What can you buy for around $750K go in regional and metro areas right now?
Despite the pressures of cost of living and higher interest rates in past years, recent data from Cotality shows almost 45 per cent of suburbs nationwide are now sitting at record highs.
The current climate: continued growth
Across both metro and regional areas, Cotality's July Housing Chart Pack found 44.8 per cent of 3,722 suburbs analysed had reached a peak in value by the end of June, and this number is expected to climb beyond 50 per cent in the coming months as growth accelerates.
Brisbane and regional Queensland are leading the way, with 78 and 77.7 per cent of suburbs respectively at a record high.
The regions are also continuing to fare well, even if the gap is narrowing.
The data showed that while the combined regions (1.6 per cent) are still outperforming the capitals (1.4 per cent) on a quarterly basis, the performance gap has narrowed, with the combined capitals recording stronger monthly gains through both May and June (0.6 per cent vs 0.5 per cent).
Cotality economist Kaytlin Ezzy said that suburb-level data "shows how widespread this growth phase really is."
"The fact that so many suburbs are either at or just shy of their peak shows not only the diverse recovery in markets like Sydney and Melbourne, but also the continued resilience of recent hotspots including Brisbane, Perth and Regional Australia."
Some market divergence an opportunity
The modelling also demonstrates that there is some divergence, so while most capitals and rest-of-state regions are celebrating new highs, recovery in others have been more sluggish.
"Across Melbourne, only 12.9 per cent of suburbs saw record highs in June. In Canberra, only eight markets were at peak, while just one suburb (Brighton) recorded new highs in Hobart," Ms Ezzy said.
"Despite home values trending higher through most of 2025, values across these broader regions remain -3.9 per cent, -5.3 per cent and -10.2 per cent below their respective 2022 peaks.
This provides an opportunity for hopeful buyers.
Rate hold impact yet to unfold
Of course, the July rate hold will also influence market sentiment.
Economist and property market analyst Cameron Kusher noted that the RBA "surprised pretty much everyone by not changing the cash rate from 3.85 per cent."
"It is highly likely more relief will be coming soon... [however] expectations of the number of cuts has now reduced. Interest rate relief appears to be coming, but it is coming later and there will seemingly be less relief," he said.
"Given this, it will be interesting to monitor how this impacts on housing market sentiment over the coming weeks."
What $750,000 will buy you: regional vs metro
Affordability, location, and supply remain the biggest factors for buyers navigating Australia's two-speed housing recovery.
We take a look at what you can get with a budget of $750,000 across regional vs metro areas in the current real estate climate. Spoiler: it's still remarkably better bang for buck in regional areas.
The Hunter, NSW
This three-bed home on over 610 square metres in family-friendly Medowie is asking $729,000 to $749,000. It's 30 minutes' drive to both Newcastle and Nelson Bay, and only 10 minutes to the airport.
Bang on budget at $749,000 this "character-filled cutie" in Newcastle's North Lambton has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
This three-bed weatherboard house in Cessnock has been beautifully updated while still retaining its charm. There's also a pool out back. It's on the market for $690,000 to $720,000.
Illawarra, NSW
This fully detached two-bed townhouse with renovated bathroom and parking in Shellharbour's Flinders neighbourhood is seeking $699,000 to $729,000.
This two-bed townhome with two secure parking spaces is nestled peacefully at the back of this small complex. It's guiding $640,000 and is in a prime location with good rental yield.
Ballarat, VIC
Modern comfort meets classic charm in the heart of Ballarat with this three-bed, two-bath house. The updated beauty features a state-of-the-art hydronic heating system and a split system for year-round climate control, and parking for three cars. The guide is $690,000 to $730,000.
After an airbnb investment? This colourful designer two-bed- two-bath home is equipped with snazzy features like floor-to-ceiling east and north facing double glazed windows and heated concrete floors. It's seeking $649,000 to $669,000.
This contemporary four-bed, two-bath home is in one of Wendouree's most sought-after streets. The pitched roofline floods the space with natural light, and there's a gourmet kitchen. It's asking $685,000 to $745,000.
Orange, NSW
In the heart of fashionable East orange, this beautifully presented three-bedroom double brick duplex has 1920s heritage charm alongside modern comforts. Interestingly, the neighborhood duplex at 147 Edward Street is also for sale, and both have been leased as successful AirBnBs for many years. Buy one or buy both, and rent one out but keep the other as your Orange base.
Launceston, TAS
This versatile 1900s character home on a corner block in sought-after South Launceston has commercial potential. The listing covers two dwellings, with a self-contained cottage connected by an atrium, which could be dual tenancy or your own business, cafe, or consulting rooms.
They're asking for offers over $695,000.
Melbourne, VIC
This beautifully presented two-bedroom, two-bathroom, garage townhouse in Thornbury offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and lifestyle convenience, not far from the vibrant cafe and shopping precincts of High Street. It's for sale with a guide of $680,000 to $740,000.
Want to be near the action? This two-bedroom, twin-level townhouse is in the heart of St Kilda and is seeking $650,000 to $690,000.
Sydney, NSW
There are currently no standalone houses for sale in Sydney under $750,000. Townhomes are also a stretch, but if you're happy to be in Greater Sydney you can still find one here or there.
One example is this two-bed, one-bath townhome in Rouse Hill, walking distance to the new Tallawong metro station and for sale for $680,000 to $700,000.
If you want to be super close to the city, you're limited to one-bed flats. This apartment in North Sydney sits tucked away on a pedestrian-only lane between transport options and leafy streets with cafes. It's guiding $695,000.
Brisbane, Qld
Brisbane's property market has exploded. In fact, Cotality data released Monday found house values have surged 76 per cent since 2020. It's now the second-most expensive city to buy property after Sydney.
This two-bed, two-bath parking apartment in the vibrant West End is asking for offers over $720,000.
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