There are still affordable pockets for buyers in Australia’s capital cities, although you might have to buy a unit instead of a house, according to PRD’s latest Affordable and Liveable Property Guide.

In the second half of 2024, 48.7% of unit markets and 29.2% of house markets within a 20km radius (10km in Hobart) of the CBD were affordable. Affordability was judged on areas that have a median price below the relevant capital city metro median.

In Brisbane Strathpine, Griffin and Alexandra Hills were the most affordable suburbs for houses and Springwood, Richlands and Griffin for units. In Sydney, Chester Hill, Granville and Villawood were the most affordable for houses and Bankstown, Lakemba and Merrylands for units.

In Melbourne, Albanvale, Ardeer and Lalor were the most affordable house markets and Williams Landing, Bundoora and Kensington for units. In Hobart, Glenorchy, Risdon Vale and Rokeby were the most affordable house markets and Berriedale, Glenorchy and Lutana for units.

PRD head of research, Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, says that all the suburbs identified also have great liveability criteria.