buyers purchasing apartments and townhouses
Suburb | Median purchase value |
|---|---|
$500,000 | |
$840,000 | |
$620,000 | |
$485,000 | |
$940,000 | |
$615,000 | |
$750,000 | |
$600,000 | |
$900,000 | |
$685,000 |
House purchases are spread across both metropolitan growth corridors and regional centres, while apartment activity is concentrated in established suburbs close to employment, transport and lifestyle amenities.
Together, these trends suggest first-home buyers are prioritising different locations depending on the type of property they're looking to buy.
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What makes a suburb a good fit?
The most popular suburbs won't necessarily be the right suburbs for everyone. While buyer activity can provide useful insights into market trends, it's also worth considering your own budget, commute, lifestyle, and future plans when deciding where to buy.
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Why are these suburbs attracting first-home buyers?
The latest Aussie application data highlights two distinct pathways into home ownership.
For buyers purchasing houses, activity is strongest across outer metropolitan growth corridors and selected regional centres.
These locations may offer more space or different price points than many inner-city suburbs, making them an attractive option for buyers balancing affordability with lifestyle.
Apartment and townhouse purchases tell a different story. Activity is concentrated in established metropolitan suburbs, where buyers may be prioritising proximity to work, transport and local amenities while entering higher-priced markets.
Rather than pointing to one "best" location, the data suggests first-home buyers are choosing suburbs that align with their budget, lifestyle and long-term goals.
Regional communities continue to attract first-home buyers
Regional Australia continues to feature prominently in the latest first-home buyer data.
Among house purchases, suburbs such as Horsham (VIC), Mackay (QLD) and Hobart (TAS) recorded strong first-home buyer activity during the latest quarter.
Emerging locations including Gatton (QLD), Gladstone (QLD) and Devonport (TAS) also recorded notable increases in first-home buyer applications.
These trends suggest regional communities continue to appeal to buyers looking to balance affordability, lifestyle and access to local employment and services.
While every buyer's priorities are different, the latest data shows first-home buyer activity extends well beyond Australia's capital cities.
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Which suburbs are gaining momentum?
Looking beyond overall purchase numbers, the data also highlights suburbs where first-home buyer activity has increased compared with both the previous quarter and the same period last year.
Among house purchases, Gatton (QLD), North Lakes (QLD), Gladstone (QLD) and Devonport (TAS) all recorded meaningful growth.
For apartments and townhouses, Melbourne CBD, Lane Cove (NSW), Sutherland (NSW) and St Kilda (VIC) were among the locations showing increased first-home buyer activity.
While market conditions can change over time, these trends provide a useful snapshot of where buyer demand has strengthened most recently.
Buyers are weighing more than just price
Location decisions are rarely based on price alone. Transport links, access to employment, nearby schools, healthcare, parks, and local amenities can all influence where first-home buyers choose to purchase.
For some buyers, being closer to work may be the priority. For others, having more space or planning for future family needs may shape their decision.
Rianne Pablo, Aussie Broker Werribee, said: “The biggest factors are proximity to work, schools and family.”
“Werribee continues to appeal because buyers can still access established family homes while enjoying strong community connections and relatively easy access to the CBD,” she added.
The latest Aussie application data reflects this diversity, with strong activity recorded across both established metropolitan suburbs and growing regional communities.
Rather than suggesting one location is better than another, the data highlights the different ways Australians are approaching their first home purchase.
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What these trends mean if you're choosing where to buy
If you're planning to buy your first home, suburb research is only one part of the decision.
It's also worth considering:
your borrowing power and overall budget
the type of property that suits your current needs
nearby transport, schools, healthcare and other local amenities
future lifestyle plans, such as starting a family or reducing your commute
whether you're eligible for government support, including the Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme.
The latest data shows first-home buyers are entering the market in many different ways.
Taking the time to understand both your finances and the local area can help you make a more informed decision about where to buy.
How Aussie brokers are helping first-home buyers get in sooner
Choosing where to buy is only one part of the first-home buying journey.
Understanding your borrowing power, exploring government support and comparing home loan options can all help you make a more informed decision.
An Aussie Broker can help you:
Compare more than 4,000 home loan products from over 25+ lenders**
Understand how much you may be able to borrow
Check whether you're eligible for government support, including the Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme
Explain upfront costs, including stamp duty and lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), where applicable
Help you prepare for pre-approval when you're ready to buy
What next? Your first steps toward buying
Once you've narrowed down where you'd like to buy, the next step is making sure you're financially prepared.
Here's how to get started:
Explore suburbs
Compare local property prices, amenities and neighbourhood features to help you find locations that match your budget and lifestyle.Check your borrowing power
Knowing your borrowing power before you start searching can help you focus on homes that fit your budget.Consider pre-approval
Pre-approval can give you a clearer understanding of your budget and help you move with more confidence when you find the right property.Start your property search
As well as location, think about the type of home that suits your lifestyle today and how it might continue to meet your needs in the years ahead.
You don’t have to do it alone
The latest Aussie data shows there's no single destination for today's first-home buyers.
From outer metropolitan growth corridors to regional communities and established apartment markets, Australians are choosing locations that reflect their budgets, lifestyles and long-term goals.
If you're planning to buy your first home, understanding local market trends is only one part of the journey.
Knowing your borrowing power, exploring available government support, and getting expert guidance can help you make more informed decisions about where to buy.
Ready to take the next step? Chat with an Aussie Broker for support as you plan your first home purchase.
