I'll tell you something that could get me lambasted. Even as a Sydney-sider, I'd much rather move to the Gold Coast. People who grew up in Sydney tend to stay in Sydney. Given the amount of immigration we've had in the past decade its no surprise the housing bubble is still blowing up. Buy an apartment somewhere close to the CBD? Over 1 million. Maybe 2 if you can get a glimpse of water. You can get a acreage property with a private dock, six rooms and effectively your own private beach for that amount anywhere else in the country.