The Cheapest Cities for Houses in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to buying or renting a house, affordability is a significant factor for many Australians. Several cities in Australia are renowned for having the most affordable housing markets, making them prime choices for first-time buyers or families seeking to establish a new home. This guide will explore the top cities known for their cheap houses, shedding light on specific suburbs that stand out as the most affordable in Australia.

An Overview of the Cheapest Suburbs Across Australia

A fresh study revealed the cheapest suburbs in Australia, with Andamooka in South Australia taking the top spot with a median house price of just $20,000. The suburbs listed across various states of Australia are:

South Australia

Andamooka - $20,000
Located in the Mid-North region of South Australia, Andamooka is a tiny mining town known for its opal mining industry. The town boasts a population of only a few hundred residents, resulting in extremely low house prices. The lack of amenities such as shops, schools, and medical facilities in the area can be compensating factors for potential buyers.

Marree - $24,000
Marree is a small town in the outback areas of South Australia, about 2,650 km northeast of Adelaide. The town has experienced a decrease in population in recent years, and with it, the cost of real estate. Median house prices in Marree reflect the low demand for property in the region.

Tansley - $18,000
Tansley is a small mining town in South Australia and is part of the Port Pirie Local Government Area. As with Andamooka and Marree, the town's small size and limited development opportunities translate to low house prices. Tansley also offers a quiet and peaceful living environment with low maintenance costs.

Western Australia

York - $37,000
Mount Magnet - $40,000
Perth - $67,000
While York and Mount Magnet both fall within the top 10 cheapest suburbs, Perth still shows relatively higher house prices at $67,000. York is a small town in the Midwest region of Western Australia, while Mount Magnet is a mining town near the South Australian border. Both towns offer a low-cost living experience, with a range of properties available from remote sheds to small homes. Perth, being a larger city, offers a broader range of housing options and amenities, but still remains relatively affordable compared to other major cities.

New South Wales

Orange - $25,000
Liverpool - $32,000
Sydney - $65,000
Orange is a town in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, known for its agricultural history. The median house price in Orange reflects the small population and less demand for property in the area. Liverpool is a suburb of Sydney, and while it's not as remote as some of the other towns, it still offers lower house prices than the city center. Sydney's housing prices, while more expensive, still have pockets of affordability, especially in suburbs like Liverpool.

Queensland

Cooktown - $36,000
Osborne Park - $42,000
Cooktown, located in Far North Queensland, is a small town with a rich historical background and a low population. The median house price here reflects the remote location and low demand for property. Osborne Park, while closer to Brisbane, is still considered one of the more affordable suburbs within the greater Brisbane area, offering a balance between affordability and proximity to major amenities.

Factors Influencing Low Housing Prices

The lower housing prices in these towns can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the remote locations of many of these small towns mean that demand for property is typically low, which can push down prices. Secondly, governments and organizations often provide incentives for potential buyers, such as tax breaks or subsidies, to help encourage the development and inhabitation of these areas. Thirdly, the limited availability of amenities, like schools, hospitals, and shopping centers, can contribute to the affordability of housing by making it easier for buyers to manage living costs. Additionally, the maturity of the property market varies significantly, with less established markets often showing more flexibility in pricing.

Conclusion

While these towns offer some of the most affordable housing prices in Australia, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Low housing costs can be a significant advantage, especially for those on a tight budget. However, living in these remote areas might mean sacrificing on certain amenities, which can be a trade-off for many. With this comprehensive guide, you now have a clear understanding of the cheapest cities for buying houses in Australia, enabling you to make an informed decision about where to buy your next home.