What does the average house price in the west buy around the world? Getting sick of the traffic on the West Gate? The carpark on the Calder? If you feel like a change, have a look at what the median house price in the west – currently about $586,000 – can buy you around the globe. After all, it’s always nice to have options. By Alana Richards and Samantha Freestone.
GREECE
- What: 2 bedroom villa
- Price: EURO €375,000 (about AUD $582,305)
- Agent: Savills, Greece, savills.gr
It may be on an isolated (if not very trendy and coveted holiday island), but this gorgeous two-bedroom villa set within the seaside town of Pyrgos, boasts fashionable living within subterranean Moorish-style spaces. Part of a medieval–era township that is home to famous eateries and hotels, it’s surrounded by history, culture and that beautiful coastline. The neighbouring island is even said to be the birthplace of Apollo, the Greek god of music, truth and prophecy.
NEW YORK
Apartment 3A, 1405 Hancock Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York
- What: 1 bedroom condo
- Price: USD $450,000 (about AUD $588,943)
- Agent: Corcoran Group Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, corcoran.com or coldwellbanker.com
First it was the rappers and their indie labels, and then Sex and the City’s Miranda moved there with her baby-to-be. Whether it was our fave fictional lawyer or the hipsters and their fair-trade cafes who started the craze, today all the boroughs in Brooklyn are high-end hipster havens. Bushwick, where this fancy one-bedroom apartment is located, is no exception. In the heart of it all and renovated from top to bottom, the interiors are just as cool as the bars and cafes found within a few blocks. Smashed avo anyone?
SCOTLAND
Rivermill House Milton in Drumnadrochit
- What: 4 bedroom house
- Price: GBP £335,000 (about AUD $586,106)
- Agent: Tailormade Moves, Scotland, tailormademoves.co.uk
Live in the land of the Loch Ness surrounded by your very own countryside Canaan. Set on 1.5 acres of stunning land in Drumnadrochit, there’s even a river at the foot of the property for those who like to fly-fish. Try to snap a picture of Scotland’s famously illusive mythical monster in between relaxing in your country escape, hidden away yet moments from the centre of this historic tourist town. This scenic Scottish set-up has four bedrooms (one with an en suite), an English-style “kitchen diner” and a large lounge with an open fireplace, exposed beam-style ceiling and absolutely stunning views from every window.
SWEDEN
- What: 2 storey Farmhouse
- Price: USD $213,499 (about AUD $280,624)
- Agent: Private listing, realigro.com
Ever wonder why Scandinavians seem so relaxed? It’s possibly because they have a country house like this one. At this price, it’s not out of the question. Surrounded by more than 13 hectares of farmland and three hectares of forest, and near a lake with jetty, this late-1800s country property, 500 kilometres north of Stockholm, is so massive the whole family can buy in and have a retreat to escape to when Sweden’s high employment, best-in-show education and healthcare and cheap and fashionable clothing all becomes too much to bear.
BALI
- What: 2 bedroom villa
- Price: USD $435,000 (about AUD $574,405)
- Agent: Bali Realty, Bali, Indonesia, balirealty.com
Go all Eat, Pray, Love, put your life in storage and move here. It is gorgeous and about the same price as a two-bedroom townhouse in Tarneit. So … why are we still reading this? Includes two resort-luxe bedrooms with fans, split-systems opening to a paradise-style setting and a private pool, all surrounded by a tropical wonderland.
