Nina Hendy, Freelance Business & Finance Journalist
First published 11 Nov 2026, 11:10am
Savvy young buyers determined to get on the property ladder are securing their first home by looking beyond the popular suburbs and making the most of government support.
It’s easy to assume that young buyers have been squeezed out of the market. But some savvy property hunters are looking beyond the well-trodden suburbs to secure a home within their price bracket.
While first home buyers represent a cohort that typically have a higher Loan-to-Value Ratio and lower deposits which often limits the properties they can afford, the updated First Home Guarantee – 5% Deposit for First Home Buyers and the introduction of Help to Buy scheme has lowered the barrier to entry and improved housing options for first home buyers.
Executive manager of economics at realestate.com.au Angus Moore says the number of loans to first home buyers has pulled back since the end of last year as rates have risen.
“But the pullback from first home buyers has been a bit smaller than what we’ve seen from other owner-occupiers, or, notably, investors," he explains.
realestate.com.au executive manager of economics Angus Moore says first home buyer numbers are slowing. Picture: Supplied
“For first home buyers, the very challenging state of housing affordability is a barrier. But government schemes are probably helping support some activity. The expanded 5% scheme is showing up in the data, with about half of first home buyers using the scheme."
A recent report by Ray White Group has set out to understand where buyers under the age of 35 are buying, uncovering suburbs across the country that are now called home to young buyers.
The report found that six suburbs in Canberra make the list, carrying the lowest investor shares in the country.
The new development area of Gungahlin in north Canberra. Picture: Getty
Four suburbs sit in the new estates of Gungahlin in the north, the other two in Molonglo Valley to the west, while Taylor stands out the most – the youngest suburb on the list.
As Canberra grew 70% over the last decade, Taylor more than doubled it, at 162%.
Perth’s young buyers are more scattered, with nine suburbs making the list, ringing the city of ever side from Ellenbrook and Carramar in the north to Baldivis , Wellard and Singleton in the south.
Young buyers are spread out across the city where affordability still lives. Seville Grove came in as one of Perth’s most affordable, with a median price of $758,000 and just 18% of homes held by investors.
This five-bedroom house in Seville Grove sold recently for $880,000. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Sydney ties with Perth at nine, but options sits in the more affordable west or south west pockets. These include Bidwill and Lethbridge Park as well as Mount Druitt to Ashcroft , Lurnea and Hoxton Park .
With a median home price of just under $1.2 million, affordable is only relative in the nation's capital. Greenacre ’s median is $1.48 million and Condell Park ’s $1.47 million, while even the cheapest suburbs near Mount Druitt sit close to $880,000.
It’s easy to assume young Australians have given up on owning. Instead, these suburbs say otherwise, where pockets of under 35s are getting ahead twice by buying earlier and growing faster.
“The first home buyers we’re speaking to are definitely approaching the market with more caution than confidence,” Mortgage Choice broker Elijah Barrett says.
“Buying a home is already an incredibly emotional experience, particularly when it’s your first home, but right now, those emotions are heavily influenced by broader market sentiment.
“The first home buyers coming to us are distinctly wary and apprehensive. The data reflects that unease, with recent Equifax reporting showing first home buyer mortgage demand has dropped 20.1% nationally compared to August last year,” Mr Barrett says.
The irony is that a relatively flat market can actually present significant opportunities for buyers who are financially ready.
There can be less competition, greater negotiating power and an opportunity to enter the market without the pressure we see during a rapidly rising property cycle.
While taking that initial step to seek advice from a professional shows buyers are still optimistic about home ownership, unfortunately, the negative noise online and conversations with friends and family can often overshadow the practical reality that the current market may actually present a good opportunity to get your foot in the door.
Mr Barrett advises first home buyers to stop allowing market sentiment make the decision for them.
Instead, seek advice from a trusted professional, event if you don’t think you’re ready or the timing isn’t right.
Mortgage Choice broker Elijah Barrett says first home buyers need to look beyond the noise. Picture: Supplied
“A mortgage broker can give you the facts and advice that is specific to your financial position, rather than the general commentary you’re hearing in the media, friends and family," he says.
“Sentiment plays an enormous role in buyer behaviour. If rates were cut tomorrow, for example, we would likely see a surge in activity from people who have been sitting on the sidelines, despite the fact that nothing about their individual financial position had changed overnight.
“We regularly speak to people who are actually in a position to buy but aren’t taking any steps because they’ve convinced themselves they’re not ready based on what they’re hearing around them."
Barrett says that getting tailored advice early can challenge those assumptions, provide clarity around what is achievable and put them in a position to act when the right opportunity comes along.
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