Despite the property downturn, Sydney’s median house price is still hovering at just above $1 million – $1,032,338, in fact, according to Domain’s last house price report.
And while Sydney is undoubtedly appealing, it can’t be said that the harbour city offers much bang for your buck.
So, at the risk of sparking a twinge of envy, let’s take a look at what that kind of cash buys you around the rest of the country.
Surrounded by nature, this four-bedroom family home has views across the hinterland and is about a 15-minute drive to Robina Town Centre or about half an hour into the Gold Coast.
It’s set on a three-hectare block, with an inground pool, gazebo area and large deck.
This sweet two-bedder is just a short walk to St Vincent Gardens and just half an hour by tram to the CBD.
Inside it’s got high ceilings, cosy fireplaces, and a brand new kitchen.
Need a bit of space to stretch out? This six-bedroom Queenslander home, built in 1926, sits on a 896-square-metre block and it kitted out with deck and pool.
Plus, it’s less than half an hour to the Brisbane CBD, either driving or using public transport.
Similarly spacious, this five-bedder with “enormous” garage on a 4109 square metre block is about 20 minutes drive from Cairns City, and less than 10 minutes drive to Trinity and Kewarra Beaches.
Dating back to 1890, this utterly charming two-bedroom stone cottage is walking distance to the Adelaide CBD, pubs, parks, restaurants and universities.
It’s no inner-city “blank canvas” either, with updated, stylish interiors, it is ready to move into.
Also in Adelaide, this city-fringe hall conversion comes in at a little above the price range, but it’s got a lot on offer in its spacious interior.
Originally built in the 1930s by the Pigeon Society, it’s now a three-bedroom urban oasis with a secluded outdoor space.
Going for the Radelaide trifecta, this four-bedroom stone cottage on the edge of Adelaide’s parkland is full of character features like leadlight, decorative cornices, fireplaces and timber floorboards.
It’s also got plenty of outdoor-entertaining room, with a deck and lawn.
A few minutes walk to Whites Beach in scenic Torquay, this four-bedroom beach home is a winner any time of year.
About an hour and a half from Melbourne, the split-level home is ideally placed for a break from city living.
It’s in Don, and it’s pretty good – with six hectares of spaces and panoramic views, you can sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery.
The home itself has four bedrooms and Tasmanian timber floors, and it’s only a 20-minute drive from Devonport.
It could be wine time all the time at this four-bedroom home on about four hectares of land, about 20 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD.
It comes with a winery, fruit trees galore, plenty of onsite water, and a bar with an attached cellar.
Not just a house – this is an entire eco-retreat, tucked away in 42 hectares of protected Tassie bushland in the Huon Valley, less than an hour from Hobart.
With heaps of space for you and mates, the existing award-winning tourism business includes four private cabins, a commercial kitchen and manager’s residence, two deluxe teepees, and multiple campsites.
It’s also got bushwalks leading into crown land including one to nearby ominously-named Mount Misery, which is sure to be a conversation starter.
145 Rochdale Road, Mount Claremont, West Australia
From $1,100,000
With a bit of a Spanish Revival vibe, this six-bedroom Mount Claremont home really does stand out from the crowd.
With loads of living space and a big backyard, it’s got room for just about anything.
This distinctive five-level absolute beachfront home at Opossum Bay has plenty of character and absolutely no shortage of water views. Also worth a look is the miniature lighthouse set up next door.
It’s a short stroll to the local general store and jetty, an about an hour’s drive to Hobart.