As federal treasurer Scott Morrison moves to put pressure on the states to cut planning rules delaying the construction of new homes, local experts believe the problem is Sydney-centric and those finding it tough should look to Tamworth.

LJ Hooker principal Richie Thornton said while new homes are popular, there’s plenty of older homes on the market in Tamworth.

“Locally there is no issue whatsoever. I cannot believe how many good buys there are still in Tamworth, particularly in the range of up to and including $450,000,” he said.

“I think they need to revisit the first home buyers’ grant for established homes, some people can’t afford to build a new home, but can afford to buy an established home.

“For a new house and land package, unless it’s a small three bedroom one, a lot of them are a minimum of $385,000 and as a first home buyer you can buy something cheaper and established and around $250,000 to $300,000.”

Mr Thornton also believed Tamworth was underrated when it came to relocating from larger urban areas.

“Sending them to places like Tamworth is hardly a culture shock,” he said.

“Not too many suburbs in Sydney offer what Tamworth does, we need to encourage people to look to regional areas as well.”

Meanwhile Stuart Watts, sales director at The Professionals, knows first hand the benefits a tree change can bring, having moved to the city five years ago. 

“Everything is gearing towards your first home being a new home now, there needs to be incentives to come back into play in some way, shape or form for a second hand house,” he said.

“Around here you can make it work, you could probably buy a brand new home for between $350,000 to $370,000, but in Sydney the cost for a developer to be able to put new housing blocks on the market is astronomical these days.”

“I don’t think we pump our tyres up enough in the city market,” he said.

“I don’t think people realise the sort of services we have, we have a full dam and a lot of growth and development.”