What can a $1 million or so buy in Melbourne and Sydney?
What will $1 million buy you in Melbourne versus Sydney?
It sounds a lot and, not long ago, the magical number would conjure up visions of luxury estates with grand living rooms, large gardens and perhaps a pool.
Today, that figure is more pedestrian, but it will get you into comfortable digs across a range of property types – from an inner suburban terrace to a beachside townhouse to a semi-rural three-bedder.
Recently Dr Andrew Wilson, the senior economist at Australian Property Monitors, suggested million-dollar median house price suburbs were the “meat and potatoes" of Sydney housing.Here’s a small selection of what to expect on the house hunt... $1 million give or take a little on either side.
VICTORIA
62 Young Street, Fitzroy (pictured below)In this inner Melbourne suburb a single fronted rather forlorn looking ‘’prime Victorian’’ was sold for $1.12 million last month.
Off cosmopolitan Gertrude Street, the three bedroom/two bathroom house has two street frontages and a second level extension with studio loft. It has open plan living/dining, central bathroom with spa, mezzanine retreat, courtyard and garage.
It’s close to schools, transport, Brunswick and Smith Street, restaurants, cafes and shops.
155 Roseneath Street, Clifton Hill (pictured below)
Just over $1 million bought this solid brick double-fronted three bedroom home in the Yarra Bend precinct.
It has a north-facing backyard with laneway access.
Features are hydronic heating and air-conditioning.
The property near parks, bike trails and train station has a living room, lounge/meals area, new stone kitchen, bathroom with spa, powder room, huge laundry. Living rooms have open fireplaces, polished floorboards and decorative ceilings.
20 Gilbert Grove, Bentleigh (pictured below)
This modernised Art Deco house sold for $1,090,000 recently.
It has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, lounge and dining rooms, and lots of entertaining space.
There are leadlights, ornate ceilings and picture rails. The granite kitchen has Ilve and Bosch appliances, and the living and meals area opens to a covered alfresco area and heated pool/spa.
Features are ducted heating and airconditioning, sunblinds, shed and driveway.
In the Brighton Secondary College zone, the house is walking distance to the Centre Road shops, bus and Allnutt Park.
22 Rankins Road, Kensington (pictured below)
The former Flemington & District Dispensary, a Kensington landmark since 1915, sold for $997,500.
Now a house its ornate ceilings, leadlight windows, open fireplaces and polished floors reflect the elegance of the era.
A series of renovated spaces includes a spacious central Living area downstairs, study, kitchen/dining room and a landscaped garden. Upstairs are three bedrooms and a stylish bathroom.
Features are hydronic heating and off-street parking. The village and transport are nearby.
47/15 Beach Road, Hampton (pictured below)
This first floor apartment in a beachside complex sold for $1,080,000.
This class act has a north-east aspect featuring expansive open plan living and dining, stone kitchen with Miele appliances and walk-in pantry.
It has three large bedrooms with robes, study/fourth bedroom, two stone bathrooms and alfresco terrace.
Extras are video intercom, lift, ducted heating/cooling, two basement car parks and storage cage. Residents can use the indoor pool, gym and communal outdoor areas.
NEW SOUTH WALES
15 Dean Street, Strathfield South (pictured below)Spot on the million is deceased estate ‘Pal 'O Mine’, a brick and tile Californian bungalow on the market through the original owners for the first time since 1925.
It has three bedrooms, lounge room with fireplace, dining room, family/sunroom and north facing backyard.
It has an original kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Features include decorative ceilings, verandah, architraves, side driveway and single garage. The north facing block is close to shops, schools and bus.
5 Keldie Street, Forestville (pictured below)This archetypal cream brick veneer sold for $1,060,000.
‘Family’ is writ large here with multiple living and alfresco areas.
A casual dining space opens to an entertainers' deck and the family room opens to a balcony. The kitchen’s European appliances include a gas stove and dishwasher.
There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, oversized garage, high ceilings, timber floors and alarm. The 897 square metre block has landscaped gardens and pool.
Nearby are parks, schools, buses and beaches.
36 Essington Crescent, Sylvania (pictured below)
an offer of $950,550 bought this family home with self-contained accommodation on both levels.
At entry level is access without needing stairs, and two bedrooms with built in wardrobes.
A rumpus area with fire place opens to a balcony, kitchenette and laundry with shower and toilet.
Upstairs is a lounge room with air conditioning, balcony, three bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and an en suite to the main bedroom.
There’s a modern bathroom, kitchen with ample cupboard space, and dining area opening to a second balcony overlooking the resort-style backyard.
38 Dorothy Street, Wentworth (pictured below)
On a large block in the Dorothy Mount area, this two level house sold for $980,000.
Billed ‘’as-new’’ it has a spacious main bedroom with en suite and walk in wardrobe, lounge room and dining areas.
The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, gas cooking and stone bench tops.
A large lounge room and rumpus room downstairs opens out to an alfresco.
A second kitchen and bathroom are downstairs.
Features are air conditioning, alarm and intercoms.
The double garage has internal access and there’s under-house storage space.
A built in barbecue is on the tiled alfresco area.
36 Milburn Road, Gymea (pictured below)On a near level block of 948 square metres with a 25 metre frontage this house sold for $980,000 last month.
The spacious single level brick house has four bedrooms, the main bedroom with en suite.
There are two living areas, open plan kitchen and dining room. The property is near cafes, restaurants and the station.
It has a huge north east facing backyard, covered entertaining area, double garage, and extra off-street parking.
Wide side access has potential for dual occupancy, subject to approvals.