Putting first homebuyers first at Playford Alive

The program provides a clear pathway for first homebuyers to gain a foothold in the market in a high-demand, high-quality neighbourhood.

Playford Alive was selected to deliver the precinct as part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to build 100,000 homes across the nation for first homebuyers.

Peter Gatsios, Renewal SA’s Executive Director of Residential Project Delivery and Assets said the initiative recognised the estate’s strong track record in supporting people buying their first home in a community that prioritises affordability and speed of delivery.

“Playford Alive has long been a preferred location for people looking to buy or build their first home, particularly young families,” he said.

“As the community has grown, we’ve also seen increased interest from downsizers and second homebuyers, which is positive.

“But this initiative ensures first homebuyers don’t miss out when new land becomes available.”

Land releases will be staged over the next 12 to 18 months, until all the earmarked allotments are allocated.

The first homebuyer precinct is located within the estate’s Eastern Parcel, with allotments ranging in size from 165 square metres up to about 450 square metres.

Mr Gatsios said the variety of allotment sizes was critical to delivering housing diversity and maintaining affordability across the precinct.

“The range will allow people to build the type of home that suits their needs,” he said.

“There are opportunities for small courtyard or townhouse-style homes, larger family homes with additional bedrooms and backyard space, and options in between.”

Civil works are already underway to prepare the land, supported by a $50 million concessional loan from the Federal Government.

The loan has allowed Renewal SA to bring forward early works, including road, water, sewage and power infrastructure, so buyers can select a builder and begin construction as soon as possible.

About 30 per cent of the allotments set aside for first homebuyers will be classified as affordable and released through HomeSeeker SA, capped at a maximum sale price of $259,000 for eligible buyers.

More broadly, land prices are anticipated to range from about $185,000 to about $370,000, depending on size and location.

Parents and recent land buyers at Playford Alive, Courtney and Brad Vincent, have never owned their own home and, despite having roots in the area, had not previously considered buying.

“We’ve always put off building or buying a house because we thought it was too hard, and then we said we had to bite the bullet and just do it,” Courtney said.

The young family did not want to move far from where they currently lived, with their son attending a local school and extended family nearby.

The Vincents were drawn to Playford Alive’s connection to the city and outer suburbs, as well as its family-friendly amenity.

Courtney praised the local parks, playgrounds and open space, while Brad said getting to work was as simple as getting on the Northern Expressway.

Mr Gatsios said despite Playford Alive’s popularity among young families, the initiative was not limited to a single demographic.

“Not all first homebuyers are necessarily just starting out,” he said.

“Playford Alive was designed to help people achieve their dream of home ownership, no matter their age.”

To be considered for a first homebuyer allotment, buyers must be at least 18 years of age, an Australian citizen or permanent resident and intend to be an owner-occupier.

Eligible first homebuyers in South Australia can also access $15,000 grants, stamp duty exemptions and low-deposit home schemes to help make home ownership more affordable.

Playford Alive is one of the largest urban renewal projects in Australia and already sees about 80 per cent of its land sales come from people entering the market.

Led by Renewal SA, in partnership with the South Australian Housing Trust and the City of Playford, more than 43,000 people are expected to call the community home by completion in the 2030s.

Since construction began in 2008, Playford Alive has delivered thousands of homes across more than 1,000 hectares, along with schools, a medical centre, a railway station, wetlands, parklands and a $250 million town centre.

For more information about first homebuyer initiatives and to enquire about available land at Playford Alive, visit playfordalive.com.au