More Australian suburbs join the million dollar median club as housing affordability slips further

Almost one third of all Australian suburbs now have a median house or unit value at or above $1 million, new data has shown.

The latest CoreLogic Million-Dollar Markets report released today revealed 29.3 percent of the 4,772 suburbs analysed were members of the million-dollar club. The previous record was 26.9 percent in April 2022. CoreLogic economist Kaytlin Ezzy said the results are in stark contrast to median values in early 2020.

“At the onset of COVID, just 14.3 percent of house and unit markets had a median value at or above the $1 million mark,” she said. “With almost 30 percent of suburbs now posting a seven-figure median, the increase is a natural consequence of rising values and worsening affordability.”

Unsurprisingly, Sydney topped the table as Australia’s most expensive capital with a median of $1,180,463 and adding 46 net suburbs to the list. Sydney now has 448 house and 107 unit markets with a current median value of $1 million or greater.

However, growth in the smaller capitals has also been significant. CoreLogic data showed dwelling values in Brisbane have risen by 15 percent over the past year with a net increase of 46 million-dollar markets, tying with Sydney.

“The positive flow of interstate migration, coupled with a continued undersupply of advertised listings as well as newly built housing stock, has seen Brisbane values rise 65.1 percent since the onset of COVID,” Ms Ezzy said.

“Such a significant increase in home values has eroded much of the city’s previous affordability advantage, with Brisbane now having the second highest median dwelling value ($875,040) among the capitals.”

The results shine a light on housing affordability concerns, with the report noting that homeowners with a $800,000 mortgage and repayments based on current interest rates would need to be earning close to $200,000 in order to keep repayments under 30 percent of their income. Ms Ezzy said prior to the first interest rate hike, the minimum salary required for homeowners to avoid mortgage stress was about $125,000.

“Despite the increase in the number of million-dollar markets, borrowers are dedicating more of their income towards servicing their mortgage,” she said.

Mirvac has topped out Trielle at Melbourne’s Yarra’s Edge, with more than 70 per cent of the riverfront development sold and approximately 80 per cent of purchasers intending to make their apartment a home.

The figures, released on September 22, point to an owner-occupier audience for one of the precinct’s final residential towers. Mirvac began developing Yarra’s Edge in 2003, and its latest addition occupies one of the remaining absolute riverfront sites.

Mirvac CEO of Development Stuart Penklis said existing residents were among those moving up within the neighbourhood.

“Many purchasers already have a connection to Yarra’s Edge,” Mr Penklis said, describing buyers whose changing needs were encouraging an upgrade within the precinct.

“As one of the final residential towers within Yarra’s Edge, Trielle represents the culmination of more than two decades of creating one of Melbourne’s most established and sought-after waterfront communities,” Penklis said.

“Positioned on the Collins Street axis with absolute river frontage, Trielle offers residents a rare opportunity to enjoy sweeping views across the Yarra River, Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, while remaining seamlessly connected to the CBD. With Trielle now more than 70 per cent sold, we’re continuing to see strong demand from buyers seeking quality homes in established locations.”

The developer also flagged a penthouse and sub-penthouse collection with larger layouts, premium finishes and broad outlooks. The planned wellness centrepiece, The Oasis, encompasses a 900-square-metre elevated urban rainforest.

Mirvac General Manager Residential Development Victoria Elysa Anderson said Trielle had resonated strongly with buyers seeking a rare lifestyle offering in Melbourne.

“Opportunities to secure a new luxury residence on a riverfront site of this calibre are incredibly rare, particularly within a community like Yarra’s Edge,” Anderson said.

“What makes Trielle unique is the combination of exceptional views, world-class residential facilities and the lifestyle that already exists around it. Residents are buying into a mature waterfront community with parks, promenades, dining, wellness and strong community connections already in place.”

The 45-level tower brings a substantial new presence to that waterfront. Its residential offering spans one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, with Signature, Prestige and Sub-Penthouse collections accommodating different household sizes. The north-facing position connects the apartments visually to the river and city beyond.

Seven storeys above the promenade, the planned Oasis combines planting and a running stream with a Scandinavian-inspired wellness club developed with spa specialist Naomi Gregory. Facilities include a 25-metre lap pool, hot magnesium pool, sauna, hydrotherapy, a gym, yoga and Pilates room, and treatment spaces.

The amenity extends beyond exercise. Residents will have access to The Biblioteca library and workspaces, ground-floor work pods, and The Salone piano lounge. A private Chef’s Table dining room offers a setting for larger gatherings, while a cinema, games room and sports lounge broaden the entertaining options. Concierge services and a dog-wash area support everyday routines.

Trielle comprises a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences. Reflecting strong demand from owner occupiers, approximately 80 per cent of purchasers to date intend to live in their homes, highlighting the project’s appeal to those seeking a long-term waterfront lifestyle.

Mirvac has recently delivered The Albertine, a premium apartment development on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, and is nearing completion of Prince & Parade in Brunswick, further strengthening its portfolio of thoughtfully designed apartment communities in some of Melbourne’s most sought-after urban locations.

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Mirvac’s 45-level Trielle has topped out at Yarra’s Edge, pairing riverfront apartments with wellness facilities, private dining and resident services.