Home loan affordability's remaining flat - and bringing good news for first home buyers.

The Roost Home Loan Affordability Report for September cites stable house prices and interest rates for the mild month.

But David Chaston of Interest.co.nz says it means the low end of the market remains affordable.

"A much wider range of towns across New Zealand are in reasonable shape for first home buyers because they're buying at the first quarter end of the market.

"For first home buyers in the Auckland area, things are horrendously bad."

According to the report, the most affordable city for first home buyers is Whanganui.

Meanwhile, the benefits of commuter towns are being talked up.

Wairarapa was included for the first time in the latest Roost Home Loan Affordability Report.

Chaston says figures show the area is incredibly affordable.

He says a typical home loan there takes 37 per cent of a single median, after-tax income.

"Once the word gets out, the Wairarapa's going to become a popular place for Wellingtonians."

David Chaston says the Wairarapa is extra appealing, given it's a commutable distance from Wellington.