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This article breaks down the real costs of buying an apartment in Adelaide as of January 2026, from purchase prices to stamp duty, foreign buyer surcharges, and ongoing expenses.
We constantly update this blog post as new data becomes available, so you always have fresh and accurate numbers to work with.
Adelaide has become one of Australia's strongest-performing property markets, and apartments are increasingly popular as an entry point for buyers priced out of the house market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Adelaide.
Insights
- Adelaide apartment prices rose about 7% in 2025, making units one of the city's best-performing property segments as buyers shift from houses to more affordable options.
- Foreign buyers in Adelaide face a 7% surcharge on top of regular stamp duty, adding roughly A$47,600 to a A$680,000 apartment purchase compared to local buyers.
- The price gap between Adelaide's cheapest suburbs (around A$5,500 per square meter in Salisbury) and premium beachside areas (up to A$13,000 per square meter in Glenelg) is more than double.
- Adelaide's median unit price of around A$660,000 is still about 27% lower than Sydney's, making it one of Australia's most affordable capital city apartment markets.
- Strata levies in Adelaide apartments typically range from A$600 to A$3,000 per quarter, with older buildings and those with lifts or pools sitting at the higher end.
- New-build apartments in Adelaide cost roughly 10% to 20% more than comparable resale stock, so resale buyers can stretch their budget further in the same suburb.
- Suburbs like Woodville, Kilburn, and Mawson Lakes offer Adelaide apartments under A$500,000, making them popular entry points for first-time buyers and foreign investors.
- Adelaide's annual electricity cost for a typical apartment is around A$2,300 based on the Australian Energy Regulator's Default Market Offer, which works out to about A$190 per month.
How much do apartments really cost in Adelaide in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median apartment price in Adelaide is approximately A$660,000 (about US$430,000 or €390,000), while the average sits closer to A$700,000 (about US$455,000 or €415,000) because luxury sales in premium suburbs pull the average upward.
The estimated price per square meter for Adelaide apartments in 2026 is around A$7,900 to A$8,500 per sqm (about US$5,100 to US$5,500 or €4,700 to €5,000 per sqm), which translates to roughly A$735 to A$790 per square foot (about US$475 to US$515 or €435 to €470 per sqft).
Most standard apartments in Adelaide in 2026 fall within a price range of A$450,000 to A$900,000 (about US$290,000 to US$585,000 or €265,000 to €530,000), covering everything from entry-level one-bedroom units in outer suburbs to well-located two-bedroom apartments in desirable inner-city areas.
How much is a studio apartment in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical price for a studio apartment in Adelaide ranges from A$350,000 to A$450,000 (about US$230,000 to US$290,000 or €205,000 to €265,000), depending on location and building quality.
Entry-level to mid-range studio apartments in Adelaide generally cost between A$300,000 and A$400,000 (about US$195,000 to US$260,000 or €175,000 to €235,000), while high-end or luxury studios in the CBD or beachside suburbs like Glenelg can reach A$450,000 to A$550,000 (about US$290,000 to US$360,000 or €265,000 to €325,000).
Studio apartments in Adelaide typically measure between 25 and 40 square meters, with most falling around 30 to 35 square meters, making them suitable for single occupants or investors targeting the rental market.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical price for a one-bedroom apartment in Adelaide is around A$450,000 to A$550,000 (about US$290,000 to US$360,000 or €265,000 to €325,000), making it a popular choice for first-time buyers and investors.
Entry-level to mid-range one-bedroom apartments in Adelaide cost between A$400,000 and A$550,000 (about US$260,000 to US$360,000 or €235,000 to €325,000), while high-end or luxury one-bedroom units in premium locations like North Adelaide, Norwood, or Glenelg can reach A$600,000 to A$750,000 (about US$390,000 to US$490,000 or €355,000 to €445,000).
One-bedroom apartments in Adelaide typically range from 45 to 60 square meters, with most averaging around 50 to 55 square meters including a combined living and kitchen area, one bathroom, and sometimes a small balcony.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical price for a two-bedroom apartment in Adelaide is around A$600,000 to A$700,000 (about US$390,000 to US$455,000 or €355,000 to €415,000), which aligns closely with the citywide unit median since two-bedroom stock dominates the market.
Entry-level to mid-range two-bedroom apartments in Adelaide cost between A$550,000 and A$700,000 (about US$360,000 to US$455,000 or €325,000 to €415,000), while high-end or luxury two-bedroom units in sought-after suburbs like Unley, Prospect, or beachside Henley Beach can reach A$800,000 to A$1,000,000 (about US$520,000 to US$650,000 or €475,000 to €590,000).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Adelaide.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical price for a three-bedroom apartment in Adelaide is around A$800,000 to A$950,000 (about US$520,000 to US$620,000 or €475,000 to €560,000), reflecting the premium buyers pay for extra space and family-friendly layouts.
