Sydney Most Affordable East Coast City For Liveability … Apparently
While the median house price is high, there are other factors at play.
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Yes, you read that correctly. Sydney has been declared the east coast’s most affordable city for liveability by PRD Real Estate.
Ignoring the fact that the Harbour City has an entry-level price of $1.2 million for a house within 20km of the CBD, PRD’s research argues that Sydney is indeed “the most affordable city for liveability.”
The firm’s reasoning boils down to Sydney having the greatest cost differential between premium and affordable dwellings in the same metropolitan area.
Residents can purchase a house in a liveable suburb for 87% less than the premium needed to purchase in Sydney Metro, well above the other eastern capitals.
PRD’s considerations for affordable and liveable suburbs include property trends, investment potential, affordability, project development, and liveability factors such as low crime rates, availability of amenities within a 5km radius (i.e. school, green spaces, public transport) and a steady unemployment rate.
According to PRD, Peakhurst in Sydney’s south came out on top for houses.
The suburb’s median house price for the first quarter was $1.2 million while units were among the most affordable at $685,000.
Melbourne Metro is the runner up at 42% less, and Brisbane third at 16% less.
Melbourne’s most affordable and liveable houses are found in Greenvale ($728,000), Bellfield ($800,000) and Mulgrave ($850,000).
Elsewhere, Melbourne’s most affordable units were found in Northcote ($595,000), Lower Plenty and Pascoe Vale (both $630,000)
Brisbane’s best performing suburbs included Springwood $530,000, followed by Rochedale South ($545,000) and Ferny Grove ($653,000).
Warner had the lowest-priced units in the Queensland capital with a median of $290,000, followed by Taigum ($320,000) and Coorparoo ($422,000).
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
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There’s no shortage of design inspiration online but nothing beats the joy of spending an afternoon immersing yourself in a good interior design book. Edited, carefully curated and, above all, designed, these titles take you behind the scenes of some of the world’s most beautiful interiors in a considered way. Think of it like the difference between listening to a few tunes on Spotify versus releasing a thoughtfully crafted studio album. We’ve assembled our top six of interior design books on the market right now for your viewing and reading pleasure.
1. Interiors beyond the primary palette
Step inside the world of award-winning interior design duo Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke in this, their first compendium of their work. A ‘best of’ over more than 15 years working together, it’s a masterclass in working with colour and pattern as seen through 18 projects from around the country. With a focus on the idea of home as sanctuary, this hefty tome offers insight into the mind of the designer with points on where to find inspiration, meeting client briefs and the importance of relationships. Thames & Hudson, $120
2 House of Joy
If there was ever a book title for our times, then this is it. With a subtitle of Playful Homes and Cheerful Living, this book champions fun in interior design, with bold and bright homes from around the world to delight and inspire. While there’s a good dose of the unexpected, like a disco ball in the garden, there’s no mayhem in these spaces. Instead, they’re beautifully executed to tempt even the most colour shy. Gestalten, $105
3. Abigail Ahern Masterclass
Some design books are beautiful to look at, and that’s it. This is not one of those books. A master of colour and pattern, UK designer Ahern offers a practical foundational guide to beautiful interiors, mixing form with function in her latest book, Masterclass. Find the inspiration you need to create a gorgeous home. HarperCollins, $65
4. Interiors Now!
Looking for a visual crash course in international design trends with longevity? This is the book for you. Featuring homes across the globe, from New York to Auckland via Avignon, the biggest dilemma for readers is settling on a style. Many of the projects are owned by designers and creatives, lending a dynamic edge to this tome, now in its 40th year. Taschen, $50
5. Home by the Sea
For many Australians, the ocean holds an almost hypnotic appeal. Home by the Sea by Natalie Walton lets you imagine, for a little while at least, what it’s like living the dream in a beach shack in Byron Bay. The book tours 18 homes in and around the region and the hinterland owned by artists, designers and makers. With photography by Amelia Fullarton, it champions the good life. Hardie Grant, $60
6. The Layered Interior
Released last year, this is the third volume from award-winning interior designer Greg Natale. Different in format from his earlier books, the eight projects featured are Australian but with a slight Euro-centric focus. The writing is conversational, almost intimate, inviting the reader into the most luxurious spaces beautifully captured by photographer Anson Smart. This coffee table tome is perfect for dreamers and doers alike. Rizzoli, $110
