Anyloan Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

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.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Westpac Eases Home Loan Access for Self-Employed Borrowers
Westpac Eases Home Loan Access for Self-Employed Borrowers
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Westpac Banking Corporation has announced significant changes to its home loan application process, specifically designed to assist self-employed Australians. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by this demographic, the bank has introduced a streamlined approach that reduces the documentation required, thereby expediting the approval process. - read more
CBA Implements Stricter Lending Criteria for Companies and Trusts
CBA Implements Stricter Lending Criteria for Companies and Trusts
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has revised its lending policies concerning companies and trusts, introducing stricter criteria that necessitate existing banking relationships for loan applicants. Effective November 22, 2025, this change applies to broker-introduced applications for non-individual borrowers. - read more
RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.60% Amidst Inflationary Pressures
RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.60% Amidst Inflationary Pressures
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate steady at 3.60% during its November 2025 meeting. This decision reflects the central bank's ongoing concerns about inflation, which has risen above the target range of 2-3% and is expected to remain elevated for some time. - read more
ANZ Bank Adjusts Cash Rate Forecast: No Cuts Anticipated Until 2026
ANZ Bank Adjusts Cash Rate Forecast: No Cuts Anticipated Until 2026
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
ANZ Bank has revised its cash rate forecast, now expecting no cuts until February 2026. This adjustment aligns with similar revisions by other major banks, reflecting a collective response to recent economic data and RBA communications. - read more
RBA's November 2025 Statement: Inflation Trends and Economic Projections
RBA's November 2025 Statement: Inflation Trends and Economic Projections
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its November 2025 Statement on Monetary Policy, highlighting concerns about rising inflation and providing insights into the future of the Australian economy. - read more


Finance Articles

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Loan Repayment in Australia
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Loan Repayment in Australia
Navigating the complexities of loan repayments can be daunting, but understanding the components and their impact on our financial health is essential. In Australia, a wise approach to loan repayment not only alleviates financial strain but directly influences our credit scores and future borrowing capacity. - read more
Your Complete Guide to Debt Consolidation Down Under
Your Complete Guide to Debt Consolidation Down Under
As Australians navigate their personal financial journey, understanding how to manage debt effectively becomes crucial. From dealing with various lines of credit to juggling personal loans, the concept of debt consolidation often emerges as a viable strategy to regain control of financial health. This guide delves deep into the heart of debt consolidation's landscape in Australia, offering a comprehensive examination of what it entails, its benefits, and its potential drawbacks. - read more
Debt Management Tips to Keep Your Credit Score Healthy
Debt Management Tips to Keep Your Credit Score Healthy
Debt management involves strategies and practices designed to help individuals control their debt and maintain a healthy financial standing. It includes everything from budgeting and tracking expenses to negotiating better terms with creditors and consolidating debts for easier repayment. - read more
Understanding the Power of Pre-Approval in Your Financial Journey
Understanding the Power of Pre-Approval in Your Financial Journey
Pre-approval in the financial world refers to a preliminary evaluation by a lender to determine how much credit or loan they may be willing to extend to an applicant. It's a vital step for any Australian looking to finance a significant purchase such as a home or a car. Essentially, pre-approval provides potential borrowers with an indication of their borrowing capacity, subject to final verification and approval. - read more
Understanding Loan Calculators: A Practical Guide for Smart Borrowers
Understanding Loan Calculators: A Practical Guide for Smart Borrowers
Understanding the loan application process can be quite challenging. However, with the right tools, it becomes much easier to navigate. One of these essential tools is a loan calculator. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Balloon Payment.:
A large loan repayment made in order to clear a debt. Usually applied to a short-term fixed-rate loan, which involves small payments for a certain period of time with one large payment for the remaining amount of the principal at a time specified in the future.


Quick Links: | Personal And Business Loans Australia | Business Loan Options | Personal Loans Australia | Leasing Finance Solutions | Finance Brokers Australia | Unsecured Business Loans | Vehicle And Equipment Finance | Compare Finance Quotes | Quick Loan Approval | Low Interest Loans | Flexible Loan Terms