A booming hub for first home buyers in Australia

In the vibrant landscape of Australian real estate, Aura stands tall as one of the nation's largest masterplanned communities. Recent statistics reveal a remarkable surge in sales from first home buyers in the third quarter of this financial year (January to March 2024), marking a substantial increase of 24 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Stockland Project Director Josh Sondergeld attributes this surge to a combination of factors that make Aura a popular choice for aspiring homeowners saying its appeal lies in its diverse range of affordable and aspirational housing options, complemented by an active lifestyle, and unparalleled access to essential amenities such as schools, shops, services and major roads.

“The majority of enquiries and sales for new land releases on the Sunshine Coast has been from those already in the area, and most of the demand is from first home buyers. We’ve seen especially high interest for land in Aura in February this year, with the number of expressions of interest in the Acacia release being oversubscribed,” Mr Sondergeld said. 

Highlighting the continuous growth and development of Aura, Mr Sondergeld shared insights into the upcoming land releases, with plans to unveil more options within the Acacia at Aura precinct in the suburb of Banya, as well as The Avenues, a premium precinct offering larger lots in Nirimba.

The recent surge in sales is further fuelled by the Queensland Government's decision to double the state's First Home Owner Grant. This financial incentive has proven instrumental in making homeownership more attainable for many, including soon-to-be residents Kerri Norman and Simon Feely.

Sharing their journey, Kerri and Simon expressed gratitude for the opportunity afforded by the grant, which enabled them to realise their dream of homeownership sooner than expected. 

“We have been trying to get into the property market for two years. Saving for the deposit was definitely the biggest hurdle, so the grant made all the difference and without it, we would not have been in a position to buy for quite some time,” Ms Norman said.

“Once we had been through housing options with the team at Aura, we had a better understanding of the community and its plans for the future. We both knew before we left that we were going to buy there, and within two weeks we had put down the deposit and have been on cloud nine ever since.”
 
Their enthusiasm resonates with the sentiment echoed by many who are drawn to Aura's promising future. Boasting an array of parks, outdoor spaces, and planned infrastructure developments, the community promises a range of opportunities for residents of all ages.

Stockland General Manager for Queensland Development, David Laner remains optimistic about the sustained growth of Aura, citing Queensland's enviable lifestyle and relative affordability as key drivers. 

“Last year uncertain market conditions resulted in subdued demand, however data from the first few months of 2024 is showing signs of increased buyer confidence,” Mr Laner said. 

“Housing affordability and community creation are at the heart of Stockland’s legacy and purpose, and for more than 70 years, we have helped more Australians achieve the dream of home ownership. We look forward to continuing to provide more affordable housing options to first home owners and young families across Australia.”