First home buyers taking new steps to get on the property ladder

Australia’s first home buyers are taking a more flexible and collaborative approach to home ownership, embracing smaller deposit options, co-buying and government initiatives to step into the market sooner.

New CommBank data shows the average first home buyer is 33 years old, purchasing with an average loan of around $480,000 and entering the market with a deposit of around 16 per cent – signalling a shift away from the traditional 20 per cent benchmark.

More than half (60 per cent) of first home buyers are purchasing with someone else, reflecting a growing willingness to buy with spouses, friends or family to achieve home ownership.

The findings suggest first home ownership is no longer defined by a single pathway. Instead, buyers are combining savings, support and strategy to enter the market in a way that works for them.

Government initiatives are also supporting this shift, with nearly 50,000 CommBank customers purchasing their first home through the Australian Government’s 5 per cent Deposit Scheme since July 2022. Early interest in the Federal Government’s Help to Buy shared equity scheme has also been strong, with more than 1,500 applications received in its first month. CBA is currently the only major bank participating in the scheme.

Home Buying General Manager, Rebecca Markwell said: “We’re seeing Australians rethink the path to their first home. More of our customers are taking advantage of Government schemes that help them buy sooner, without the cost of lenders mortgage insurance. Others are exploring nontraditional pathways like our Property Share option, which allows customers to purchase a home with friends or family while keeping their finances separate.”

“Entering the market earlier can make a meaningful difference over time, with many focusing on taking a manageable first step, which can help build equity over the long term."

City appeal remains strong, but regional markets hold their own

Where first home buyers choose to purchase remains a defining part of the journey, with metropolitan markets continuing to attract the majority of buyers.

Almost three-quarters of first home buyers are purchasing in metropolitan areas - a trend that has remained steady since 2021. While metro markets generally offer higher housing density and closer access to established infrastructure, regional areas often provide larger properties at more accessible price points.

These differing price points flow directly through to borrowing requirements. Metro buyers are taking out loans averaging $507,000 – almost 27 per cent higher than the $400,000 average for regional and remote buyers. Despite this gap in loan size, deposit levels remain broadly aligned at around 16 per cent across both groups.

“When it comes to purchasing a first home, buyers are balancing a range of priorities. Some want to stay close to the opportunities and connectivity that come with metropolitan living, while others are looking to more regional areas where they could secure a larger property, at a more accessible price point,” said Markwell.

“Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with each buyer’s needs, priorities and goals.”

Top first home buyer suburbs

Across the country, first home buyers are gravitating toward established growth corridors and emerging communities which can offer relative value and infrastructure access.

In New South Wales, buyers are taking on the highest average loan sizes nationally at around $580,000. While Western Sydney remains a strong draw, Orange has emerged as the most popular first home buyer suburb in the state in 2025, highlighting the growing appeal of regional centres that offer a combination of affordability, employment opportunities and lifestyle benefits.

In Victoria, first home buyers are borrowing around $466,000 on average, with demand concentrated in Melbourne’s outer growth areas such as Tarneit, Clyde North and Wollert.

In Queensland, buyers are entering the market with average loans of approximately $472,000, with demand spread across south-east Queensland suburbs such as Greenbank and Morayfield.

Helping first home buyers get ahead

Home lending settings are also evolving to better reflect modern financial realities, creating more tailored entry points for first home buyers.

CommBank has introduced changes such as taking a more nuanced view of HELP debt and recognising eligible boarder income, helping some customers strengthen their borrowing capacity. Shared ownership options like Property Share are also gaining attention, allowing buyers to purchase with friends or family while keeping finances separate.

Lower-deposit options, including loans supported by lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI) and guarantor arrangements, are also enabling some first home buyers to enter the market earlier, rather than waiting to save a 20 per cent deposit.

“First-home buyers are front of mind in how we design and deliver our products and services. We recognise that no two customers are the same, which is why we provide a range of options to help them take that first step with confidence,” Markwell said.

“Whether it’s accessing a government scheme to buy, exploring our flexible lending options, or structuring a loan that aligns to their individual circumstances, we want first-home buyers to feel supported with choices that suit their needs.

Our home lending specialists work alongside customers at every stage of the journey, helping them understand their options and choose the pathway that’s right for them.”

CommBank also offers practical benefits that can make getting started easier for first home buyers, including fast conditional pre‑approval and waived establishment fees on our Simple Home Loan for eligible customers. Through CommBank Yello, eligible customers can also unlock valuable offers on everyday essentials like home internet and electricity. While CBA’s digital home loan tools can provide useful insights to help customers understand their borrowing capacity and estimated repayments based on current rates and lending criteria.


Data cited in this media release is based on CommBank First Home Buyer data from 2021 – 2025 collected as of 11 March 2026.