🏡 “Wait… Adelaide’s more expensive than Melbourne now?!”
If you’ve been dreaming of owning a home in Melbourne and thinking, “Maybe I should move somewhere cheaper — like Adelaide”, we’ve got news: Adelaide just knocked Melbourne off its long-held spot on Australia’s housing affordability ladder.
Yep — according to the latest Demographia International Housing Affordability Report, Adelaide is now less affordable than Melbourne. The world’s gone topsy-turvy.
😲 So what’s going on?
A few years back, Adelaide was the “hidden gem” for buyers — smaller, cheaper, and friendlier on the wallet. But now? Prices have jumped about 9% over the past year, while incomes haven’t kept up.
That means, on average, Adelaide homes now cost 10.9 times the typical household income.
Melbourne’s sitting at 9.7 times, which is still high — but hey, we’ll take the win!
🏙️ Melbourne: Still pricey, still loveable
Let’s be honest — Melbourne hasn’t suddenly become a bargain hunter’s paradise. We’re still one of the least affordable housing markets in the world (cheers for that, coffee habit).
But compared to recent years, affordability here has actually improved slightly. That’s thanks to slower price growth, steadying interest rates, and a bit more balance between wages and property prices.
So while it’s not exactly “cheap”, the dream of owning your slice of Melbourne is still possible — it just takes the right strategy, some planning, and a good broker (hi 👋).
💡 What this means for you
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about buying, here’s the takeaway:
Melbourne’s market is shifting. Opportunities are still here, especially if you’re flexible on suburbs or open to townhouses and units.
Interest rates aren’t the full story. Even small moves in affordability can make a big difference in what you can borrow.
You’ve got options. Whether that’s buying, refinancing, or exploring regional areas — now’s the time to check where you stand.
🧭 Final thought
Adelaide might be wearing the “most unaffordable” crown this year, but Melbourne’s still giving it a solid run for its money.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
We’ll crunch the numbers, explore your options, and help you make the smartest move — whether that’s now or a little down the track.
Because at the end of the day, the best city to buy in is the one that feels like home. ❤️
