South Australia first-home buyer loans surge 23 per cent

South Australia has recorded the strongest annual growth in first-home buyer lending in Australia, bucking a national downward trend. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, 2,181 owner-occupier first-home buyer loans were committed in the state during the June quarter of 2026. This represents a 20.3 per cent increase from the March quarter and a 23 per cent rise compared to the same period last year.

While South Australia saw significant growth, the national trend for first-home buyer loans fell by 2.9 per cent during the quarter. Other states, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, also reported declines. Tasmania was the only other jurisdiction to record quarterly growth, rising 7.7 per cent.

The South Australian government has attributed this surge to specific housing policies, including the complete abolition of stamp duty for eligible buyers purchasing or building new homes, a $15,000 First Home Owner Grant, and low-deposit lending options. Premier Peter Malinauskas stated that these measures are making home ownership more achievable for young families in the state.