【Buying Property in Australia as a Taiwanese Investor】Comparing the Big Three: Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane?
- Alison Tao
- Aug 7
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 5
In recent years, the Australian real estate market has continued to attract significant attention from Asian investors, particularly among Taiwanese buyers and immigrant families. When it comes to seeking overseas assets that are stable, secure, and possess long-term growth potential, Australia stands out with its exceptional quality of life, transparent legal system, and multicultural, welcoming society—making it an ideal destination in the eyes of many.
Among Australia’s most prominent cities on the eastern seaboard—Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—each offers its own distinctive urban character and property market trends, attracting buyers with diverse needs and financial capacities. Whether you're laying the groundwork for your children's overseas education, preparing for migration, or simply diversifying your portfolio for better returns, these three cities can all offer fitting solutions.
Yet with the overwhelming amount of information out there, many Taiwanese buyers find themselves facing a dilemma: Should they choose Sydney, with its economic strength and global appeal? Melbourne, known for its cultural richness and quality of life? Or Brisbane, the rising star offering high returns and untapped potential?
To help you make a clearer and more informed decision, this article will compare these three major cities across five crucial factors: property price levels, five-year growth trends, rental yield, liveability, and educational resources. By understanding these key elements, you’ll be able to identify which city best aligns with your investment goals or lifestyle preferences.
I. Introduction: The Unique Roles of Australia’s Three Largest Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—Australia’s three most populous and developed cities—serve not only as economic and cultural hubs but also as highly visible destinations among the global Chinese-speaking community. For many Taiwanese families, these cities are more than just property investment locations—they represent potential new beginnings in life.
In the post-pandemic era, with international students returning, the rental market regaining strength, and the government boosting infrastructure spending and adjusting skilled migration policies, the property markets in these eastern cities have proven their resilience. However, significant differences in price points, growth prospects, and risk profiles make choosing the right city a critical step in maximising your asset performance and overall quality of life.
II. Investment Fundamentals: A Data-Based Comparison
Sydney: High Entry, High Stability — A Mature Market
As Australia’s financial and economic powerhouse, Sydney has long held the title of the most expensive housing market in the country. As of 2025, the median house price has reached AUD 2,062,261. Though growth has slowed, prices remain at a high level, reflecting strong fundamentals and ongoing capital inflows.
Strengths:
Robust economy with abundant high-paying job opportunities and multinational corporations
Highly international, with well-established Chinese communities
Comprehensive lifestyle amenities and advanced public transport systems
Weaknesses:
High entry threshold, less accessible for first-home buyers or those with limited capital
Relatively low rental yields for houses (around 4.2%), making cash flow tighter
For high-net-worth investors focused on capital preservation and inflation resistance, Sydney remains a prime choice. However, those with smaller budgets may need to explore alternative cities or suburbs.
Melbourne: Cultural Capital and Livable City
Known as Australia’s cultural and educational heart, Melbourne offers a vibrant lifestyle with a slightly more affordable housing market. As of 2025, the median house price stands at AUD 1,298,683, noticeably lower than Sydney. With moderate volatility and steady appreciation, Melbourne suits long-term, income-focused investors.
Strengths:
Frequently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, with strong healthcare and education systems
Apartment rental yields around 4.6%, supported by balanced supply and demand
Rich in arts, coffee culture, and community events, with a comfortable lifestyle pace
Weaknesses:
Occasional price corrections in certain periods; growth not as dramatic as Brisbane
Cold and damp winters may not suit all Taiwanese buyers
For families prioritising lifestyle and education, Melbourne presents a calm, diverse, and well-rounded environment.
Brisbane: The Rising Star with Strong Growth
Once overlooked by many Taiwanese investors, Brisbane has rapidly gained attention, particularly after the pandemic. With a 64%–68% surge in house prices over the past five years, it has become one of Australia’s best-performing markets. The 2025 median house price is AUD 1,252,699, still more affordable than its southern counterparts, making it the most cost-effective option among the three.
