Side by side
| House | Unit or apartment | |
|---|---|---|
| Land | Usually includes more land | Shared land, small or no land share |
| Entry price | Higher in most markets | Lower, easier entry |
| Rental yield | Often lower | Often higher |
| Ongoing costs | Maintenance is yours | Strata levies cover common areas |
| Control | Full control over changes | Strata rules apply |
| Key risk | Larger repair bills, higher entry cost | Special levies, oversupply, building defects |
General patterns only. Individual markets and properties vary.
Houses may suit you if
- Your plan prioritises long-term value from land
- Your budget and borrowing allow a higher entry price
- You can carry lower yield in the early years
Units may suit you if
- Your plan needs income or a lower entry price
- The building is well run with healthy strata finances
- The location has limited new unit supply
Common questions
Do units ever grow like houses?
Some do, particularly well-located units in buildings with limited nearby supply. Many do not, so selection matters.
What about townhouses?
They often sit between the two: some land share, moderate yield and strata costs.
Related
General information only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and is not financial, credit, tax or legal advice. Rules change, so check current law and get advice from a licensed professional before acting.