While Australia's housing market remains competitive, buyers shouldn’t be discouraged. A $750,000 budget can still secure quality properties, especially beyond the major capital city centres.
The Australian real estate market continues to evolve under the pressure of rising demand, limited supply, and shifting economic conditions. With the national median dwelling price now hovering around $825,000 and closer to $1 million in many capital cities. The dream of buying a home in Australia can feel increasingly out of reach.
However, new insights from the HTW Month in Review report offer a more hopeful perspective. With a $750,000 budget and a willingness to explore beyond the CBD, opportunities still abound.
Strategic buying with $750,000
According to HTW Director Chris Hinchliffe, while $750,000 may no longer suffice in Sydney or Melbourne’s inner rings, it remains a viable entry point for buyers targeting other metropolitan areas or regional hubs.
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Brisbane: The median house price now exceeds $1 million, but $750K still offers access to well-located apartments. As Director David Notley puts it, this budget "offers genuine opportunities" for both homeowners and investors willing to consider attached housing.
Brisbane
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Townsville: Leading the nation with an 18.7% rise in median home prices, Townsville offers excellent value, with the average house still priced at just $546,000.
Townsville
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Darwin: With a median house price of $587,000 and units averaging $386,000, buyers can secure quality housing in one of the country’s most affordable capital cities.
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Melbourne: In the CBD, $750K places buyers in the apartment market. For those seeking family homes, the outer suburbs remain the best option.
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Gold and Sunshine Coasts: Detached housing under $750K is becoming rare, but apartments remain accessible.
495 Grenfell Road in Banksia Park, South Australia, is currently on the market with a price guide ranging from $750,000 to $825,000.
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Hobart: Buyers can find older-style homes in suburbs like Moonah and Glenorchy, or townhouses closer to the city.
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Western Australia: A $750K budget can go far, whether in Perth’s suburbs or in regional centres.
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Sydney: With detached homes out of reach for most, units in outer areas like Blacktown to Penrith are the primary option. For rare lifestyle bargains, buyers might consider locations such as Gunderman near the Hawkesbury River.
Market cycles and emerging opportunities
The HTW report also outlines market conditions across the country:
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Rising Markets: Adelaide, Darwin, Perth, Cairns, and Townsville are among 19 markets on the rise.
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At Peak: Brisbane, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine Coast are nearing their price ceilings.
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Bottom of Market: Geelong, Illawarra, and parts of Sydney and Byron Bay are positioned for future recovery.
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Declining or Stabilising: Melbourne, Alice Springs, and Port Macquarie show signs of slowing momentum.
Final thoughts
While the days of buying a detached home in Sydney or Melbourne's inner suburbs for $750,000 are long gone, the budget remains powerful in the right context. For first-time buyers, investors, or those relocating to regional areas, it still offers real value.
Whether you're looking to buy a home in Victoria, explore regional Queensland, or invest in emerging markets, a strategic mindset and location flexibility are key.