Strengths:
Infrastructure boom driven by the upcoming 2032 Olympics, with strong future growth potential
Highest rental yields among the three (up to 5.4% for apartments), ensuring strong cash flow
Pleasant weather and lower living costs, appealing to young families and retirees alike
Weaknesses:
Some areas are experiencing overheating due to rapid capital inflow; potential correction risks exist
Public transport and medical facilities are still catching up compared to Sydney and Melbourne
Brisbane is best suited to investors targeting short- to mid-term capital growth and strong rental income. However, location selection and risk management are especially important.
III. Quick Overview: City-by-City Comparison Table
City | Median House Price (2025) | 5-Year Price Growth | Apartment Rental Yield | Key Advantages | Key Challenges |
Sydney | AUD 2,062,261 | Stable, slower growth | ~4.2% | Economic hub, job-rich, mature communities | High prices, high entry barrier, tight cash flow |
Melbourne | AUD 1,298,683 | Steady and moderate | ~4.6% | Cultural diversity, livable, balanced market | Some price corrections, less aggressive growth |
Brisbane | AUD 1,252,699 | Surged 64%-68% | ~5.4% | High returns, Olympic-driven growth, affordable | Overheating risk, less developed infrastructure |
4. In-Depth Analysis: A Comprehensive Comparison of the Property Markets in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane
When considering property investment in Australia, Taiwanese buyers often ask common questions like: “Which city offers the best value for property investment?”, “Are rental yields high enough?”, “Which area has the best living convenience?”, or “Which school districts are ideal for raising children?”. Below, we analyze five core aspects of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to help you make an informed decision based on your specific goals and risk appetite.
1. Property Prices & Capital Growth: Identifying Potential and Risks Through Market Data
Sydney has long been the leader in Australian property prices. As the nation’s financial and economic hub, Sydney’s steady housing performance reflects strong employment opportunities and continued population growth. In 2025, the median price for detached houses surpassed AUD 2.06 million. Even small to mid-sized apartments often carry a seven-figure price tag, presenting a significant entry barrier for most overseas buyers.
However, property price growth in Sydney has slowed over the past five years due to factors like tighter housing regulations, stricter lending practices, and higher taxes on foreign buyers. For investors focused on quick capital gains, Sydney is no longer a “hot” high-growth market. Yet, thanks to its mature market structure, it remains a safe haven for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term wealth preservation and global portfolio diversification.
By comparison, Melbourne offers more affordable property options. With a median house price of around AUD 1.29 million, the city maintains a relatively balanced supply-demand dynamic. While price growth has been moderate and occasionally faced small corrections, the long-term trend remains upward. For buyers seeking long-term residence or conservative investment strategies, Melbourne’s stable market offers low risk and peace of mind.
Meanwhile, Brisbane has emerged as a rising star post-pandemic. Due to its lower base price, population shift towards Queensland, and the momentum from the upcoming 2032 Olympics, Brisbane’s property market has attracted significant attention. Over the past five years, house prices have surged by an impressive 64%–68%, outperforming other major cities. Now with a median price approaching that of Melbourne, it’s clear that capital is pouring in. That said, some areas may already be overheated, and buyers should be cautious to avoid entering at peak prices, which could affect future returns and financial flexibility.
2. Rental Yields: A Core Indicator of Cash Flow Performance
For many Taiwanese investors, rental yield is a critical metric—especially in light of AUD exchange rate fluctuations and rising interest rates. Stable rental income can effectively balance cash flow pressure.
Despite Sydney’s high property prices, its rental returns remain relatively conservative. For apartments, average rental yield sits around 4.2%, with houses yielding even less. This makes it difficult to cover mortgage repayments or generate meaningful cash flow from rent alone. Investors without sufficient capital buffers may struggle to achieve a balanced income-expense structure. Sydney is therefore better suited for capital growth-focused investors rather than those seeking immediate income.
Melbourne, on the other hand, offers a slightly higher average rental yield of 4.6% for apartments. Coupled with a stable rental market and relatively low vacancy rates, it provides a balanced investment option for those looking for steady income and moderate risk.
