Canberra first home buyers have been active: HTW

First home buyers, downsizers and families looking to upgrade have all been active in the property market as well as those who are new to Canberra, according to the valuation firm Herron Todd White.

First home buyers have affordable detached housing options in the outer suburbs of Belconnen and Tuggeranong, while Gungahlin provides newer detached housing at more of a premium.

"Alternatively, there are affordable unit options available throughout the Canberra region with new developments being completed in the city and town centres," HTW added.

There is also a large supply of older units close to the city and in the suburbs that would be suitably priced for first home buyers, the report advised.

The strong detached housing market has forced most first home buyers to look to apartments to climb onto the property ladder.

New Canberra residents have been active mainly in the Gungahlin market where they can buy new homes in a newly established suburb.

"Demand has been very strong from these buyers with land selling at a similar rate per square meter to land in established inner suburbs.

"This demographic has also been active in the new apartment market especially dwellings in close proximity to universities and town centres," HTW said.