Revenue NSW data has been revealed that shows where first time buyers and purchasing property in the Hunter region.
The data covers more than two years, from 1 July 2023 to 1 August 2025, for people who qualified for the First Home Guarantee scheme. In that time, the most popular Hunter suburbs were:
- Wallsend
- Cardiff
- Maitland
- Cessnock
- Charlestown
- East Maitland
- Beresfield
- Morpeth
- Raymond Terrace
- Muswellbrook
1. Wallsend
It’s no surprise that Wallsend tops the list. It’s a suburb with village vibes and great access to the wider region. It’s a short drive to Newy, Lake Macquarie and out to the Hunter Valley.
The area in and around Nelson Street has pretty much everything you could need – from supermarkets and op shops to restaurants and takeaways. City of Newcastle council has invested heavily in Wallsend, placing one of the city’s best libraries, swimming pools and playgrounds here.
On top of all this, property prices in Wallsend are very affordable for the region. It’s the perfect mix for first home buyers and young families.
2. Cardiff
Only five kilometres away from Wallsend, but over the border into Lake Macquarie LGA, is Cardiff.
Like Wallsend, Cardiff has a busy shopping street, a range of grocery options and one of the last remaining all-you-can-eat buffets in the area. It also has a train station that’s included on the express route down to Sydney.
Although it borders Warners Bay, one of the most expensive suburbs in Lake Mac, property prices in Cardiff, just a few minutes’ drive from the water, are a lot more reasonable.
3. Maitland
Maitland is a major regional centre with a close knit community. Major draws like the well-respected Maitland Regional ARt Gallery sit side-by-side with major shopping centres and boutique cafes.
Like everywhere in NSW, Maitland property trends are pointing upwards but it’s still a lot more affordable to buy in the centre of Maitland than it is somewhere like Newcastle or Sydney.
4. Cessnock
Like Maitland, Cessnock is another regional hub that’s proving popular with first home buyers. Property prices are a huge reason behind the drive, with family homes available for a lot cheaper than they would be closer to the coast. A recent surge in development also means that there’s a lot more supply than other towns.
But the beaches aren’t the only good thing about the Hunter region and Cessnock is on the doorsteps of the world famous wine-producing valley.
5. Charlestown
Back into Lake Mac and Charlestown, the de facto CBD of the area, comes in at five. The shopping centre and its bus links makes it a hub for many, and it’s just a short drive out to the lake at Warners Bay and the beaches at Dudley and Redhead.
Charlestown is very family-friendly, with highly rated schools, plenty of sporting facilities and a great public pool. Prices are still affordable, but many parts of the suburb will have houses at the higher end of the scale for this list.
6. East Maitland
Back out to Maitland and East Maitland, home of Greenhills Shopping Centre and a stone’s throw to Maitland Hospital, is also popular with first time buyers.
More expensive than Maitland itself – the median house price in East Maitland is $750k compared with $620k – but many people see that value as worth paying for.
7. Beresfield
Although part of Newcastle LGA, Beresfield is significantly closer to Maitland than it is to Newcastle’s CBD and beaches.
Like everywhere, there are areas of Beresfield that are nicer than others, but the general shift recently has been positive. Locals talk highly of the cheap petrol and drinks, while raving about the local swimming pool – a must on hot summer days.
8. Morpeth
A quaint riverside town, Morpeth has a growing reputation as the area’s top brunch spot. It’s the sort of place that people visit, fall in love with and want to move to. And now it seems like lots of people are making this dream a reality.
The median price for a house in Morpeth is more than $800,000 at the moment (and there are very few, if any, units available), making it the most expensive entry on the list, but its appeal more than makes up for it.
9. Raymond Terrace
Fifteen minutes away from Morpeth is Raymond Terrace. The Terrace is bigger, has more amenities and, most importantly, is a lot cheaper: a comparable house is around $150k in RT than Morpeth. Units are even cheaper, with a median price less than $500k making it very appealing for first home buyers.
Two shopping centres, an independent cinema and riverside walks all add to the charm and practical nature of Raymond Terrace.
10. Muswellbrook
The heart of the Upper Hunter region, Muswellbrook has a great mix of infrastructure, stunning views and nearby vineyards. Many people are looking to the Muswellbrook area for investments, while others fall in love and want to live there themselves.
Muswellbrook is surrounded by green space, including a top-rated golf course, and has transformed itself from the mining town it used to be.
Buying a home in the Hunter region
With changes for first home buyers rolling out in October, it’s an exciting time for people looking to get their own home. If you want a little help with the process, read our tips for first time home buyers in NSW or call our mortgage broking team on (02) 4961 4985.
