A budget of $500,000 can still buy you plenty of property in regional Australia, although the amount of property you get for your money varies wildly between cities and even suburbs.
To give you an idea of what a half-million budget would buy right now, we've rounded up a sample of current listings in cities ranging from Newcastle to Launceston.
Newcastle
In Newcastle, a $500,000 budget could score you a two-bedroom apartment in the suburb of Mayfield, in the city's north-west.
This apartment at 13/79 Crebert Street is currently on the market with a guide of $470,000 to $500,000 and includes an updated kitchen.
Set in a block of 14 and located on the top floor, there's also a carport and built in robes to both bedrooms.
Moving a little further out from the CBD will nab you more bedrooms and a backyard, so long as you're prepared to take on an older-style house. A three-bedroom house at 60 Charlotte Street in Wallsend, for example, is currently being advertised with a guide of $500,000 to $550,000.
Wollongong
Like Newcastle, where you choose to live in Wollongong could determine whether your budget will stretch to a house or whether an apartment is more appropriate.
In Warrawong, on the northern shores of Lake Illawarra, a $500,000 budget could buy you a small house. For example, this two-bedroom house at 66 First Street is being advertised with a guide of between $499,000 and $525,000. Features include a lock-up garage and double brick construction.
If living closer to the city is more your shtick, then this two-bedroom apartment at 11/24 Market Street, Wollongong could be an ideal investment.
Features include a modern bathroom and covered balcony.
Ballarat
There are plenty of properties in Ballarat for far less than $500,000, ranging from classic period homes to modern constructions.
In Ballarat Central you'll find this three-bedroom period home at 101A South Street, on the market with a guide of $425,000 to $455,000.
Features include high ceilings and arch windows, according to the listing.
If something a little more modern is your speed, then heading further out of the city will give you plenty of options.
For example, this three-bedroom townhouse at 701a Ripon Street South, Redan is currently on the market for $495,000
Newly-built, it features a master bedroom with ensuite and split system heating and cooling to each bedroom.
Bendigo
Been dreaming of that white picket fence? Look no further than this cute period listing at 18 Bannerman Street in Bendigo, on the market with a price guide of $500,000 to $540,000.
It boasts an updated kitchen with modern appliances, undercover outdoor deck and polished timber floors.
Launceston
Despite skyrocketing prices in the past two years, there are still properties available in the sub-$500,000 range in the suburbs surrounding Launceston.
This property at 103 West Tamar Road, Trevallyn is on the market for "offers over $489,000" and includes unique features such as an open fireplace to the lounge.
The three-bedroom, one-bathroom property could be rented out for $450 a week, according to the listing.
