Have you ever thought about throwing it all in, selling up and moving overseas?
With property prices soaring in Melbourne, no one could blame you. It’s a tough market out there and it ain’t getting any easier in the short term.
Casting an eye eagerly across the seas in search of a cheaper place to call home is tempting.
And it’s sad but true that you could buy a sprawling French farmhouse estate for significantly less than the price of a tiny, crumbling cottage in the inner suburbs.
With Melbourne’s median house price sitting at $865,712, we took a quick whip around the globe to find out what else that could buy…
What: A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment
Price: $US685,000 – $859,473
A place to rest your head on Madison Avenue certainly doesn’t come cheap. But the deal is certainly sweetened by large windows, a roof deck overlooking the Empire State Building and a 24-hour doorman.
What: A five-bedroom farmhouse
Price: €575,000 – $863,473 AUD
Bonjour! This idyllic farmhouse is all about old charm and modern comfort. The house is set on 3.8 hectares of land, mature gardens and colourful flowers. There’s also a separate guest apartment.
What: A two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment
Price: ¥76,800,000 – $862,586
The central wards of the Japanese capital can come with hefty price tags. This stylish apartment is spacious and features a little courtyard area. It’s also just a four-minute walk to the nearest train station.
What: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom villa
Price: €580,000 – $868,550 AUD
A holiday all year round. Cool off in the pool on one of several terraces, or take a short 900 metre stroll to the beach. This Moroccan-inspired residence is colourful, vibrant and luxurious. Check out the bathroom’s spa bath and kitchen’s stunning tiles.
What: A five-bedroom family home
Price: £500,000+ – $849,250
Escape to the English countryside and enjoy all the tea and scones you could ever dream of. This big family home is set within peaceful private gardens. There’s also a private sun terrace and conservatory. If you were to miss the big smoke, it’s not too far from Leeds.
What: A four-bedroom, three-bathroom mansion
Price: 8,900,000 ZAR – $838,971
There’s room for three vehicles in the garages if you’re into collecting cars. There’s also a bar, a snooker room, walk-in wardrobes, a double-sided fireplace, a pool and staff quarters (if you plan on hiring).
What: A four-bedroom, two-bathroom lakehouse
Price: $NZ945,000 – $862,879 AUD
Why not live by a lake and the sea? This property makes the most of its stunning surrounds with seamless indoor/outdoor transitions. The Kapiti Coast is just a short drive north of Wellington on New Zealand’s north island.
What: A three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse
Price: 2,450,000 AED – $835,454
There’s a private pool, three bedrooms and an open-plan entertaining area. In a city known for its ultra-modern architecture and ridiculously high skyscrapers, this complex has gone back to basics.
What: A four-bedroom, four-bathroom lake house
Price: $US690,000 – $864,087 AUD
If you’re looking for somewhere to park that boat of yours, this is the place. The jet ski lift and dock really complete this enormous lakeside home.