Home Ownership Hub
First home buyer, seasoned investor, or want to make the most of your current mortgage? The Home Ownership hub is the go-to for the latest research, expert tips, and practical guidance on all things home loans.
Where do the insights come from?
We draw on over 10 years of ongoing, independent research. We’ve tracked the latest trends and opinions of home buyers at different stages of their journey. This ensures our insights reflect the real experiences of Australians.
Our research approach
Between 15th and 27th May 2026:
- 2,000 adults from all over Australia (both capital and non-capital city areas) took part in a survey
- Organised by Westpac, the survey was held online by Lonergan Research.*
This research means we can now share up-to-date findings from our latest Westpac Home Ownership Report.
★ FEATURED INSIGHT: First home buyers rethink location and property type to enter the Australian housing market
Home ownership remains a key goal for many Australians, but first home buyers are increasingly adjusting their expectations around where and what they buy to make that goal a reality.
According to the latest Westpac Home Ownership Report, nearly three quarters (74%) of the first home buyers surveyed are willing to purchase in a location they hadn't originally considered. At the same time, many are broadening their property preferences beyond standalone houses as they look for practical ways to enter the market.
Fast facts
74%
of first home buyers surveyed, are willing to purchase in an area they hadn't originally considered.
55%
of Australians believe recent negative gearing and CGT changes will benefit aspiring homebuyers.
41%
of first home buyers would consider rent-vesting to enter the property market.
Case study: Mia
For years, Mia imagined her future in Newcastle. But after finishing her teaching degree, a job opportunity led her three hours inland to Scone, a quaint town in the Hunter Region of NSW.
What wasn’t in Mia’s plan - and what she couldn’t foresee - was how quickly Scone began to feel like home. Intended as a pit-stop enroute to the city, the regional town instead became the place she bought her first property.
Latest home ownership insights
4 in 5 have changed their spending habits
3 in 4 expect challenges buying a next home
1 in 5 Aussies own an investment property
2 in 5 say finding the right home is a major pain point
Talk to a home lending specialist
We’ll support you at every stage of your home buying journey by making it easy to connect in the way that suits you.
- Tell us who you are, what you'd like to discuss, and how you'd like to meet — video call, phone, in branch or we can come to you.
- Choose a time that works for you and we’ll confirm your booking and who you’ll be meeting.
More insights
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Australians maintain interest in regional living
Australians continue to show strong interest in regional living, driven by affordability and lifestyle benefits, even as capital cities remain the dominant choice overall.
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Young buyers up their game
Despite ongoing affordability and tight supply, Gen Z are upping their home buying game.
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Limited supply is restricting access for property buyers
Demand to buy remains strong, but a shortage of suitable homes is making it harder for Australians to enter the property market.
Things you should know
For Westpac issued products, conditions, fees and charges apply. These may change or we may introduce new ones in the future. Full details are available on request. Lending criteria apply to approval of credit products. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Consider its appropriateness to these factors before acting on it. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Terms and Conditions, before deciding. Target Market Determinations for the products are available. Unless otherwise specified, the products and services described on this website are available only in Australia from © Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714
*About the Westpac Home Ownership Report
The research was commissioned by Westpac and conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. Lonergan Research surveyed 2,000 Australians aged 18+ with surveys distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city areas. The survey was conducted online amongst members of a permission-based panel, between 15th and 27th May 2026. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.