Entry-level to mid-range three-bedroom apartments in Adelaide cost between A$750,000 and A$950,000 (about US$490,000 to US$620,000 or €445,000 to €560,000), while high-end or luxury three-bedroom units in premium suburbs or waterfront locations can reach A$1,100,000 to A$1,500,000 (about US$715,000 to US$975,000 or €650,000 to €885,000).
Three-bedroom apartments in Adelaide typically measure between 100 and 140 square meters, with most averaging around 110 to 120 square meters, offering two bathrooms and often including secure parking and storage.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Adelaide typically cost around 10% to 20% more than comparable resale apartments in the same suburb, with 15% being a practical budgeting rule for most buyers.
The estimated average price per square meter for new-build apartments in Adelaide is around A$9,000 to A$10,500 per sqm (about US$5,850 to US$6,825 or €5,300 to €6,200 per sqm), reflecting developer margins, GST, and the premium buyers pay for modern finishes and warranties.
For resale apartments in Adelaide, the estimated average price per square meter is around A$7,500 to A$9,000 per sqm (about US$4,875 to US$5,850 or €4,425 to €5,300 per sqm), making them a more budget-friendly option for buyers who prioritize location over newness.
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Can I afford to buy in Adelaide in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical all-in budget to buy a standard apartment in Adelaide is around A$715,000 to A$720,000 (about US$465,000 to US$470,000 or €420,000 to €425,000) for Australian residents, or approximately A$760,000 to A$770,000 (about US$495,000 to US$500,000 or €450,000 to €455,000) for foreign buyers who must pay the additional surcharge.
Beyond the purchase price, the all-in budget in Adelaide includes stamp duty (around A$31,000 on a A$680,000 apartment), conveyancing and legal fees (A$1,500 to A$3,500), title registration and lodgement fees (a few hundred dollars), strata document searches (A$200 to A$400), and building inspections where relevant (A$400 to A$800), plus the 7% foreign ownership surcharge for non-residents (around A$47,600 on A$680,000).
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Adelaide property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Adelaide.
What down payment is typical to buy in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical down payment for an apartment in Adelaide is 10% to 20% of the purchase price, meaning A$68,000 to A$136,000 (about US$44,000 to US$88,000 or €40,000 to €80,000) on a A$680,000 apartment.
Most Australian banks and lenders require a minimum down payment of 10%, though deposits below 20% usually trigger Lender's Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which adds to your upfront costs.
To secure more favorable mortgage terms and avoid LMI, the recommended down payment in Adelaide is 20%, and you should remember that stamp duty and closing costs are paid on top of your deposit, not out of it.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Australia.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Adelaide in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, the price per square meter for apartments in Adelaide varies widely from around A$5,500 per sqm (about US$3,575 or €3,250) in affordable outer suburbs to over A$13,000 per sqm (about US$8,450 or €7,700) in premium beachside and inner-city areas.
The most affordable neighborhoods for apartments in Adelaide include Salisbury, Elizabeth, Kilburn, and Woodville, where typical prices range from A$5,500 to A$7,500 per sqm (about US$3,575 to US$4,875 or €3,250 to €4,425 per sqm), offering good value for budget-conscious buyers.
The most expensive neighborhoods for apartments in Adelaide include Glenelg, Henley Beach, North Adelaide, and Norwood, where typical prices range from A$10,000 to A$13,000+ per sqm (about US$6,500 to US$8,450+ or €5,900 to €7,700+ per sqm), reflecting beachside lifestyle appeal and proximity to the CBD.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Adelaide.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods for first-time apartment buyers on a budget in Adelaide are Woodville (and nearby Woodville North), Kilburn, and Mawson Lakes, all offering good transport links and apartments under the citywide median.
In these budget-friendly neighborhoods, typical apartment prices range from A$400,000 to A$550,000 (about US$260,000 to US$360,000 or €235,000 to €325,000), allowing first-time buyers to enter the Adelaide market with a manageable deposit and mortgage.
These suburbs offer solid amenities including public transport connections (train stations in Mawson Lakes, buses through Kilburn and Woodville), local shopping centers, parks, and in the case of Mawson Lakes, proximity to the University of South Australia campus and a modern lakeside precinct.
One potential drawback of buying in these budget-friendly suburbs is that they are further from the CBD and beach lifestyle areas, so commute times are longer and some neighborhoods lack the walkable cafe culture found in inner-city suburbs like Prospect or Norwood.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Adelaide in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices in Adelaide are Klemzig (with unit price growth of over 100% in five years), Prospect (strong house and unit growth near the CBD), and Glenelg North (benefiting from beachside demand spillover).
