What you can buy in real estate around the world for $700,000

In some parts of the world $700,000 will go a long way when it comes to real estate – perhaps even stretching to an island in the South Pacific or a European castle.

While the other Australian capital cities might give you more bang for your buck, in Sydney $705,000 is the median price of a two-bedroom apartment.

So, let’s speculate about what we could get around the world for the same amount of money.

1. A castle in Germany

Thuringia, Lk Saalfeld-Rudolstadt. Photo: Schloss-burg-verkauf.de

Thuringia, Lk Saalfeld-Rudolstadt. Photo: Schloss-burg-verkauf.de

Up for sale at €490,000 ($718,900), this renovated castle is on the outskirts of Saalfeld in the Thüringer region of Germany, around 300 kilometres south-west of Berlin. 

According to the listing, it dates back to 1900, sits on 15,733 square metres and has central heating, which might put it ahead of some of the other more historic, but less well-appointed, castle-like properties dotted around Europe.

2. A beachside villa in Costa Rica

Playa Junquillal, Costa Rica. Photo: Propertiesincostarica.com

Playa Junquillal, Costa Rica. Photo: Propertiesincostarica.com

This Central American property is up for sale at just $US465,000 ($607,287) – that’s nearly $100,000 under the $700,000 maximum price.

You’re still getting two bedrooms, but they’re nestled alongside the beach Playa Junquillal, described by Lonely Planet as “hard to pronounce and almost as difficult to find” – stunning and mostly deserted. 

So, maybe an inconvenient commute, but plenty of surfing opportunities at your doorstep. And judging by the listing photos, some pretty nice views.

3. 240 East 55th Street, #11A, New York City

240 East 55th Street, 11A Photo: CityRealty

240 East 55th Street, 11A Photo: CityRealty

It’s not all mansions though – for $US525,000 ($685,000) you could pick up this 1959 “spacious alcove studio” just east of Hells Kitchen in New York City.

What it lacks in space it makes up for with its proximity to Central Park, and it has does have large, south-facing windows and a kitchen equipped with “convection/microwave oven, a dishwasher, and a full-size refrigerator”. Not every studio can offer that.

4. Goodleigh, Barnstaple, North Devon, United Kingdom

Goodleigh, Barnstaple Photo: Bushnell & Green

Goodleigh, Barnstaple Photo: Bushnell & Green

London has been making headlines for its very expensive real estate – although Brexit looming might  change that. It does get more affordable away from the capital, and for a guide price of £325,000 ($549,000) you can get a rather sweet four-bedroom cottage.

At a nearly four-hour drive west of London and two hours from Bristol, it comes with a garden, period features (it dates to the mid-17th century, and is heritage listed) and views of the surrounding countryside. 

5.  Venui Island, South Santo, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu 

Venui Island, South Santo, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Photo: First National Real Estate Espiritu Santo

Venui Island, South Santo, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu Photo: First National Real Estate Espiritu Santo

This property doesn’t really come with a house on it but it is a fair bit under Australia’s median price at $499,000 ONO – and it’s an entire island, so presumably there’s no issues with neighbours.

According to the listing, it’s 5.7 hectares, 40 minutes from Espiritu Santo’s international airport, surrounded by unspoiled coral reefs and “you can still see the jail cell from the old British High Commission days”, as illustrated by the photo.

Agents First Nation Espiritu Santo have quite a few islands on the books, including the 40 hectare Awei Island which at $695,000 comes with a Commercial/Tourism licence – so you’ve got plenty to choose from. 

6. Singleton Ave, Austin, Texas, USA

1802 Singleton Ave, Austin, Texas Photo: Zillow.com

1802 Singleton Ave, Austin, Texas. Photo: Zillow.com

Back in the USA but down the other end of the country, you can do your bit to “Keep Austin Weird” in this cute three-bedroom, three-bathroom home.

It’s on the market for $US549,900 ($719,000) which puts it a smidge above the price we’re aiming for, but it does have a very nice garden and it is only a fifteen-minute drive to the Flying Saucer Draft Emporium and 10 minutes to the Alamo Drafthouse cinema.