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First home buyer stories
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First-home buyer lending in South Australia rose sharply in the June quarter of 2026, bucking the national trend.
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Lending Indicators data shows 2,181 new owner-occupier first-home-buyer loan commitments in South Australia. That was up 20.3 per cent from the March quarter and 23 per cent from a year earlier, in seasonally adjusted terms. South Australia was the only mainland state to record quarterly growth, while first-home-buyer loan commitments fell 2.9 per cent nationally.For buyers, the practical questions remain the same: what support is available, what can you afford and what is actually available to buy?
What support is available for first-home buyers in South Australia?
Eligible first-home buyers may qualify for stamp duty relief when purchasing a new home, an off-the-plan apartment or vacant land on which they intend to build a new home.
RevenueSA says no property-value cap applies to eligible contracts entered into on or after 6 June 2024.
The South Australian First Home Owner Grant also provides up to $15,000 to eligible applicants buying or building a new home that will be used as their principal place of residence. Eligible property types include new homes and off-the-plan apartments. RevenueSA says there is no property-value cap for contracts entered into on or after 6 June 2024.
Eligibility requirements apply to both measures, and they are assessed separately. Check the latest RevenueSA requirements before including either in your budget.
What should you work out before you start looking?
Start with your budget and borrowing position.
The purchase price is not the only cost to consider. Depending on what you buy, you may also need to allow for conveyancing, loan costs, insurance, moving expenses and, for a new build, items such as site works, landscaping or fencing if they are not included.
If you expect to use a government grant or concession, confirm your eligibility before factoring it into your calculations.
Speaking with a lender or mortgage broker before you start comparing properties can also clarify how much you may be able to borrow and what repayments could look like.
What should you check when buying land or a new home?
Ask what is available now and what is planned for a later release.
If you are buying land, check when the lot is expected to title and when construction could begin. If you are buying a home under construction or off the plan, ask about expected completion and settlement timing.
For buyers planning to build, check:
- what is included in the land or house-and-land price
- site conditions and any likely site costs
- design guidelines or building requirements
- expected title and settlement timing
- builder availability and expected construction timeframes
- any approvals that may be required
Do not assume a future release, development or infrastructure project is available because it has been announced. Check its current status with the developer or responsible authority.
What new-home options does Cedar Woods have in South Australia?
New two-bedroom townhouses at Fletcher’s Slip are set to be released in the coming weeks, and one-bedroom apartments are also currently available at Glenside.
New townhouses and apartments can fall within the property types eligible for South Australia’s first-home-buyer assistance, but eligibility depends on the buyer, property and other RevenueSA requirements.
Check current availability, pricing and expected completion or settlement timing before making a decision.
What should first-home buyers look for in a location?
Think about the places you use regularly, including work, schools, shops, healthcare, recreation and public transport. Amenity is just as important as price.
Check what is already there and what is still planned. Future roads, schools, shops or other infrastructure may be proposed or funded without being available yet, and delivery timeframes can change.
Where possible, visit the area at different times of day and test the routes you expect to use regularly.
What if the property you want is not available yet?
In staged developments, not every home or lot will be available at the same time.
Ask what is available now, what is expected in future releases and whether you can register for updates.
Your own timeframe matters too. Some buyers may be able to wait for a later release, while others may need to focus on homes that are available sooner.
Cedar Woods develops a range of new homes and communities across South Australia, including townhouses and apartments.
Explore Cedar Woods communities and current property opportunities in South Australia.
