The best median-priced apartments for sale right now
As soaring property prices have put houses increasingly out of reach for many buyers, units and apartments have become more popular.
The real estate market has slowed this year in many of our capital cities, but the median price for a house within 10 kilometres of Sydney’s CBD is still a jaw-dropping $1.95 million, according to view.com.au.
In Melbourne, it’s $1.28 million, and even in Hobart – where prices are still climbing – it’s $492,100.
If a house is beyond your budget, it might be time to consider a unit, apartment or townhouse. Here’s a selection of some of the best on the market for the median price in each capital city.
(Remember, the median is the middle price from the cheapest apartment to the most expensive.)
Sydney
Median price: $925,000
2.01/20 Mary Street, Surry Hills
1 bed 1 bath
$915,000
Just a touch under the city’s median price, this one-bedroom apartment is compact but perfectly formed. There’s no parking, but you’ll hardly need it – Central station is a stroll up the road and the CBD is within walking distance. There’s an open living area, study nook and a north-facing balcony.
2 beds 2 baths 2 cars
$858,000
Head a little further out and, as you might expect, you can get more for your money. This modern apartment has two levels and a north-facing open-plan living/dining area. There’s also a double garage.
Melbourne
Median price: $555,000
310/58 Kambrook Road, Caulfield North
2 beds 1 bath 1 car
$495,000
Away from Sydney, your options immediately begin to broaden. This compact apartment has everything you need, including two bedrooms, off-street parking and a storage cage. It’s well-located for city commuters and anyone studying at Monash University’s Caulfield campus.
1 bed 1 bath 2 cars
Auction: June 2, 2.30pm ($510,000-$540,000)
Enjoy the sea view and soak up the St Kilda atmosphere from this renovated apartment. There’s a secure, intercom entry and – should the delights of the neighbourhood wear thin – trams at your doorstep. Two parking spaces are a bonus.
Brisbane
Median price: $420,000
2 beds 2 bath 1 car
$390,000-plus
A stroll from Fairfield Station, this townhouse has open-plan living downstairs and two bedrooms (one with a balcony) upstairs. It is at the rear of its development and on a quiet street.
3 beds 2 baths 1 car
$414,000-plus
North of the CBD, a bit of good luck might net you that elusive third bedroom. This well-located townhouse also has two bathrooms (and an additional powder room) and a pretty courtyard garden.
Adelaide
Median price: $345,000
2 beds 1 car 1 bath
$328,000
The agent says this is the best street in Prospect, and this apartment is one in a group of only four. Light and bright, it has two bedrooms, floating floorboards and new carpet. There’s also a private courtyard and off-street parking.
2/195 Military Road, Henley Beach South
2 beds 1 bath 1 car
$335,000-$349,000
Within cooee of the beach, this unit has plenty of practical features, including good storage. The bedrooms are upstairs, along with the bathroom. Downstairs, there’s open-plan living and a second toilet.
Perth
Median price: $410,000
2 beds 1 bath 2 cars
$399,000-plus
At the rear of a group of four similar units, this townhouse even has its own garden. Transport to the CBD is good, and the property is close to McDougall Park. There’s a double carport, full-sized laundry and both bedrooms have wardrobes.
23/4 Waterway Court, Churchlands
2 beds 1 bath 1 car
$399,000
This two-level townhouse has a well-considered floor plan, with two bedrooms either side of a good-sized bathroom. There’s a bonus mezzanine level that provides plenty of options for the new residents. There are views across the trees to Maurie Hamer Park and Herdsman Lake.
Hobart
Median price: $350,358
1/19 Susan Parade, Lenah Valley
2 beds 1 bath 1 car
$336,000-plus
Hobart house-hunters won’t be at all surprised to hear there are limited options on the market in the southern capital. One of the best is this villa to the west of the city. It has expansive northerly views and an under-house garage, along with an enormous potential storage area.
2/14 Wallace Avenue, Lenah Valley
2 beds 1 bath 1 car
$335,000-plus
Just up the road, this unit also has appealing views. Over two levels, it has a balcony off the living and dining area, and a modern kitchen and bathroom. There’s also a single garage underneath.
Canberra
Median price: $427,000
12/11 Steffanoni Circuit, Monash
3 beds 1 bath 1 cars
$419,000-plus
You might have to stretch the budget a little, but that will get you three bedrooms and your own patch of lawn here. Some updating is required, but this could even be a family house – there’s a proper bathroom (with a bath) and an L-shaped living area and kitchen.
1 bed 1 bath 1 car
$400,000-plus
There’s just one bedroom, but that doesn’t mean this split-level apartment lacks space. The main bedroom takes up the top level, along with the bathroom. The unit is also well located, just a stroll from Lake Burley Griffin.
Darwin
Median price: $382,500
3 beds 2 baths 2 cars
$379,000
Minutes from the Darwin CBD, this apartment is fully airconditioned and has an enormous outdoor living area. There are three bedrooms (the main with an en suite) and good storage throughout. There’s also secure parking for two vehicles.
2/33 Sunset Drive, Coconut Grove
2 beds 2 baths 2 cars
$375,0000
Further from the CBD, this Coconut Grove unit is right on the ocean. One of the highlights is its circular balcony that sits above the treetops. Freshly painted throughout, it is walking distance to the Nightcliff shops and markets.