Where you can buy a unit in a capital-city suburb with a $600,000 budget

Buyers hoping to buy a unit with a $600,000 budget have access to suburbs in over 180 Australian capital city suburbs, according to new analysis.

The Domain House Price Report reveals a long list of affordable suburbs in all of the major capital cities, including Sydney. 

“Generally speaking, housing gets cheaper the further you move away from the CBD, so there are affordable pockets – it is about knowing where to look,” says Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell.

“It’s also about picking that location depending on the overall price for the city. So, for example, you’re much more likely to find it in those middle-ring suburbs … in Perth and Brisbane than you are in Sydney,” she says.

Orelia in Perth is the most affordable suburb, with a median unit price of $210,000, followed by Albion in Melbourne at $270,000.

Affordable apartments in Melbourne

In Melbourne, there are 60 suburbs where a $600,000 budget could secure you a unit, with Albion (median price $270,000), Carlton ($320,000), Dandenong ($340,000) and West Footscray ($360,000) being some of the most affordable locations.

133 Anderson Road, Albion, VIC 3020

$460,000 - $500,000

104/133 Anderson Road, Albion VIC 3020

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This new off-the-plan apartment in Albion is in a small complex and has two bedrooms, a little study nook, a walk-in wardrobe, a balcony and an undercover car parking spot. It is within walking distance of Sunshine and Albion train stations.  

2/63 Princes Highway, Dandenong, VIC 3175

SOLD - $325,000

2/63 Princes Highway, Dandenong VIC 3175

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The recently renovated two-bedroom apartment has a spacious kitchen equipped with a gas stove. It’s a short walk from several schools, public transport, local shops and major freeways.

2815/551-555 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053

SOLD - $520,000

2815/551-555 Swanston Street, Carlton VIC 3053

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This two-bedroom, two-bathroom Carlton apartment is within walking distance of Melbourne’s CBD. The apartment has a massive L-shaped balcony that offers beautiful city views. The building features rooftop and barbecue areas, a spa, and a private cinema.

Affordable apartments in Sydney

Sydney has 29  suburbs where units have a median price of less than $600,000. Some of the locations that fit the brief are the western suburbs of Kingswood (median price of $357,500), Mount Druitt  ($390,000), Cabramatta ($400,000) and Lakemba ($400,000).

1/37 Hythe Street, Mount Druitt, NSW 2770

SOLD - $365,000

1/37 Hythe Street, Mount Druitt NSW 2770

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This two-bedroom apartment is on the complex’s first floor and has secure parking and an intercom system. It’s just over one kilometre from Mount Druitt train station and 450 metres from the local Westfield.

11/249-253 Haldon Street, Lakemba, NSW 2195

SOLD - $485,000

11/249-253 Haldon Street, Lakemba NSW 2195

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This recently renovated top-floor apartment has two north-facing bedrooms – perfect for lots of sunlight. It’s a short walk from an Aldi and a Woolworths and will be close to the upcoming 2025 metro line. 

603/240-250B Great Western Highway, Kingswood, NSW 2747

SOLD - $515,000

603/240-250B Great Western Highway, Kingswood NSW 2747

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You get mountain views from this two-bed, two-bathroom unit. It comes with a massive main bedroom and ample storage space, and is near Penrith station and Nepean Hospital.

Affordable apartments in Brisbane

In Greater Brisbane, apartment buyers have 32 suburbs in which to begin their home search, including Loganlea (median price of $395,000), Fortitude Valley ($450,000), Bowen Hills ($455,000) and Milton ($458,050).

330/38 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006

SOLD - $715,000

330/38 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

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This unit is in the landmark McWhirters building in Fortitude Valley. It has high ceilings, timber floors, an open living space, and a kitchen. The complex offers city views from the rooftop. 

4503/141 Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006

SOLD - $499,999

4503/141 Campbell Street, Bowen Hills QLD 4006

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A modern kitchen and a separate laundry are features of this two-bedroom unit. It also has a spacious balcony that is perfect for a relaxing cup of coffee in the mornings. The building offers a pool, gym, sauna and barbecue area.

210/60 Park Road, Milton, QLD 4064

SOLD - $260,000

210/60 Park Road, Milton QLD 4064

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This fully furnished studio apartment in the heart of Milton has a bathroom-laundry combo, and a living room that opens to the balcony. The complex features a gym, sauna and free unlimited Wi-Fi.

Affordable apartments in Canberra

In Australia’s capital, there are five suburbs where units can be found by home buyers with a $600,000 budget: Lyneham (median price of $515,000), Reid ($520,000), City ($560,000), Watson ($560,000) and Braddon ($577,000).

100 De Burgh Street, Lyneham, ACT 2602

$479,000

100 De Burgh Street, Lyneham ACT 2602

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This first-floor, one-bedroom apartment has an open-plan living and dining area with ample natural light. It looks over The Sullivan’s landscape, perfect for moments of peace and tranquillity. 

202/32 Mort Street, Braddon, ACT 2612

$549,000

202/32 Mort Street, Braddon ACT 2612

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A Japanese minimalist aesthetic defines this two-bedroom apartment in the Yamaroshi complex. It comes with timber flooring, cabinetry, and double-glazed stacker doors to a balcony. It’s currently tenanted for $580 a week.

817/240 Bunda Street, City, ACT 2601

$495,000+

817/240 Bunda Street, City ACT 2601

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This one-bedroom apartment is on the eighth level of the award-winning Manhattan development in Canberra City. It comes with an open-plan kitchen and a gas cooktop. The building also features a gym, a pool and a barbecue area.

Affordable apartments in Perth

In Perth, those looking to buy an affordable unit should turn to Orelia (median price of $210,000), Osborne Park ($275,000), Maylands ($287,000), and Glendalough ($290,000).

6/132 Crawford Road, Maylands, WA 6051

SOLD - $450,000

6/132 Crawford Road, Maylands WA 6051

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This first-floor, two-bedroom villa-sized apartment is nestled near the Inglewood border and has an open-plan living and dining area. It also features a step-out balcony – a perfect place tin which to sit and unwind for the evening. Plus, it’s a quick drive into the Perth CBD.

44/46 Pollard Street, Glendalough, WA 6016

SOLD - $461,000

44/46 Pollard Street, Glendalough WA 6016

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Recently renovated, this ground-floor two-bedroom apartment is just a short stroll from the train station, bus stop, shopping centre and parklands. And it’s less than 10 kilometres from Floreat and Scarborough beach. 

17/13 Reilly Street, Orelia, WA 6167

SOLD - $302,000

17/13 Reilly Street, Orelia WA 6167

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This two-bedroom apartment in Orelia is near the Kwinana train station and the Kwinana Freeway. It has a balcony overlooking the complex’s gardens and pool area.

Affordable apartments in Adelaide

In Adelaide, home buyers can find affordable properties in Salisbury (median price of $337,500), Mawson Lakes ($381,056), Plympton ($385,000) and St Clair ($419,000).

18/44-48 Metro Parade, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095

SOLD - $414,000

18/44-48 Metro Parade, Mawson Lakes SA 5095

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Located beside the Mawson Lakes train interchange, this two-bedroom apartment offers an open-plan dining and living area that leads to the balcony. It also includes swipe-card access to the building for extra security. 

34/1 Charles Street, Plympton, SA 5038

$505k-$520k

34/1 Charles Street, Plympton SA 5038

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This 2019 modern apartment sits between Glenelg and the Adelaide CBD, offering access to city life without being at its heart. It is north-facing, which is perfect for lots of natural light. It’s also a 15-minute drive from the beach.