Accessibility and convenience key drivers in Woden Valley homebuyer appeal

Woden Valley has emerged as one of the ACT’s star residential growth performers with upticks in the key indicators of median house price and quarterly performance.

An $840,000 median house price outstrips Canberra’s $749,865 average by the best part of $100,000. Quarterly growth of 3.7 per cent show that it is continuing to perform strongly while other areas are slowing and dropping housing stock levels are also putting upward pressure on prices.

Andrew Lonsdale of Ray White Canberra says he is seeing evidence of the strong appeal of the Woden Valley in buyer behaviour.

“That demand is clearly there. For instance, we had 30 groups inspect 56 William Wilkins Crescent, Isaacs, when we first opened it,” he says.

“That’s a very strong indicator of the appeal of the area.”

Lonsdale says several specific factors are driving demand including accessibility and convenience.

“But schools and the hospital are the big motivators and spur a lot of the inquiry,” he says.

Jane Kusetic of LJ Hooker Weston Creek says she is seeing price records being broken on a regular basis.

“We’re regularly seeing prices above $1.5 million that were once only seen in the inner south,” she says.

“Supply is tight and anything that comes to market is selling fast.”

Kusetic agrees schools are big drivers.

“You have to buy into a suburb like Garran to get your child into its primary school,” she says.

Units are still selling well, though Kusetic says new developments on the construction horizon will boost the segment.

Woden Valley at a glance:

• Accessibility. The Woden Valley is arguably the epicentre of the Southside with efficient road links to all parts of the territory. It has proven appeal as a convenient commuter hub.
• Infrastructure. The biggest drawcards are the Canberra Hospital and a wide selection of quality schools. The expected arrival of the next stage of the light rail will further reinforce the appeal.
• Lifestyle. The town centre, sporting facilities and proximity to nature reserves offer something for everyone within a convenient stroll or short drive. It translates into putting more time back into your week.

Allhomes’ top pick of homes currently for sale in Woden Valley:

Isaacs (also pictured above)

56 William Wilkins Crescent

Price guide: $790,000+

3 bed, 2 bath, 2 parking

Isaacs is one of the most sought-after residential areas in the Woden Valley, enjoying a close relationship with nature through its eponymously-named ridge and the Long Gully pine plantation.

Its elevated position also delivers never-ending views of the Brindabellas, another driver in the popularity of this suburb that has only developed as a residential area since the late 1980s.

Streets are named after significant educationalists and William Wilkins Crescent honours a 19th-century reformer and administrator.

Number 56 reflects the architecture of Issacs’ early days and is filled with the character of Merbau solid timber floors and timber window frames and doors. But its retro charm has been complemented by an upgrade throughout that will meet the most discerning contemporary needs.

The most striking design feature is a conservatory-like sun-filled area that extends the length of the home and takes in the modern kitchen, dining and living areas. Both bathrooms have also been upgraded.

Sited on 849 square metres, this three-bedroom en suite home presents an ideal opportunity to further renovate or to build a dream home. If it’s the latter, the superb in-ground pool, within easy-care grounds, may be a keeper.

Other features include wall-mounted hydronic heating and there’s a double garage.

Of course, the home is close to the Woden Town Centre, Canberra Hospital and a variety of quality schools. And it’s just a short drive to the parliamentary triangle and the CBD.

Agent: Ray White Canberra, Andrew Lonsdale 0428 486 692

Auction: 10am, October 6