Housing In Australia
What To Expect and How to Find Somewhere to Live
At the bottom of this page, there are links to help you understand RENTING and BUYING in Australia
Finding somewhere to live is one of the biggest and sometimes most challenging parts of moving to Australia.
Not only is the process a little different to the UK, but the words used to describe homes can also mean different things — and sometimes the same words mean something completely different.
Australia has a wide range of housing options, from high-rise city apartments to detached family homes in the suburbs, modern townhouse complexes, and everything in between. Rental properties are usually listed online, and competition can be strong in popular areas, so it helps to understand exactly what you’re looking at — and what the advert is really telling you.
If you’re new to Australia, you might find yourself wondering:
- Is a unit the same as a flat?
- What exactly is a townhouse?
- What’s the difference between a duplex and a semi-detached?
- And what on earth is a villa?
This quick guide will help you translate Australian housing language so you know exactly what to expect.
UK to Australia Housing Dictionary
Decipher what it all means – the language is different in the UK and Australia!
Flat = Unit / Apartment
Unit and Apartment mean essentially the same thing.
Apartment
- Usually in a larger building
- Often modern, especially in cities
- May have facilities like gym, pool, lift
Unit
- Can be in a smaller block (2–20 homes)
- Often older style
- Common in suburbs
In Australia, people use unit and apartment interchangeably.
Semi-Detached = Duplex
Duplex
- One building split into two homes
- Each has its own entrance
- They share one wall
In the UK you’d call this a semi-detached house.
The address is generally the same road number for both properties but each house will have its own number. Like 1/25 and 2/25 – means house 1 at number 25 and house 2 at number 25.
Terraced House = Townhouse
Townhouse
- Homes joined in a row
- Usually 2–3 storeys
- Often modern
- May be in a gated complex (see below)
Very similar to UK terraces, but usually newer and larger.
Complex
A complex just means a group of homes together, usually managed by one entity who are responsible for the maintenance of the outside of the homes, the gardens and the shared facilities (if there are any).
It is a group of residences managed as a small estate. Often there are shared facilities such as an on-site gym, tennis court or swimming pool. Often behind security gates so slightly more safe and secure for families particularly those with young children. Yards (gardens) are typically small.
The complex will generally be the number of the road, then each house will have a number too. So for the picture on the left, the numbering would be 1/67, 2/67, 3/67, 4/67…..
Detached House = House
In Australia, people simply call it a house.
- Freestanding
- No shared walls
- Usually has a garden, in warmer places, perhaps a pool
- Common in suburbs
This is the classic Australian home.
Some might be called single storey – which would be a bungalow in the UK
Acreage
A property described as “acreage” usually means it is on a large plot of land, often several hectares or acres in size. Typically with a detached house or farm-style home.
More space around the home, often with gardens, paddocks, or bushland.
Common outside major cities — in semi-rural or rural areas.
Might come with extra features like large sheds, stables, or small farming areas.
The house itself could be modern or older, but the main attraction is the land.
Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Yugambeh people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work, and build this community. We honour their Elders past, present, and emerging, and pay our respects to all First Nations people all over this amazing country.