New NAB lending data released today reveals Western Sydney is leading the way when it comes to hotspots for first home buyers.

Despite a decline in property sales throughout 2022, new data shows that compared to the first three months of the year, a number of metropolitan and regional areas have seen strong growth in first home buyer activity in the June quarter.

In Sydney, beachside Maroubra proved most popular with first time buyers, increasing by 269% along with the postcode 2142 which includes Granville, on the outskirts of Paramatta.

Suburbs in the south-east of Melbourne also continue to provide great value and location for first home buyers, with Dandenong (+80%) drawing plenty of attention. In Brisbane, the bustling Fortitude Valley is a first home buyer hotspot, growing 78% between April and June.

However, it was the ACT that was home to the area with the greatest growth in FHB activity. The postcode of 2602 in Canberra, including Ainslie and Watson, increased by 360% in the June quarter, as against the quarter prior.

NAB Executive Home Ownership, Andy Kerr said the benefits of hybrid working continued to give Australians options to buy in areas they previously may not have considered.

“Flexible working is one of the biggest trends over the last decade when it comes to changing the game for property sales,” Mr Kerr said.

“The option to work from home is giving first home buyers more choice when it comes to location. All of a sudden, a slightly longer commute when made a few times a week becomes a serious consideration.

“The outer metro suburbs like Dandenong and Frankston in Victoria and Granville in Western Sydney continue to perform well.

“Clearly the tree-change remains appealing for first home buyers, with Sunbury in Victoria and Dapto in NSW once again a hotspot.

“Suburbs like Richmond in inner-city Melbourne, Maroubra in Sydney or Fortitude Valley in Brisbane show that the balance of work and lifestyle continues to trend, particularly with apartment living.

“With a combination of house prices declining and the recent release of the First Home Guarantee Scheme, there is renewed optimism for first home buyers.

“We also know there are some people who are feeling the pressure of a rising cost of living. For anyone who is concerned, please get in touch with your bank – the earlier the better.”

First home buyer hotspots in 2022* (bold indicates postcodes that appeared in our 2021 list). The following metro postcodes have experienced a strong demand between April and June 2022:

NSW

Greater Sydney

2035 – including Maroubra (+269%)

2142 – including Granville (+264%)

2767 – including Bungarribee (+137%)

2765 – including Melonba (+124%)

2763 – including Quakers Hill (+56%)

2113 – including North Ryde (+47%)

2145 – including Wentworthville (+34%)

Regional

2530 – including Dapto (+79%)

2800 – including Orange (+40%)

“Western Sydney is a hot pick for first home buyers. Suburbs in the west are providing great value, with the city and local businesses going from strength to strength.

“Access to Parramatta and Blacktown with so many amenities and transport options means first home buyers continue to flock to western Sydney for a bargain.”

VIC

Melbourne

3175 – including Dandenong (+80%)

3121 – including Richmond (+66%)

3802 – including Endeavour Hills (+45%)

3978 – including Clyde North (+16%)

3199 – including Frankston (+12%)

Regional

3216 – including Belmont (+69%)

3429 – including Sunbury (+36%)

“Last year we noticed south-east Melbourne proving to be popular for first home buyers and 2022 has continued that trend.”

“With proximity to both the Mornington Peninsula and Gippsland, suburbs like Dandenong provide value whilst also being surrounded by some of Victoria’s most desirable getaway regions.

“Closer to the city, Richmond is always a top pick for first time buyers and the growth of apartments in the suburb is revitalising the idea of inner-city living and working.”

QLD

Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast

4006 – including Fortitude Valley (+78%)

4207 – including Beenleigh (+34%)

4509 – including North Lakes (+23%)

4503 – including Kallangur (+18%)

Regional

4670 – including Bundaberg (+85%)

4740 – including East Mackay (+42%)

4211 – including Beechmont (+16%)

4350 – including Toowoomba (+12%)

“With cafés, pubs or trendy shopping on your doorstep, there’s no surprise that Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley is a popular hotspot with first home buyers this year.

“If you are looking for the inner-city experience – the Fortitude Valley still has it all.”

WA

Perth

6018 – including Karrinyup (+41%)

6107 – including Queens Park (+37%)

6055 – including Brabham (+31%)

6065 – including Wanneroo (+19%)

Regional

6230 – including Bunbury (+125%)

“Not only is Karrinyup a beautiful suburb 15 minutes north of the CBD, but it is also three minutes from arguably one of Perth’s most spectacular beaches.

“Proximity to the Karrinyup shopping precinct also provides access to fashion, dining and lifestyle options.”

SA

Adelaide

5114 – including Blakeview (+90%)

“The urban sprawl north of Adelaide continues to be at the top of the list for first home buyers.

“Proximity to Elizabeth and Gawler with great value for money means suburbs like Blakeview have been a hotspot for buyers.”

ACT

2602 – including Ainslie (+360%)

2620 – including Queanbeyan (+42%)

2611 – including Weston (+26%)