The housing affordability debate features many alarming figures, but here are two that are especially sobering. The median property price in all state and territory capitals – including Darwin – now exceeds $500,000. That means would-be buyers must save a median of $100,000 to cover a standard 20 per cent deposit to live in a capital city.

Of course, half a million dollars has long been a relative pittance in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. But in March, the median property value in Australia’s most affordable capital, Darwin, moved above $500,000, according to CoreLogic. Those with less than $500,000 to spend in Darwin will probably need to consider an apartment, which has a median value of $363,012, while houses in the city have a median value of $584,538.