The property market was red hot in 2021, with prices soaring 22% across the country – the steepest rise in three decades. Those higher prices haven’t put buyers off in the least. On the contrary, demand for housing is extremely strong. realestate.com.au data shows that email enquiries, views per listing and sales volumes are all at record highs.
As we enter 2022, that high buyer interest shows no sign of slowing. Using data from ‘highly engaged’ buyers, realestate.com.au has identified which suburbs are hot in 2022. The results indicate that buyers are looking for homes in leafy surroundings, where they can afford a decent amount of living space and a garden of their own.
Looking at the top 10 across the country, there is a clear trend favouring South Australian suburbs. Five of the top 10 are in Adelaide, including all of the top three, with another three in Victoria and two in NSW.
Looking further afield, the highest demand suburbs in every state seem to be those which offer the best of both worlds; leafy surroundings and a community vibe in a location that’s still close to the city. Here are the hottest places to buy in every State and Territory right now.
1. Aldgate, SA
Leafy Aldgate Village is 21 km from the CBD, but only a 20 minute drive off peak thanks to the South-Eastern Freeway. It retains a village feel, with local bakeries and cafes along the main strip, and boasts wide, shaded streets with large blocks, landscaped gardens and an array of impressive family homes.
Little wonder, then, that it had the most interest of any suburb in Australia in the final quarter of last year: 227 highly engaged buyers per listing. The median house price rose a huge 24% in the past 12 months, from an average of $800,000 to $980,000.
2. Warrandyte, VIC
Warrandyte lies 24km north east of the Melbourne CBD, with plenty of open green space to enjoy. Known as a dogwalker’s paradise, it benefits from the Warrandyte State Park and River Reserve, with water views and walking trails in abundance.
The area attracts buyers who want a taste of country living, a thriving arts culture and that small town feel within an easy commute of the CBD. The tree change vibe appeals to both younger and more established couples, who you’ll see at the Saturday Warrandyte Riverside Market or catching up over coffee along the bustling cafe strips.
The median house price in Warrandyte rose from $1,100,000 in January 2021 to $1,450,000 12 months later.
3. Burraneer, NSW
This bayside suburb in southern Sydney is another area that offers country peace without the country distances. Located 26km south of the CBD, Burraneer is quieter than neighbouring Cronulla, it offers spectacular views over the water. The peninsula only has one road in, no high-rise development – and with the Royal National Park adjoining, you really could be in the middle of nowhere.
All this tranquility comes with a steep price tag, though. A 4 bedroom house will cost you $3,200,000 – up from $2,450,000 the same time last year.
4. Holland Park, QLD
At 133 highly engaged people per listing, Holland Park is riding a wave of popularity.
This quiet leafy area is less than 15 minutes (8km) to the CBD. It offers a beautiful mix of old Queenslanders and post-war timber homes, as well as plenty of new development. It’s particularly popular with young families for its proximity to good schools including Cavendish State High, Holland Park Primary and Loretto College, as well as its proximity to the city centre. Trendy coffee strip in central Holland Park. It’s close to two major Westfield shopping centres, with a much-prized trendy coffee strip in central Holland Park.
The median house price is somewhat above the Brisbane average of $783,000: it’s risen from $820,000 to $971,500 in the past 12 months.
5. Glen Forrest, WA
Western Australia hasn’t seen the same rise in house prices as the rest of the country: in October last year Domain nominated it as the most affordable capital city in Australia. There’s still plenty of interest here, though.
For West Australians craving a tree change, Glen Forrest seems to tick all the boxes. With 71 highly engaged people per listing, it handily beats more urban areas. Glen Forrest is set up in the Perth hills across from John Forrest National Park. The small village feel gives it a strong sense of community in this leafy setting.
It’s around 30 km from the CBD, and relatively affordable with a median house price of $590,000 (up from $555,000 this time last year).
6. West Hobart, TAS
West Hobart was once the gritty, working class end of Tasmania’s capital. These days, it’s a bustling, vibrant area with a strong creative streak and Bohemian feel. West Hobart is beloved by young families, established residents and creatives alike, who appreciate the wide streets and large houses on offer.
Buyers searching here are also drawn to the open green spaces and country views, all with proximity to city shops and restaurants.
Tasmanian house prices have soared even more than the national average, and that’s borne out here. The median house price in West Hobart has jumped from $750,000 to almost a million dollars ($955,000) in the past 12 months.
7. Evatt, ACT
The ACT’s smaller population is borne out in the smaller number of people per listing; the top performer, Evatt, posted 48 highly engaged viewers. That doesn’t mean there’s a lack of interest, though. Evatt is just 9km north of Canberra, and is well populated with parks, walking tracks and local shops. Families prize the community vibe and green spaces, as well as the quick commute to the CBD.
The median house price in Evatt has risen from $690,500 to $853,000. In contrast to the other suburbs on our Hottest list, this one’s well under average: Canberra’s median house price hit $1,074,187 late last year.
8. Rapid Creek, NT
The top performer in the Top End is Rapid Creek, a northern Darwin suburb that runs along Rapid Creek and Nightcliff Beach. This tightly held spot tends to attract buyers who want a forever home, so new listings are rare and quickly scooped up when they land.
The area boasts large blocks and low density housing, with a lot of owners choosing to renovate or extend to make the most of the space. Rapid Creek Markets are Darwin’s oldest running markets, offering a range of fresh produce, seafood, artisan goods, flowers and freshly brewed coffee.
The median house price has jumped from $560,000 in January 2020 to $760,000 today.