_Australian cities amongst the most liveable in 2018

Australian cities remain some of the most liveable in the world according to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index in 2018. Four of Australia’s capital cities ranked in the top 12 out the 140 cities.

The index saw Melbourne rank the highest in Australia in 2nd place, performing 0.9 points better (at 98.4) than in 2017, despite being displaced by Vienna after seven consecutive years in the top spot. Sydney moved up to 5th place, from 11th, with a score of 97.4. 

Adelaide (10th place) and Perth (12th) saw their score remain the same, although this year many global cities have seen improvements in their ranking due to increasing stability. Brisbane’s score was slightly elevated at 94.3; ranking in 22nd position.

For house and apartment price growth, Hobart continued to be the best performing capital city, followed by houses in Canberra and Adelaide. 

With an established risk-adverse lending environment, overall capital values fell this quarter in Australia. This was dominated by the cooling Sydney and Melbourne markets, following double-digit growth in recent years. Given both cities have strong economies and significant population growth, it’s likely by the end of 2019, most new stock will be absorbed and price growth will return.

Read our latest Australian Residential Review here.