According to the latest report from CoreLogic for the first quarter of 2024, homeowners selling houses in major capital cities recorded an average profit of AUD 388,500, whereas sellers of apartments averaged AUD 165,000 in profit. This data reveals a substantial premium for houses over apartments, reflecting preferences among buyers and investors for houses and their higher market acceptance.

In Sydney, for instance, the average profit for house sellers soared to AUD 600,000, far surpassing the AUD 200,000 average profit for apartment sellers. Similar patterns are observed in Melbourne, Australian Capital Territory, Brisbane, and Perth, where the average profits from houses significantly exceed those from apartments. Nationally, 97.1% of house resales were profitable, slightly higher than the 89% profitability rate for apartments.

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Eliza Owen, Head of Research at CoreLogic Australia, points out that house prices have risen much faster than apartments. Over the past decade, house prices increased by 84.9%, compared to a 41.1% increase for apartments. This divergence is partly due to houses typically having larger land areas and more development potential, attracting more buyers and investors and thereby supporting higher market values and capital appreciation potential.

However, the apartment market faces challenges as well. Large-scale apartment developments in the 2010s led to oversupply issues, limiting capital appreciation potential. In contrast, houses, due to their scarcity and uniqueness, are more likely to maintain long-term market value and capital appreciation.

Beyond market data, there's widespread social discussion about the phenomenon of "rich" and "poor" within the real estate market. This inequality not only underscores differences between residents and investors but also economic disparities between those who can afford houses versus those limited to apartments. It reflects the challenges and reform needs in urban development and housing policy formulation.

To address housing market inequalities, experts suggest that governments should take more measures, such as increasing house developments in well-connected areas and adjusting policies to support housing needs of middle and low-income groups. Meanwhile, for individual investors, seizing opportunities in the house market growth may prove an effective strategy for long-term wealth accumulation.