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House Ownership in Melbourne: A Growing Challenge

House Ownership in Melbourne: A Growing Challenge

House Ownership in Melbourne: A Growing Challenge?w=400

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.

Published:Thursday, 30th Jan 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

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Finance News

ANZ Secures $2 Billion Loan Guarantee to Enhance Pacific Operations
ANZ Secures $2 Billion Loan Guarantee to Enhance Pacific Operations
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move to reinforce its presence in the Pacific region, ANZ has secured a $2 billion loan guarantee from the Australian government. This 10-year agreement aims to ensure the bank's continued operations across Pacific nations, countering growing regional influences. - read more
Housing Australia Future Fund Outperforms Expectations, Boosting Housing Initiatives
Housing Australia Future Fund Outperforms Expectations, Boosting Housing Initiatives
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) has reported investment returns more than double its initial projections, significantly accelerating the development of social and affordable housing projects nationwide. Established by the Albanese government, the HAFF aims to address housing affordability challenges by funding essential housing initiatives. - read more
NSW Energy Security Corporation Commences with $1 Billion to Boost Energy Projects
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22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The New South Wales (NSW) government has launched the Energy Security Corporation (ESC) with an initial investment of $1 billion, aiming to accelerate key energy projects across the state. This initiative is designed to enhance energy reliability, affordability, and support the transition to clean energy sources. - read more
ANZ's Australia Commercial Division Sees 11% Profit Growth
ANZ's Australia Commercial Division Sees 11% Profit Growth
14 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
ANZ Banking Group has reported an 11% increase in profit for its Australia Commercial division over the past year. This growth is attributed to robust lending activities, particularly in the agribusiness and health sectors. - read more
APRA Implements New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
APRA Implements New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending. This measure applies to both owner-occupiers and investors, with an exemption for new housing developments. - read more


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