These fast-appreciating suburbs have seen estimated year-over-year apartment price increases of 8% to 15%, outpacing the Adelaide-wide average of around 7% for units, driven by tight supply and strong buyer demand.
The main drivers behind rapid price growth in these Adelaide neighborhoods include proximity to the CBD and beach, infrastructure improvements like better public transport, urban renewal projects, and affordability relative to neighboring premium suburbs that pushes buyers into these rising areas.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Adelaide.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Adelaide in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Adelaide?
For a typical apartment purchase in Adelaide, estimated total buyer closing costs range from A$35,000 to A$40,000 (about US$23,000 to US$26,000 or €21,000 to €24,000) for Australian residents, or A$80,000 to A$90,000 (about US$52,000 to US$58,500 or €47,000 to €53,000) for foreign buyers including the surcharge, on a A$680,000 apartment.
The main categories of closing costs buyers must pay in Adelaide include stamp duty (transfer duty), foreign ownership surcharge (if applicable), conveyancing or solicitor fees, Land Services SA registration and lodgement fees, strata records searches, and building or pest inspections where relevant.
Stamp duty is typically the largest closing cost expense for apartment buyers in Adelaide, accounting for around A$31,000 on a A$680,000 purchase, or roughly 4.5% to 5% of the property value.
Some closing costs in Adelaide are negotiable or can vary between transactions, including conveyancing fees (which depend on your choice of solicitor and transaction complexity) and inspection costs, but government duties and registration fees are fixed by law.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Adelaide?
Buyers should budget approximately 5% of the purchase price for closing costs in Adelaide if they are Australian residents, covering stamp duty (about 4.5% to 5%) plus minor legal and administrative fees.
For foreign buyers subject to the 7% surcharge, the realistic percentage range is 11% to 13% of the purchase price, which includes standard stamp duty, the foreign ownership surcharge, and other closing costs combined.
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Adelaide.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Adelaide in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Adelaide right now?
In Adelaide, apartment owners pay strata levies (the Australian equivalent of HOA fees), which typically range from A$600 to A$1,500 per quarter (about US$390 to US$975 or €355 to €885 per quarter), or roughly A$200 to A$500 per month for most mainstream apartment buildings.
Strata fees in Adelaide can range from A$500 per quarter for basic low-rise buildings without lifts or amenities, up to A$2,500 to A$3,000+ per quarter (about US$1,625 to US$1,950+ or €1,475 to €1,770+ per quarter) for luxury buildings with lifts, pools, gyms, concierge services, or older complexes with ongoing maintenance needs.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Adelaide right now?
The estimated total monthly utility cost for a typical apartment in Adelaide is around A$250 to A$350 (about US$160 to US$230 or €145 to €205), covering electricity, gas (if applicable), water contributions, and internet.
Monthly utility costs in Adelaide can range from A$200 for a small, energy-efficient apartment with modest usage, up to A$450+ (about US$290+ or €265+) for larger apartments with heavy air conditioning or heating use during extreme seasons.
Utilities typically included in the monthly budget for Adelaide apartments are electricity (the largest expense at around A$150 to A$250), internet (A$60 to A$100), and water or sewer contributions, which may be partly covered by strata levies depending on the building.
Electricity tends to be the most expensive utility for apartment owners in Adelaide, with the Australian Energy Regulator's Default Market Offer showing typical annual costs of around A$2,300 (about US$1,495 or €1,360), or roughly A$190 per month.
How much is property tax on apartments in Adelaide?
The estimated typical annual property-related charges for an apartment in Adelaide are around A$1,200 to A$2,500 (about US$780 to US$1,625 or €710 to €1,475), covering council rates and water or sewer charges, though Australia does not have a single "property tax" like some countries.
Council rates in Adelaide are calculated based on the capital value of your property and the council's rate-in-the-dollar, with each local council (such as Adelaide City Council or City of Charles Sturt) setting its own rates annually.
The realistic range of annual council rates and water charges for Adelaide apartments is A$1,000 to A$2,000 (about US$650 to US$1,300 or €590 to €1,180) for most standard units, rising higher for premium properties with higher capital values.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Adelaide.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Adelaide?
The estimated typical yearly building maintenance cost for apartment owners in Adelaide is around A$2,000 to A$5,500 (about US$1,300 to US$3,575 or €1,180 to €3,250), representing roughly 0.3% to 0.8% of the apartment's value.
Yearly maintenance costs can range from A$1,500 for newer, well-maintained buildings with minimal common area upkeep, up to A$7,000+ (about US$4,550+ or €4,130+) for older buildings requiring lift servicing, facade repairs, or other major works funded through special levies.
Building maintenance costs in Adelaide apartments typically cover common area cleaning, gardening, lift maintenance, building insurance, and contributions to the sinking fund for future major repairs like roof replacement or painting.
