Sydney price gap: chance to buy units for half cost of houses
PropTrack's latest Home Price Index revealed Sydney houses are almost double the price of apartments in many areas, with the citywide median house price at $1,564,000 and the median unit price at $860,000.
There was a similar trend nationally. The median price of a house across the nation is now sitting at $915,000, with units at $678,000.
The disparity between prices shows the median unit price in Sydney sitting at just 56 per cent of house prices, creating opportunity for homebuyers and investors, experts claim.
Metropole National Director Brett Warren said 'we're witnessing a pivotal moment in the Sydney property cycle'.
'Units in premium suburbs are trading up to 70 per cent cheaper than houses and yet they're offering similar lifestyle access and even comparable internal space,' he said. 'That's not just value – it's strategic advantage.'
Mr Warren said investors and homebuyers should be paying attention as many units are dramatically undervalued relative to historical norms, particularly in high-amenity areas.
'The key here is long-term capital growth,' he said.
According to Mr Warren, as affordability tightens and house prices continue to outpace income growth in Sydney, units in desirable locations are primed for a rebound.
This comes as opportunity for units is being fuelled by strong lifestyle demand for newer development offerings.
A Metropole release pointed to building data from the City of Sydney suggesting there is also recovery from a post-pandemic dip in apartment completions with large-scale precincts such as in Green Square, Redfern and the CBD once again showing signs of development momentum.
'A lower entry price, smaller deposit and manageable mortgage gives younger buyers a sustainable way to step onto the property ladder in our most expensive capital city,' he said.
'It can be a strategic platform for growth.'
According to Mr Warren, homebuyers should also consider townhouses and three-bedroom apartments in price-gap suburbs that offer space, functionality and long-term value without the premium of detached dwellings.
'The savvy move right now is to find the product that's flying under the radar but poised to benefit as the market recalibrates,' he said.
'With the current price dynamics opening a narrow window of opportunity, those with a strategic lens – and a willingness to look beyond traditional housing narratives – could reap the rewards for years to come.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Australian
20 minutes ago
- The Australian
ASX200: Gold the bright spot on flat day for local markets
Shaky US jobs data and the subsequent sacking of the labour statistics chief has seen investors flocking to Australian gold stocks on Monday. While the ASX200 closed up by the barest of margins on Monday, the gold index benchmark grew 3.5 per cent to start the week. At the close of trade, strong consumer staples and materials sectors had dragged the S&P/ASX200 to a 0.02 per cent gain, closing up 1.7 points to 8663.7. The All Ords rose 0.06 per cent. Gold shares were the shimmering highlight on the day, with the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold benchmark gaining 3.57 per cent. Western Australian, Northern Territory and Alaskan operator Northern Star Resources – up 13 per cent on the year – tacked on another 5.6 per cent gain ($16.16) following the presentation of details from a site visit in Kalgoorlie. The inland city is hosting the Diggers and Dealers mining forum this week, and the historic town will be heaving following Monday's sterling gold results. Bellevue Gold shot up 6.4 per cent ($0.82), Mineral Resources' price lifted 3 per cent ($30.76), and Evolution Mining rose 2.5 per cent ($7.23). Evolution Mining boss Lawrie Conway warned the Kalgoorlie conference that boom cycles had been squandered before. 'As an industry, we have been poor allocators of capital through these periods of record margins,' he said on Monday. The gold price has risen $1000 in the space of four months. 'It's imperative for us … when the cycle turns, our shareholders aren't left looking and saying, 'Where is the cash?',' Mr Conway said. Across the border, the Whyalla steelworks and its associated iron ore mines are the target of a potential offer from Bluescope Steel and an international consortium. That news pushed Bluescope's share price down 1.2 per cent, closing at $23.10. The surge in gold has been ignited and sustained by rumblings in the US. Underwhelming jobs data at the end of their week prompted Donald Trump to sack the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief, sowing doubt in US economic data. 'The dire US jobs report raised expectations of a Fed rate cut in September and prompted risk aversion flows, including buying of gold,' said IG market analyst Tony Sycamore. 'The rebound from the $US3265 support zone suggests gold is consolidating gains from the first half of this year in a range between $US3450 and $US3250.' After an eight-month high a couple of weeks ago, the Aussie dollar has settled at 64.8 US cents. Trailing the materials sector at the top of the heap, consumer staples also had a bountiful day. This charge was led by gains for Coles (1.7 per cent) and Woolworths (1.3 per cent). In lock-step, health and wellness food company OMG Group shot to a 7 per cent gain ($0.008), while Farm Pride Foods, Pure Foods Tasmania, Synlait Milk and Ricegrowers Ltd all rose more than 3.6 per cent. From the farmgate to the bar stool, pub and hospitality giant Endeavour Group surged to a 2.9 per cent gain on the news its dual chairman-chief executive was quitting over board disagreements. Endeavour owns Dan Murphy's and BWS. The company already lined up former Virgin Australia chief executive, Jayne Hrdlicka, to take charge in the new year. Despite Monday's bump, Endeavour shares are down 23 per cent on this time last year. With an essentially flat day in local trading, six of 11 sectors finished in the red, with financials, energy and industrials being the dead weight. Blair's journalism career has taken him from Perth, to New Zealand, Queensland and now Melbourne. Business Breaking News One of the country's key water agencies is axing nearly a quarter of its workforce, blindsiding employees and drawing union backlash. Business Breaking News Australia's biggest food retailers say they are not interested in buying beef from the US and will stick to their homegrown approach.
