Victorians who bought their first home in 2019 leaned towards Melbourne's outer suburbs such as Craigieburn, Hoppers Crossing and Clyde, according to figures released by the state government.
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There were 2,607 properties sold in the 3064 postcode area - including the suburbs of Craigieburn, Donnybrook and Mickelham - with a total value of $38.1 million.
Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina followed closely with 2,112 properties sold for a total $32.2 million, according to the figures. Cardinia, Clyde and Clyde North saw 1,742 homes sold, for a total of $22.6 million.
From January to November 2019, the Victorian government's First Home Owner grants totalled $160 million.
Grants of $10,000 are available to eligible first home buyers under the scheme, and $20,000 grants for those buying in regional Victoria.
The government claims this financial aid, along with stamp duty concessions on homes under $750,000, have helped Victorians save more than $735 million in 2019.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed the national number of loans to first home buyers rose 5.2 per cent in August, the biggest rise in 2019.
Victoria recorded the second strongest growth in new lending commitments for investment, up 9.5 per cent, behind Queensland where new lending grew by 10.4 per cent in August.
The stamp duty tax on real estate purchases in Victoria ranges from 1.4 to 6 per cent, depending on the value of the home.
Under the first home owner scheme, buyers get stamp duty discounts on homes up to $750,000 and full exemptions on properties under $600,000.
"Our reforms have helped thousands of Victorians enjoy their first Christmas in their own home," Treasurer Tim Pallas said.
"This ground-breaking initiative has supported many Victorian families since it was first introduced, saving them more than $1.72 billion - with more to come."
The average Victorian sale price was $595,000 in the June quarter of 2019, according to Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning data.
Metropolitan house prices averaged $695,000 during this period while country Victoria houses averaged $375,000. Toorak recorded the highest average price at $3,775,000.
Average prices in suburbs more than 20 kilometres from Melbourne's city centre ranged from $498,300 in Werribee to $805,000 in Heathmont.
Australian Associated Press
