SATURDAY EDITION STRATEGY OF THE WEEK:  Townhouses & Smart Living: Why Australia’s Big Homes Era Is Changing

16-05-25 02:51 PM - Comment(s) - By Joean

Australia has long been known for its spacious homes, but these days, townhouses are stealing the spotlight—and for good reason. More affordable, better located, and cleverly designed, townhouses offer a fresh take on Aussie living and investing.


What’s driving this shift? While traditional house-and-land packages remain popular, factors like rising land costs, higher construction expenses, and changing lifestyles are making townhouses an increasingly attractive option for many.

    Why townhouses are becoming the smart choice

    One of the biggest advantages for purchasers is the single contract model. Unlike traditional builds where buyers often pay deposit plus staged construction costs over months or years, a townhouse buyer usually only needs to put down a 10% deposit upfront with no further construction payments required until settlement.  This greatly improves affordability and cash flow management — a game changer for many first-home buyers and investors alike.


    For investors, especially those using a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), this single contract process fits perfectly within SMSF borrowing rules, simplifying the purchase and helping to unlock property investment opportunities.

      The power of location and equity growth

      Townhouses are typically located in established inner and middle-ring suburbs, often at prices lower than new house builds. This means buyers get access to mature neighbourhoods with existing infrastructure, schools, shops, and public transport—plus they tap into the generational growth of property values in these areas.

      Lifestyle and market trends reshaping Australian living

      • Land is no longer cheap or plentiful in our cities, so smart, space-efficient living solutions like townhouses are becoming the norm.
      • Construction costs have surged by around 52% since pre-COVID times, putting pressure on traditional builds but making townhouses comparatively affordable.
      • The rise of solo living, multi-generational households, and urban infill means not everyone wants or needs a big standalone house.
      • Younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Z, value location and convenience over sprawling floorplans—they prefer to be near work, cafes, public transport, and vibrant communities.

      Developers are responding with clever townhouse designs: think multi-level layouts, dual-key options, and shared amenities that balance privacy with community.

      What this means for you

      Townhouses combine the best of both worlds: modern, well-designed homes in sought-after locations, with financial benefits like lower upfront costs and strong investment appeal. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or investing through an SMSF, townhouses offer a flexible, affordable way to enter the market.

      Want to learn more or explore available townhouse options?

      REACH OUT HERE

      Our team is ready to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and investment goals.


      Calla Property Investment Specialists:
      +61 407 465 850 | +61 482 080 189

      Joean

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