In an age where half a million dollars barely buys you a tin shed in Sydney’s highly competitive property market, it’s always fun (and slightly disheartening) to compare what $500,000 could buy you if you were to splash your cash and buy a house around the world. House prices in Australia are surging, so perhaps you’re eyeing properties off shore.
So if the idea of buying a beachside villa in the Dominican Republic or cosy cottage in Germany’s forest seems slightly more appealing than one of our shoebox apartments, you might be curious about what you buy off the international property market with a half a million dollar budget.
However, if you’re looking for properties in Australia, check out our homes under $500,000 across 9 different cities in Australia.
Take this barn conversion located on a picturesque Tuscan hilltop.
The beautiful stone structure complete with a fireplace and its very own olive trees (can you get any more Italian?) is in the medieval town of Volterra in the province of Pisa. It costs roughly $490,000 when converted.
With a spare $490,000, you can also purchase a unique three bedroom log home in Germany’s Thuringian Forest.
Just one hour from popular ski area Oberhof, die-hard ski fans can live in the home of their dreams – a full size log cabin.
If you’re not a timber fan, this is not the property for you. The kitchen and living area interior is solely timber-clad, giving the home a cosy, winter-snow-vacation feel.
This four bedroom townhouse in Normandy, France looks like something out of a Brothers Grimm fairytale book.
Situated in the quaint town of Cambremer, the home has a beautiful old façade with intricate timberwork dating back to 1900 and a surprisingly modern interior.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the home is the generous sized private courtyard which could be transformed into an entertainer’s oasis – think French wine and lazy afternoon sunsets. It’s on the market for around $500,000.
Looking at the exterior of this home, you could be forgiven for thinking it was a celeb’s exotic weekender.
The impressive three bedroom abode is located in a gated area of Sosua in the Dominican Republic and is on the market for around $490,000.
The property not only features a massive pool and Jacuzzi but it has a rooftop terrace complete with ocean views. The modern interior and open plan living make this home the perfect Caribbean escape.
