The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
In Melbourne, the dream of owning a standalone house is slipping away for many potential buyers.
The disparity between house and unit values has become increasingly pronounced, making detached homes a distant goal for many.
According to data from CoreLogic, as of December 2024, typical Melbourne houses cost buyers 51.1%-or $310,202-more than units.
This gap has widened significantly over the years. Back in December 2014, the price difference was $121,322, a figure more than doubled today. Looking even further back to December 2004, the disparity was only $47,976, illustrating how housing affordability has shifted over time.
A similar trend is observed across various capital cities in Australia. Using PropTrack data, it's clear that since 2010, house prices in these cities have surged by around 123%, whereas units have only risen by 64%.
Tim Lawless, CoreLogic's head of research, explained that this growing gap implies that purchasing a unit no longer automatically leads to an eventual upgrade to a detached home. He stated, “Buying a unit probably used to be a bit of a stepping stone. You buy into the apartment sector and then hope to eventually upgrade into a larger, detached home, but with such a big price difference, and the fact that it’s probably been a lot harder for unit owners to accrue equity, that upgrading step is a lot more challenging now.”
Brendan Coates from the Grattan Institute observes this from a land value perspective: “Land is scarce, and therefore it’s valuable, so if you want to have that backyard, you are going to pay a premium for it. Not everyone can have a freestanding house, and that means there’s more competition for the limited number of freestanding homes that exist.”
The outlook is that the chasm between unit and house prices will continue to grow as cities expand and population numbers soar. The Urban Taskforce has projected dramatic changes, specifically noting that the share of detached houses in Sydney may decline to only 25% by 2057.
This transformation will echo across Australia’s capital cities as challenges associated with housing density and population growth come to the fore. Increased migration rates continue to exert upward pressure on property prices and rental costs, pushing affordable housing further out of reach for many urban dwellers.
The availability of detached houses is dwindling, resulting in soaring prices and fewer households having the luxury of a backyard, altering the property landscape of Australian cities.
Such developments suggest that future homeowners and city planners alike must adapt to changing trends in housing affordability and preferences, considering alternative living arrangements or innovative urban planning solutions.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
The Australian marine industry is set to benefit from a significant boost in financial literacy and support, thanks to a new partnership between MitchCap, the Boating Industry Association (BIA), and the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV). This collaboration introduces the Industry Financial Skills and Awareness Program, designed to enhance the financial acumen of marine businesses nationwide. - read more
Club Marine, Australia's leading boat insurance provider underwritten by Allianz, has expanded its offerings to include specific coverage for race boats while they are on land. This development comes through a new partnership with the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club (AOPC), aiming to address the unique insurance needs of race boat owners during storage and transit. - read more
Nautilus Marine Insurance has expanded its marine insurance product portfolio to include a dedicated Personal Watercraft (PWC) Insurance policy. This new offering is specifically designed for personal watercraft owners across Australia, providing market-leading coverage with the flexibility to tailor the insurance to individual needs. - read more
Club Marine, Australia's leading provider of recreational boat insurance, has expanded its offerings to include specific coverage for race boats while they are on land. This development comes through a new partnership with the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club (AOPC), aiming to address the unique insurance needs of race boat owners. - read more
The inaugural Great Barrier Reef Commercial Marine Conference was held in Cairns on 11 March 2026, bringing together 50 industry leaders, operators, and suppliers to discuss the future of Australia's commercial marine sector. A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the Australian Commercial Marine Economic Impact Study (EIS). - read more
When considering the purchase of a jetski, two popular financing avenues stand out: personal loans and dealership financing. Each offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks, and understanding these options can help you make an informed decision. - read more
Your credit score is an important number that significantly impacts your financial health. It's a numerical representation of your creditworthiness based on your credit history. Lenders use this score to evaluate the level of risk involved in lending you money. - read more
Jet skiing is an exhilarating water sport that offers fun, excitement, and a great way to explore Australia's beautiful waterways. As a beginner, diving into the world of jet skiing can be thrilling but also overwhelming, given the various options and considerations involved in purchasing your first jet ski. - read more
Jet skiing is an exhilarating water sport that many Australians enjoy, especially during the warmer months. With the vast and beautiful coastline that the country offers, it's no wonder that jet skis are becoming a popular addition to many households. - read more
Nothing quite matches the exhilaration of skimming across the glistening waters of Australia's coastlines on a personal jet ski. The freedom to explore hidden coves, the adrenaline rush of high speeds, and the joy of shared adventures with friends and family—these are just a few thrills that come with jet ski ownership. - read more
Knowledgebase
Payday Loan: A short-term, high-interest loan, typically due on the borrower's next payday.
