First home buyers are setting their sights north to towns like Virginia, and its Virginia Grove housingdevelopment, in order to enter the property market. PHOTO: Supplied
FIRST-TIME home buyers are looking north to enter the property market, according to the recipients of the State Government’s First Home Owner Grants.
Munno Para was the most popular suburb, with 60 of the 887 successful applicants between July-September building or buying their first home there.
The Craigmore/Blakeview/Andrews Farm area was the seventh most popular with 26 applicants, while Two Wells came in ninth with 21 new homes, and Buckland Park/Virginia/Penfield Gardens/MacDonald Park rounding out the top 10 with 19 new homes each.
Virginia resident Ash Galway built his first home in the town a year ago and said the affordability and convenience of the area made it attractive to first home buyers.
“Other places like Blakes Crossing and Evanston are more expensive, so it’s a lot more affordable than other places nearby,” he said.
“The distance isn’t that bad, I work in the city every day and once the Northern Connector is finished it will be a lot more accessible for people.
“It’s in a very good location because you’re away from the busy hustle and bustle.
“The northern suburbs are building big, especially Munno Para, Andrews Farm and Blakes Crossing, which is bringing a lot of traffic into the area.
“Whereas out at Virginia, you’re away from it, but you’re not too far away from the shops and services.
“Ever since we’ve moved there, everyone’s been friendly.
“My partner and I have two dogs and we walk them around the estate and everyone says hello.”
The First Home Owner Grant offers up to $15,000 for first home buyers to purchase or construct a new residential property.
The 887 applicants to the grant scheme is a 17 per cent increase on the same time period last year, and the highest spike since mid-2014.
Playford mayor Glenn Docherty, whose council oversees four areas in the top 10, said families would benefit from a move out north.
“All of the areas listed by the State Government will soon benefit from the opening of the new Northern Connector that will make travelling to work and the city much easier, making these communities even more attractive to prospective home builders,” he said.
“With all of this development happening, we will continue to seek the support and assistance of the State Government to ensure all the infrastructure is in place for our community.”
