Home buyers flock to north and hills

Want room to move? New home buyers are flocking to SA’s new home hot spots, with one building giant offering around sixty house and land packages for less than $550,000.

The Edson family – Jordan, Daxon, 6, Kaela with son Angus, 2 months, and Lauren, 8 – inside their new home at Liberty Estate, Two Wells. Picture: Russell Millard

Like many young families, the Edsons found their home solution with a house and land package in one of Adelaide’s booming growth areas.

Theirs was one of thousands of new homes built in the state in the first half of this year, counted in state government figures directing buyers to development hot spots.

Kaela Edson said the family finished their home in Liberty Estate at Two Wells in June, delivering the perfect option for a family of five.

Liberty Estate is a family orientated Hickinbotham Homes development with parks, playgrounds and nearby schools.

“We went for the house and land option to get the house we wanted to fit the larger block we wanted,’’ she said.

New home buyers are flocking to Adelaide’s new home hot spots, and Hickinbotham currently has around sixty packages for under $550,000.

Kaela was commenting after the state government released to The Advertiser the latest home completion data showing where buyers should focus their efforts in the home search.

Developers are required to build 15 per cent of homes in large developments to be “affordable”. For greenfields developments Mt Barker led the way with a total of 996 homes built, followed by Angle Vale 492, and Evanston Gardens 300.

The Edson family at Liberty Estate, Two Wells. Picture: Russell Millard

Master Builders CEO Will Frogley said there were only certain areas where a large supply of affordable housing could be found.

“Land supply is the biggest driver of affordable housing,’’ he said.

“This explains why northern Adelaide and Mount Barker continue to be attractive options for South Australians who want room to move.”

Also on the state government growth hot spots list, released by Plan SA, are growth areas along urban corridors closer to the city.

Mr Frogley said these were more suitable for people wanting a new home, but not needing room for a large family.

The CBD topped the state government’s latest list of this style of development with 689 homes completed in the six month period, followed by Lightsview 407, and West Lakes 274.

“While big backyards are less prevalent in Lightsview and AAMI Stadium at West Lakes, these areas show where large chunks of land become available for infill, they are eagerly snapped up by South Australians who don’t mind trading size for convenience and less maintenance,’’ Mr Frogley said.

Mr Frogley said country growth areas reflected an influx of those commuting to the city, and seachangers also boosted numbers in coastal areas.

In this category the most homes were completed in Mt Gambier 278, Victor Harbor 275 and Copper Coast 246.

“The Fleurieu Peninsula is an increasingly popular destination for those who want a “country” lifestyle with beaches while still being relatively close to Adelaide,’’ Mr Frogley said.

“It is important strategies are in place to ensure community infrastructure keeps up with housing growth.”