What First-Home Buyers Need to Know (and How 4one4 Property Co. Can Help)
Once upon a time, the Australian Dream was simple: own a home with a big backyard, preferably on a quiet street where the neighbours waved as you drove by. While that traditional version may be shifting, the essence of the dream—having a place to call your own—is still very much alive. And for today’s first-home buyers, the opportunities are still out there, even if the path looks a little different.
Yes, rising property prices, longer saving timelines, and a shift in how we live, work and invest have changed the landscape. But with the right knowledge, support, and strategy, home ownership is still within reach. The future of home ownership is evolving—and that means new possibilities, new approaches, and new wins.
Let’s break it down.
The New Reality for First-Home Buyers
Buying your first home has become more challenging than ever. In major cities like Sydney, it can now take up to 10 years to save for a deposit. But even in Hobart, timelines have stretched significantly: it now takes around 6 years for an average-income household to save a 20% deposit, up from just 3 years two decades ago.
In 2025, Hobart’s median house price is around $833,000, with units averaging $650,000. That means a 5% deposit plus stamp duty comes to over $23,000. Units offer a slightly more accessible entry point, with deposit requirements closer to $20,500.
The path to home ownership for First-home buyers is also looking a little different:
- Co-buying with family or friends is becoming more common
- Many rely on inheritance or parental support
- Renting for longer is the new norm
- The quarter-acre block is fading fast, and more buyers are considering apartments, townhouses or properties in regional areas
The dream hasn’t disappeared—it’s just evolving.
Australia’s Fast-Changing Landscape
Australia’s population is growing quickly. We’re adding nearly 900 people every day, and by 2035, our population will reach 31 million. Most of that growth is coming from migration, enriching our communities and driving economic momentum.
We’re also seeing exciting demographic shifts. One in five Australians is already over 65, and that number will continue to grow. This opens up opportunities for inter-generational living, more thoughtful housing design, and greater access to wealth transfers—around $150 billion annually by 2035.
In parallel, climate awareness is shaping smarter property decisions. While some suburbs are reassessed for climate risk, others are seeing renewed investment in infrastructure, sustainability and resilience—creating vibrant, future-focused communities. Lenders and insurers are also adopting more transparent frameworks to help buyers make informed, forward-looking choices.
Rather than obstacles, these changes highlight the importance of adaptability and planning—and with the right approach, they present new ways to build a solid foundation for the future.
What Does This Mean for You?
The future of the Australian Dream isn’t just about owning a home—it’s about planning smart, thinking long-term, and being open to new possibilities.
If you’re entering the market today, you might need to:
- Think more flexibly about location and property type
- Explore co-ownership or joint investment options
- Consider sustainability and long-term livability
- Understand how inter-generational wealth might play a role
It’s no longer just about buying a home. It’s about building a plan that fits your life now—and your future goals.
Hobart’s Market: Local Snapshot
The local story reflects these national trends. In the Greater Hobart area:
- Median dwelling value is $675,770, with a modest 3.6% annual growth.
- Popular first-home buyer suburbs like Glenorchy ($505k), Claremont ($510k), and Risdon Vale (~$457k) offer more attainable options.
- Due to lower inventory, buyers are acting quicker, with properties spending just 30–55 days on market.
- First-home buyers now enjoy stamp duty exemptions on homes up to $750,000, often saving ~$18,500.
These shifts are changing what smart home buying looks like in Tasmania.
How 4one4 Property Co. Is Making It Easier
At 4one4 Property Co., we understand that the market has changed. And we’ve changed with it.
We’re not here to sell you a dream from 30 years ago. We’re here to guide you into a future that makes sense for you. Whether you’re buying your first place, investing with family, or stepping into the market later in life, we’ve built our services to support the new era of property ownership.
“Buying your first home is no longer just a financial transaction—it’s a journey. And our job is to be your partner from the first question to the final key handover,” says Director Patrick Berry.
“We’ve walked this path with hundreds of first-time buyers, and every story starts the same way: with the right guidance and a plan tailored to them.”
Here’s how we make that happen:
Tailored Advice
We take the time to understand your situation and help you explore all your options—from buying solo to co-ownership or investment strategies.
Education First
Our team is focused on empowering you with clear, easy-to-understand guidance, so you know exactly what you’re walking into.
Local Expertise
We know the Hobart and Greater Glenorchy area like the back of our hand, including the suburbs poised for growth and long-term value.
End-to-End Support
From finance referrals to property searches, inspections, negotiations and beyond—we walk with you every step of the way.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Owning your first home might look a little different these days, but with the right guidance, it’s absolutely possible.
At 4one4 Property Co., we’re here to help you navigate this new chapter with confidence. If you’re thinking about entering the market, book your free 15-minute First-Home Strategy Session with our local experts.
Let’s build your future—together.
