Melbourne's west and north offer wide choices for FHBs under $500,000: HTW
Melbourne's western and northern suburbs offer range and affordability to first home buyers with a budget of around $500,000, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's July residential market report which looks at the sub-$500,000 property market.
Western Suburbs
There has been continual demand for land and new houses in the outer south western region of Melbourne. Areas such as Truganina, Tarneit, Wyndham Vale and Werribee are providing first home buyers with relatively affordable properties. In May 2016, RP Data reported the median house sale price in Truganina was $450,000, Tarneit was $410,000, Wyndham Vale $359,500 and Werribee was $352,250.
"First home buyers with a budget of $500,000 will find these areas highly desirable as $500,000 can buy you a four-bedroom house," says HTW.
Although these suburbs are located between 27 and 36 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, nearby railway stations provide access to the surrounding suburbs and Melbourne’s CBD.
Closer to the CBD on the western city fringe, Footscray and Maidstone provide affordable options for first home buyers to enter the market for a budget of $500,000. In May 2016, RP Data reported the median unit sale price in Footscray was $395,000 and Maidstone was $320,000. These areas provide good transport links to the Melbourne CBD and are growing in popularity.
Property Observer found a two-bedroom apartment at 6/97 Cowper Street, Footscray, Vic 3011 that recently sold for $375,000, a little below the unit median price.
Northern Suburbs
Buying property in the northern suburbs of Melbourne for $500,000 or less depends heavily on proximity to the CBD, say HTW.
"For detached dwellings in the inner suburbs such as Brunswick, Brunswick East, Northcote and Thornbury, it is almost impossible to buy under $500,000. Apartments on the other hand become more affordable."
Newly built, one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments with one car space can be purchased for under $500,000. Apartments in the partly complete Ettaro development (pictured) on Brunswick Road in Brunswick East have been sold off the plan for around the $400,000 mark. The development comprises 400 apartments with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedrooms and offers great common facilities such as a swimming pool, bowling green and outdoor cinema.
Unit median prices:
• Thornbury - $455,000
• Northcote - $495,000
• Brunswick East - $524,500
• Brunswick - $495,000
Outer northern suburbs such as Broadmeadows, Meadow Heights, Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn offer an array of detached dwellings for under $500,000. The median house prices in these suburbs are all under $500,000, however, the quality of property is generally low.
New housing estates in Craigieburn, Mickleham and Greenvale offer the purchaser the opportunity to own a new house for under $500,000. This is appealing to first home buyers and to purchasers who are searching for more space for their money.
For investors, properties in the outer suburbs could see more growth as new infrastructure such as schools and public transport are constructed. For detached dwellings in the inner north, the entry-level price point is between $600,000 and $700,000. At this price, you can purchase a rundown dwelling on a small parcel of land.
Property Observer found a two-bedroom unit in 17/25 Martin Street, Thornbury, Vic 3071 that recently traded hands for $452,500.