The Australian
43 minutes ago
- The Australian
AI can future-proof infrastructure against natural disasters
Natural disasters are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more costly. AI could be our best defence — but only if we know how to use it wisely. A recent Deloitte report, AI for Infrastructure Resilience, warns that by 2050, the world could face up to the equivalent of $A705 billion in annual infrastructure damage from climate-related events. However, with smart implementation and timely action, AI could help prevent up to 15 per cent of these losses. The urgency is especially clear in Australia. From bushfires and floods to coastal storm surges, extreme weather is already taking a toll on communities and critical infrastructure. As the government prepares to deliver a $120 billion infrastructure investment pipeline over the next decade, resilience can't be an afterthought — it needs to be embedded at every stage of the lifecycle. That's where AI comes in. When applied strategically through each stage of the infrastructure lifecycle, from planning to response and recovery, AI has the potential to radically strengthen infrastructure systems. In the design phase, for example, AI-powered digital twins enable planners to simulate climate scenarios and assess vulnerabilities to proactively prevent infrastructure failures. Lisbon is already leading the way. The city used AI-enhanced modelling to simulate long-term flood risks and built a highly resilient drainage system designed to handle future climate conditions — helping to mitigate up to 20 floods over the next century. This is the kind of forward-looking approach Australia and other climate-exposed countries can learn from. During a disaster, AI also plays a critical role. Advanced early warning systems (EWS), powered by real-time data and AI, can detect wildfires, floods and other hazards earlier and more accurately. According to the Australian National University, faster bushfire detection could help avoid between $A150 million and $A460 million in direct losses each year, depending on detection and response times. Faster detection also reduces knock-on effects. The longer a fire burns undetected, the more it spreads — compounding the damage and increasing risks to human health from prolonged smoke exposure. AI can help contain these risks sooner, leading to better outcomes for people, ecosystems and public health systems alike. AI's value doesn't stop when the emergency ends. In the post-disaster phase, AI can be applied to accelerate recovery. AI systems analyse satellite imagery and sensor data to pinpoint damage hotspots, prioritise repair efforts, and guide decision-making in real time. By enabling faster, more targeted responses, it helps communities rebuild stronger and faster, and ensures limited resources are deployed where they're needed most. But as powerful as AI is, unlocking its full potential requires bold leadership and the removal of practical barriers like legacy infrastructure, regulatory gaps and financial constraints. Policymakers have a pivotal role to play here. With AI evolving rapidly, regulatory frameworks must be flexible enough to keep pace. Prescriptive rules won't work in an environment where use cases are still emerging, and risks continue to evolve. Principles-based, flexible AI policy can provide the guardrails to foster innovation while ensuring safety, privacy, and trust. Infrastructure owners and operators also need to take the lead — but not by rushing into large-scale AI overhauls. Instead, starting with targeted, high-impact projects like predictive maintenance, asset management improvements, or faster emergency response creates room to test, learn, and scale successful solutions. Much of AI's potential hinges on the systems beneath the surface. Many legacy infrastructures lack the flexibility needed for real-time data, cross-platform integration, and AI interoperability. Upgrading to modular, adaptable IT frameworks is essential to unlock smarter, more resilient operations across the entire infrastructure landscape. The financial sector and insurers share a key role in advancing AI-enabled infrastructure. Innovative financing tools like resilience bonds and targeted credit lines can unlock funding for these projects. At the same time, insurers can integrate AI into their offerings — creating products for AI-enabled assets, offering premium reductions for systems that help integrate trusted AI solutions, and improving risk models through advanced analytics. Together, they reduce investment risks, encourage AI adoption, and build more climate-resilient portfolios. Behind it all are the technology providers themselves — the engine room of AI innovation. Their role goes well beyond algorithms. To make a measurable difference, they'll need to deliver integrated, scalable solutions that combine AI with other critical technologies, like the Internet of Things and digital twins. Ultimately, this isn't just about rebuilding after disasters. It's about fundamentally rethinking how we prepare for them. If we want to protect lives, preserve ecosystems, and maintain the critical systems our society depends on, we can't afford to wait. By applying AI to our infrastructure ecosystems today, we can not only reduce risk but actively build smarter, stronger, and more resilient communities ready to face a future that's anything but predictable. Luke Houghton is Deloitte Australia Partner and National Leader, Infrastructure Sector. - Disclaimer This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this publication. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ('DTTL'), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. Please see to learn more. Copyright © 2025 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. - Read related topics: Climate Change
