First homebuyers change tack to kickstart their property goals

First homebuyers are rethinking their path to property. We reveal how the ownership dream is evolving, and the strategies first homebuyers are using to achieve their goals.

When it comes to life goals, they don’t come much bigger than buying a first home.

And while getting started on the property ladder has become more challenging in recent years, a survey by customer-owned bank NGM Group confirms it’s a goal Australians continue to strongly reach for.

What is changing, is the way first homebuyers are getting started in the market.

The Commonwealth Bank recently looked at its lending data to understand what first homebuyers are doing differently as they rethink their path to property.

It turns out they’re embracing three key strategies – and some of them could work for you.

1. More first homebuyers are choosing apartments

Apartments made up close to half (44%) of all first home purchases in 2025-26, up from one in three (32%) five years earlier.

Conversely, the share of first homebuyers purchasing houses has dropped 13% to 55%.

Apartment buying is a strategy that can make sense financially.

The median apartment value of $738,778 across our state capitals is $364,423 less than the median house value of $1,103,201.   

That’s a big difference in affordability.

Talk to us to know what you can afford – an apartment may fit comfortably within your buying budget.

2.  First homebuyers are looking further afield

A growing number of first homebuyers are opting to buy in regional areas.

First home purchases outside the big cities rose from 20% to 23% in 2025-26, according to CommBank.

Here too, the appeal may lie with more affordable prices.

The median home value across Australia’s regional markets is $718,000, compared to $973,000 across the capital cities.

Paying less, can also mean borrowing less.

The average regional first homebuyer mortgage is about 17% lower than in metro areas ($503,000 in regional versus $608,000 in metro markets).

The good news is that no matter where you choose to buy – regional or metro – we can help you find a home loan that matches your needs.

3. Joining forces with friends or family

Another emerging trend is buying a first home with mates or relatives.

Around one in two (56%) aspiring owners are joining financial forces with a partner, friend or family member to get a foot on the property ladder.

There has also been a rise in siblings co-buying a first home, NAB has reported.

It’s a strategy that may give you the borrowing power needed to buy a better home, or in a more desirable suburb.

Talk to us about the different loan options available to co-buyers.

Support schemes still available for first homebuyers

Along with these strategies, it’s worth remembering that a variety of initiatives are still available to help first-time buyers get started on the property ladder.

From the First Home Super Saver Scheme to the 5% Deposit Scheme and First Home Owner Grant, you could be eligible for some, or all of them.

Call us to discuss what strategies you may be able to use to buy a place of your own.

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