Despite headline figures suggesting real estate prices are dropping across the major cities, a home is still likely to be the largest purchase most people will make in their lifetime.
House prices in the ACT dropped 0.2 per cent last month, bringing the median price of a stand-alone home down to the still pricey $1.04 million.
Housing was the centrepiece of both the ACT and federal budgets this year, with the capital gains tax discount, negative gearing and stamp duty all in the firing line in an attempt to help first home buyers out of the rental market.
But are Canberra's prices really that high? Here's what you can get in Canberra for about $1 million - and what you can get overseas.
This four-bedroom house at 50 Candlebark Close in Nicholls looks out over the Gungahlin Pond. Behind the house is a brick alfresco area and space for a small garden.
Inside are three separate living areas, a laundry room and shared bathroom.
With the price guide set at $1.04 million, the house - which is located in what some consider a hidden gem of the ACT - is exactly on average for the ACT.
For slightly less than the average Canberra home, this six-bedroom, seven-bathroom villa is the perfect opportunity to make a permanent move to Australia's favourite holiday destination.
Built in 2014, the house looks out over jungle views and its own manicured gardens and L-shaped pool.
The property has been listed for 12,654,070,737 Indonesian rupiah, or $1.01 million.
For those looking for something a little more modern, the 24A Castlereagh Crescent is a dual occupancy, free-standing home in Macquarie.
With the price guide set at $1.09 million, the house is slightly over budget for the median house buyer in the ACT.
However, it offers two main bedrooms, a 39-square-metre multipurpose space and balconies on both ends of the house, all nearby the Aranda Bushland and Black Mountain.
Situated in the Gascon countryside in south-western France, this six-bedroom, three-bath house is surrounded by 1.8 hectares of private gardens.
Terracotta tiles, the original wooden staircase and a wood stove help retain the property's rustic charm, while a heated saltwater pool and pool house make the home feel modern.
It has been listed for 649,000 euros, or $1.06 million.
This five-bedroom, two-bathroom house includes a formal living room, dining room and family room - all half an hour away from New York City.
The Staten Island home was built in 1920, and has space for two cars, a private backyard and an attached workshop.
For just a little bit more than the Canberra median house price, this house could be the perfect option for someone happy to live just outside the hustle and bustle.
For those looking a little closer to home, this seaside retreat is just 40 minutes from Wellington's CBD.
The 24-square-metre home is situated within a protected ecological reserve and looks out over the Cook Strait to the Marlborough Sounds and Kaikoura ranges.
The secluded house is currently listed for short-stay rentals but could be equally perfect for a weekend retreat.
The price guide has been set at more than $1.07 million AUD.