The Australian
an hour ago
- The Australian
MM8 on path to Ravensthorpe production
Medallion snags Forrestania Nickel Operation from IGO for 1.5% net smelter royalty on future gold production Deal preserves $29m war chest to progress work streams to facilitate Ravensthorpe development decision Resource upgrade and metallurgical work will feed into key feasibility study Special Report: Medallion Metals has executed an agreement to acquire IGO's Forrestania Nickel Operation, which will enable a fast-tracked pathway to gold and copper production from its Ravensthorpe project in WA. The agreement includes the existing Cosmic Boy processing plant and equipment, infrastructure, inventories and information including mineral rights other than nickel and lithium. This is a key plank in Medallion Metals' (ASX:MM8) plan to make a Ravensthorpe final investment decision in late 2025 that will transform it into WA's newest gold and copper producer. What makes the deal attractive is that there's no upfront or deferred cash consideration with the company granting IGO (ASX:IGO) a net smelter royalty of up to 1.5% on all future gold production from the tenements as consideration for the acquisition. It allows the company to preserve its circa $29m in cash reserves to progress multiple work streams such as testwork, feasibility studies and permitting activities to support the FID. IGO also retains the right to explore for, develop and mine nickel and lithium minerals over the tenements. 'The company now turns its focus to the development of a new gold and copper producer in Western Australia,' managing director Paul Bennett said. 'Bringing the established high-grade gold-copper resources at Ravensthorpe together with the Forrestania plant and infrastructure can unlock significant value in the short term, with a substantial option on future growth from the new discovery potential of the tenure at both Ravensthorpe and Forrestania. 'Study work is at an advanced stage, permitting is being progressed as a priority and discussions continue to advance positively with offtake and finance parties.' The acquisition is subject to several conditions including MM8 preparing and announcing a feasibility study, entering into a binding unconditional debt facility agreement and/or funding commitments, and reaching FID on the project. Ravensthorpe project The ~300km2 Ravensthorpe project is centred on the historical Kundip mining centre midway between the regional centres of Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun. It benefits from excellent infrastructure and is easily accessed by sealed roads with a sealed airstrip 10km to the south of the project. Resources currently stand at 19.2Mt grading 2.1g/t gold and 0.3% copper for contained resources of 1.3Moz gold and 56,000t copper. A scoping study completed in December 2024 estimated the project could produce 336,000oz of gold and 13,000t of copper from a production inventory of 2.7Mt grading 3.9g/t Au and 0.6% Cu, over a mine life of 5.5 years. This will generate pre-tax free cash flow of $498m using a base case assumed gold price of $3615/oz and copper price of $5.54/lb, which increases to $637m at a gold price of $4000/oz and copper price of $6.15/lb. The Forrestania Nickel Operations and Ravensthorpe gold project. Pic: Medallion Metals Given that gold prices currently stand at about US$3352/oz ($5177.44/oz) while copper is priced about US$4.40/lb ($6.80/lb), these figures can be considered to be fairly conservative. Forecast average all-in-sustaining cost is estimated at just $1845/oz of gold inclusive of net by-product credits while total pre-production capex is expected to be about $73m including mine establishment and process plant modifications. Pre-tax NPV and IRR is estimated at $329m and 129% respectively in the base case with payback expected within just 12 months Establishment of the proven, industry standard process route of gravity-flotation-CIL at Forrestania is expected to deliver high gold recovery of 98% and copper recovery of 80%. MM8 notes there's plenty of upside as the initial production inventory represents just 44% of existing sulphide resource (gold) with existing shallow drilling indicating the potential for further mineralisation at depth. There is also potential for commercialisation of its oxide and transitional resources (10.3Mt at 1.6g/t gold for 520,000oz of contained gold). Next steps The company is currently working with IGO to finalise ancillary agreements and progress towards transaction finalisation and closure. It expects to release an updated resource estimate in August that incorporates the results of the recently completed 17,000m drill program along with metallurgical recovery and metal deportment assumptions that will inform the feasibility study. MM8 has also materially progressed process engineering associated with planned modifications to the Cosmic Boy flotation plant. It will now begin placing orders for long lead time items inclusive of a secondary ball mill. Additionally, the company has submitted all additional information requested by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water following its determination that the project will be assessed under preliminary documentation following its referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Work has also started on submissions under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 while negotiations with potential offtake and finance parties are ongoing with MM8 expecting to mandate a preferred offtake and finance partner to work on an exclusive basis to establish binding concentrate offtake terms and finance terms. This article was developed in collaboration with Medallion Metals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