In Adelaide apartments, building maintenance costs are generally included within your strata levies rather than charged separately, with a portion of each quarterly levy allocated to the sinking fund specifically for long-term maintenance.
How much does home insurance cost in Adelaide?
The estimated typical annual home insurance cost for an apartment owner in Adelaide is around A$200 to A$600 (about US$130 to US$390 or €120 to €355), covering contents insurance since building insurance is usually handled through the strata corporation.
Contents insurance costs in Adelaide can range from A$150 per year for basic coverage with higher excess, up to A$800+ (about US$520+ or €475+) for comprehensive coverage with lower excess and additional features like portable items or accidental damage protection.
For apartment owners in Adelaide, building insurance is typically mandatory and paid collectively through strata levies, while contents insurance (covering your personal belongings inside the unit) is optional but strongly recommended.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Adelaide, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Cotality (formerly CoreLogic/RP Data) | Australia's largest property data provider, with its Home Value Index widely referenced by banks and media. | We used their January 2026 Home Value Index to anchor Adelaide dwelling and unit median prices. We also referenced their methodology notes to explain index-based valuations. |
| PropTrack (REA Group) | REA Group's research arm publishes a transparent hedonic index using state government sales data. | We used their December 2025 Home Price Index to cross-check market direction and unit pricing. We also referenced their methodology to explain hedonic price adjustments. |
| Adelaide Now | Major South Australian newspaper that publishes PropTrack data with local context and attribution. | We used their reporting on Adelaide unit medians as a published anchor for apartment pricing. We also referenced their suburb-level commentary for local market insights. |
| RevenueSA (Rate of Stamp Duty) | Official South Australian government source for transfer duty rates and calculations. | We used their exact bracketed rate schedule to calculate stamp duty on example apartment prices. We then converted these into all-in budget estimates. |
| RevenueSA (Foreign Ownership Surcharge) | Official SA government guidance on foreign purchaser surcharge rules and definitions. | We used it to explain the 7% surcharge foreign buyers pay on top of stamp duty. We applied this consistently across all apartment price examples. |
| RevenueSA (Calculation of Surcharge) | Official explanation of how SA calculates the foreign ownership surcharge without ambiguity. | We used it to confirm the surcharge is calculated from the same duty value as stamp duty. We then applied this consistently across price examples. |
| SA.GOV.AU (Property Transfer Fees) | State government portal directing buyers to official fee calculators and resources. | We used it to confirm additional Land Services fees beyond stamp duty exist. We included these in our closing cost checklist estimates. |
| Land Services SA (Fees) | Official provider for SA land title lodgements and the published 2025-26 fee schedule. | We used it to include title transfer and lodgement fees as real closing costs. We added them into all-in budget calculations. |
| Australian Energy Regulator (AER) | National regulator that sets the Default Market Offer reference price for electricity in SA. | We used the 2025-26 DMO determination to anchor electricity budgets for Adelaide apartments. We converted annual figures into monthly estimates. |
| Domain | Major Australian property portal publishing suburb-level price data and market research. | We used Domain's price segment analysis to estimate pricing by bedroom count. We also referenced their suburb reports for neighborhood comparisons. |
| REA Group (realestate.com.au) | Australia's largest property listings portal with comprehensive suburb and market data. | We used their market reports to verify pricing across Adelaide suburbs. We cross-checked listings data against our own transaction database. |
| OpenAgent | Real estate comparison platform publishing detailed suburb profiles and investment analysis. | We used their Adelaide market update and suburb investment rankings for neighborhood insights. We referenced their buyer guides for ownership cost estimates. |
| SA Office of the Valuer-General | Official South Australian government office publishing median house sales data by suburb. | We used their historical median data to verify long-term price trends in Adelaide. We cross-checked their figures against private data providers. |
| StudyAdelaide | Official Adelaide student resource publishing cost of living data for the city. | We used their utility and accommodation cost breakdowns to verify living expenses. We referenced their data for realistic monthly budget estimates. |
| Savings.com.au | Independent Australian finance comparison site publishing property market analysis. | We used their Adelaide suburbs to watch 2026 analysis for growth suburb identification. We referenced their PRD Research data for price growth verification. |
| API Magazine | Australian Property Investor magazine publishing expert suburb analysis and market trends. | We used their hidden gems Adelaide article to identify emerging affordable suburbs. We referenced their expert commentary on infrastructure impacts. |
| Your Mortgage | Australian mortgage comparison site publishing median price data and lending guidance. | We used their January 2026 median house prices article for Adelaide dwelling data. We referenced their lending standards information for deposit guidance. |
| Property Update | Independent Australian property research site run by experienced property commentators. | We used their 2026 property forecasts for Adelaide market outlook. We referenced their median price analysis and bank forecast comparisons. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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