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

RBA Holds Cash Rate at 3.60% in November 2025
RBA Holds Cash Rate at 3.60% in November 2025
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate unchanged at 3.60% during its November 2025 meeting. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach in balancing inflation control with employment objectives. - read more
ANZ Revises RBA Rate Cut Forecast to February 2026
ANZ Revises RBA Rate Cut Forecast to February 2026
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
ANZ has adjusted its forecast regarding the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) next cash rate cut, now anticipating the reduction to occur in February 2026. This revision aligns with similar adjustments by other major banks, reflecting a collective response to recent economic data and RBA communications. - read more
Australian Mortgage Brokers Anticipate Competitive Shifts in 2025
Australian Mortgage Brokers Anticipate Competitive Shifts in 2025
06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian mortgage broking industry is poised for significant changes in 2025, with increased competition and evolving market dynamics shaping the landscape. Factors such as anticipated interest rate adjustments, a surge in refinancing activities, and the growing influence of digital marketing are key drivers of this transformation. - read more
ANZ Bank's Record Fine for Regulatory Misconduct
ANZ Bank's Record Fine for Regulatory Misconduct
29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In September 2025, ANZ Bank agreed to pay a record A$240 million fine following investigations by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) into multiple regulatory breaches. This penalty highlights the importance of compliance and ethical practices within the banking sector. - read more
CBA's Record Profit Fueled by Lending Expansion
CBA's Record Profit Fueled by Lending Expansion
29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has reported a record full-year cash profit of A$10.25 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This impressive performance is primarily attributed to robust growth in both home and business lending. - read more


Finance Articles

How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Applying for a Loan Online
How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Applying for a Loan Online
Applying for loans online has become a convenient and efficient way to secure funds for various purposes. With just a few clicks, individuals can submit their applications and receive a decision within a short span of time. However, it is important to approach the online loan application process with caution to avoid common mistakes that could potentially affect the outcome of the application. - read more
5 Essential Personal Loan Tips Every Millennial Should Know
5 Essential Personal Loan Tips Every Millennial Should Know
Personal loans have become an increasingly popular financial tool among millennials in Australia. As the cost of living rises and life goals such as buying a home or pursuing higher education loom on the horizon, personal loans offer a means to achieve these goals with more immediate access to funds. However, the array of options and terms can be bewildering, making it crucial for young adults to approach borrowing with a prudent mindset. - read more
Top Mistakes to Avoid After Getting Your Loan Approved
Top Mistakes to Avoid After Getting Your Loan Approved
Getting your loan approved is a significant milestone, but it also opens the door to many new responsibilities. Proper management of your finances after loan approval is crucial to avoid common pitfalls that could derail your financial stability. - read more
How to Boost Your Chances of Loan Approval
How to Boost Your Chances of Loan Approval
The loan approval process can often seem complex and daunting, but understanding what it entails is the first step toward boosting your chances. In essence, loan approval is the lender's process of assessing whether you are a viable candidate for the loan you have applied for. This involves evaluating your financial history, current financial status, and the potential risks involved in lending to you. - read more
The Importance of Financial Literacy: Navigating Personal Loans in Your 20s and 30s
The Importance of Financial Literacy: Navigating Personal Loans in Your 20s and 30s
Financial literacy refers to the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. It's an essential skill set that can significantly impact an individual's financial well-being throughout their life. - 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
Refinancing:
The process of obtaining a new mortgage to replace an existing one, often to secure a lower interest rate.


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