Australian First-Home Buyers Face Growing Mortgage Stress as Property Prices Soar

New data reveals increasing financial strain for young buyers, with Brisbane and Perth seeing sharp rises in entry-level property costs.

Brisbane and Perth have experienced significant increases in entry-level property prices, with Brisbane houses up 14.8% and Perth houses rising 26% in the past year.
Mortgage stress, defined as repayments exceeding 30% of income, now affects first-home buyers in all Australian capital cities except Darwin.
The average time needed to save for a house deposit has increased nationwide, with Brisbane requiring over five years and Sydney nearly seven years for entry-level homes.
Units remain a faster and more affordable option for first-home buyers, though prices have risen in most cities, with Perth and Adelaide seeing the steepest five-year increases.
Despite government incentives, experts warn that rising prices and stagnant wages are widening the affordability gap for young Australians entering the property market.