Home to 140,000 people, Darwin is the least populated capital city in Australia.
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The city at the top end is known for its scenic natural surrounds, sensational sunsets and tropical outdoor lifestyle.
If you like living in warmer climates, Darwin could be the place for you. There's hot and then there is Darwin's summer hot. But with the heat also comes humidity.
However, houses are designed to work with the elements with ceiling fans and louvre windows in place to enable Darwin's tropical breeze to flow through.
If you are looking for work, the good news is, Darwin is one of Australia's thriving business capitals. In typical years, it has been easier to find work here and Darwin's unemployment rate is less than the national average.
Is commuting in Darwin easy? Travelling around Darwin is painless, the traffic is comparatively light and parking is easy. There is also public transport including bus and ferry options. Bike-riding is also very popular in Darwin, thanks to its fantastic weather and abundance of cycle paths.
What's happening in the property market? According to Herron Todd White, the greater Darwin market has really turned.
"Following a very successful lockdown of the borders and a long, safe dry season where NT was the envy of the nation for many months, the housing market has kicked strongly over the past quarter," reported Herron Todd White's November 2020 review.
"Increased sales volumes, successful marketing campaigns and the take-up of almost every available rental property in the market has been a surprising positive for the industry. It must be said it certainly wasn't predicted by any pundits.
"The stronger activity is largely in the price brackets from $400,000 to $750,000 at this stage, however as the volume and turnover increases we will expect the stronger activity to be seen at higher value levels as well."
What's makes Darwin distinct? The lower than national average house prices.
According to Quentin Kilian, CEO of Real Estate Institute NT astute buyers - particularly first homebuyers and investors - are seeing real opportunity.
"To put this opportunity into perspective, the Greater Darwin unit median is $280,000.
"The same unit would cost you $315,000 in Adelaide; $369,500 in Brisbane; $370,000 in Perth; $385,000 in Hobart; $439,250 in Canberra; $540,000 in Melbourne and a whopping $647,000 in Sydney.
"Darwin's Unit median is 56 per cent lower than Sydney's!"
What's not to love? Some of the Darwin locals you will want to avoid are the saltwater crocodiles. They can roam in lakes, rivers, and at beaches, ready and waiting for their next unexpecting meal. However, if you like to swim, Darwin has plenty of public swimming pools, water parks, a recreational lagoon and wave pool as well as incredible natural pools not far from the CBD.
Where to live if you . . . .
Have a family: Rosebery is one of the areas that families flock to. Here there are friendly neighbourhoods filled with open green spaces, good schools and plenty of shops.
Have money: If you have a larger than average budget, you can go one of two ways. Water views or acreage.
Sought after premium locations include Larrakeyah, Cullen Bay, Fannie Bay and Bayview.
The highest sale in the rural residential market this year, according to Herron Todd White, was achieved in Knuckey Lagoon, an acreage allotment with a number of dwellings and sheds for $1.85 Million.
Looking to make the move to Darwin? Make sure you check out realestateview.com.au for all the best listings. Find homes for sale here or for rent here.