Among the three cities, Brisbane stands out with an impressive average apartment yield of 5.4%, well above the national average. Thanks to strong population growth and tight housing supply, rental rates continue to rise. However, it’s important to note significant differences in vacancy rates between suburbs, varied property management costs, and the relative immaturity of some rental markets in developing areas. As such, location selection is critical—focus on areas with established rental demand and community infrastructure.
3. Livability and Everyday Convenience: A Practical Perspective on Lifestyle
Buying a property is not only an investment—it’s a lifestyle choice. From everyday convenience, cultural atmosphere, transport infrastructure, to living costs, each city offers unique advantages.
Sydney, as Australia’s largest metropolis, offers fast-paced living, diverse industries, and high international appeal. It’s the top choice for global professionals and multinational corporations. The Chinese communities are well-developed, with a wide array of Asian supermarkets, Chinese-speaking medical services, and authentic cuisine. Public transport—including trains, buses, and light rail—is comprehensive. However, this convenience comes at a price: high living expenses and greater housing pressure. Families used to a slower lifestyle may need time to adjust.
Melbourne is known for its vibrant arts scene and high quality of life. Home to world-class universities, galleries, theatres, and public parks, the city offers a rich cultural life and well-designed suburbs. Living costs are lower than in Sydney. For families and students, Melbourne provides an ideal balance between academic opportunities and comfortable living.
Brisbane offers warm weather, a relaxed pace of life, and lower overall living pressure—perfect for retirement or family life. With major investments in infrastructure underway, healthcare, education, and public transport services are steadily improving. However, the city is still growing, and some outer suburbs lack fully developed commercial or public amenities. On-site visits are recommended before purchasing to assess current convenience and long-term development prospects.
4. School Districts: Aligning Educational Goals with Long-Term Value
For families with children, access to quality schools is often the primary factor when choosing where to buy. In fact, school zones influence not only education outcomes but also long-term property value and appreciation potential.
Sydney’s North Shore and Eastern Suburbs are home to some of the country’s most prestigious public and private schools, such as North Sydney Boys/Girls High and James Ruse Agricultural High. These areas are highly sought-after, driving up school zone property premiums. However, high entry prices may not always correspond to proportional capital gains—buyers should evaluate whether the education benefit justifies the premium.
Melbourne’s top public schools, like Glen Waverley Secondary College and Balwyn High School, are concentrated in central and southeastern suburbs. Property prices in these areas remain relatively reasonable compared to Sydney, while offering excellent academic resources. These districts provide a solid option for families looking to balance education quality and budget.
Brisbane’s awareness of school zone value has risen significantly in recent years. Suburbs like Mansfield and Indooroopilly are now recognized for their top-tier schools, and property prices have risen accordingly—sometimes even outpacing the city average. With generally lower home prices, school zone premiums in Brisbane still have room to grow. This makes it an excellent opportunity for families seeking both affordability and educational quality.
Alison’s Story
Born in Hong Kong an moved to Australia, I have been associated with real estate all my life. As the plane slowly landed on the runway of Melbourne Airport, my life and career also changed to another runway. I changed from a Hong Kong real estate agent to an Australian real estate agent, and successfully obtained the Australian lawyer qualification.
When I was working in a law firm, I was surrounded by highly educated professionals. Even though their wages are very well, and they are absolutely the elites in society, but their lives are full of hard labor, and it’s hard for them to get rich through buying properties.
So I spend all my time and effort on learning financial and real estate investment knowledge, hoping to achieve financial freedom as soon as possible, and let my parents who have worked hard for many years live a good life.
Now I will share with you the knowledge and experience of investing in Australian real estate, and embark on the road to financial freedom together.
Alison Australian real estate information platform
The original intention of Miss Alison to establish investwithalison.com is to provide neutral Australian real estate information through this platform and help investors establish the most suitable investment strategy.
👉Website: investwithalison.com
👉Email: hello@investwithalison.com
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