Canberra agents weigh in on top performing suburbs for 2018

Canberra is set to exit 2018 with annual price growth pegged around 2 per cent, but agents say some local star performers have defied the statistics.

Brenden Blewitt of Blewitt Properties says cross-border Jerrabomberra and Queanbeyan have benefitted from Canberrans drawn to their greater value.

“A lot of families have been relocating from Canberra for a number of reasons,” he says.

“There’s the proximity to Canberra that’s similar to the outer suburbs; bigger blocks, better value for money and free school buses.”

Blewitt says Jerrabomberra’s location with stunning views is also a factor.

“Queanbeyan has also benefited from a lot of interest from investors as it generally offers lower costs including rates, land tax and no vacancy tax,” he says.

Stephen Bunday of LJ Hooker Dickson nominates Ainslie and Downer as the star performers of the inner north.

“I’ve seen the median price rise significantly in recent times,” he says.

“Homes that were $900,000 not so long ago are now around $1.2 million.”

Bunday attributes that growth to proximity to the city, usually larger blocks, walking distance to schools and… Braddon.

“People love the idea of leaving their car at home and strolling to its variety of dining and other options,” he says.

Bunday also highlights Downer as another big mover with prices that accelerated to around $900,000.

“They’ve come back a little since then, but there’s little doubt the light rail is playing a part in its renewal,” he says.

Agents’ 2018 picks

Ainslie. This character-infused inner-north location benefits from a combination of factors that sustain value: bigger blocks, proximity to primary and high schools, the CBD and walking distance to Braddon’s cafe culture.

Downer. At the other end of Northbourne Avenue, Downer is poised for renewal with the introduction of light rail, development of the DKSN precinct and the eventual redevelopment of the Dickson shopping centre.

Cross border. Many Canberrans are recognising the better bang for their buck in relocating to family-friendly Jerrabomberra. Investors are also drawn to the lower costs of owning property in historic Queanbeyan.

Top pick of homes across the border for sale:

GOOGONG

72 Montague Place 

Price guide: $1.25 million-$1.3 million

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 car spaces

A country estate offering resort-style living awaits in nearby Googong.

This elegantly sprawling country home with in-ground pool and tennis court sits on 3.64 hectares of mostly cleared land and is located at the end of a quiet rural cul-de-sac.

The five-bedroom residence is packed with character features including timber floors, wide hallways and high ceilings. There’s also a large formal lounge and dining room with french doors leading out to the wraparound verandah.

The hub of the home is the large country kitchen with walk-in pantry, 900-millimetre oven and stone benches which adjoins the spacious family and rumpus rooms, each with slow combustion wood fires and electric heaters.

The master bedroom, which is on the other side of the house to most of the other bedrooms, features a bay window, walk-in wardrobe and en suite. The other bedrooms are king-sized with built-in wardrobes.

Beyond the home is an oversized, three-car garage with an attached studio with kitchenette and bathroom. Alongside is a tandem double carport.

Aside from the pool and court, there are covered and open entertaining areas, vegetable gardens and expansive lawns and landscaping.

Other features include a five-kilowatt solar power system, three-phase power, a 120,000-litre concrete rainwater tank and access to community water and a dam.

As an additional bonus, there’s a second building envelope at the rear of the block that allows for a second dwelling to be built.

Families will appreciate the school bus stop at the end of the street.

Private sale

Agent: Blewitt Properties, Brenden Blewitt 0419 289 574