The leader of the opposition announced a scheme to help regional first home buyers, but the stories of young people from the Illawarra painted a picture of a housing market that may need more than a funding boost.

Liam Turnbull, 22, was one of the young people hoping to save enough money to buy a home in Wollongong with his partner.

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With his nine-month-old baby Zayn on his hip, Mr Turnbull told the politicians he'd been saving for two years and had tried to get a place close to his partner's family.

"It's crazy," he said. He ended up moving into a granny flat with his partner and baby - not the ideal situation, but sky-rocketing house prices in Wollongong meant it was best option for the young family.

"Hopefully this will give you a bit of a boost," Mr Albanese told the young man.

In true politician's style, the man fighting to be the next Prime Minister did not miss an opportunity to be photographed with a baby, giving nine-month-old Zayn a pat on the head for the cameras.

Paige Ellison, 22, also spoke to the politicians about the difficulties of breaking into the housing market as a young person.

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Ms Ellison had been kicked out of her rental when the house was sold from underneath her.

With rental vacancies sitting at 0.6 per cent in Wollongong, many young people are struggling to find affordable places to rent, let alone save for their own home.

Mr Albanese, looking immaculate in his suit, spoke of his time growing up in a housing commission property with a single mother, and said he understood the need for more affordable housing.

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