Blue-ribbon borders: The best homes for sale in the ACT surrounding region

Within cooee of Canberra is a wealth of country towns and lifestyle locations that offer a change of pace or a ton of space in which to spread out.

Zeb Alaia of Raine & Horne Goulburn says the main attraction of properties in the region is affordability.

“We are continually seeing people from Sydney and Canberra relocating to Goulburn,” he says.

“Our median house prices are significantly more affordable and that’s highly attractive, especially to young families.”

Alaia also highlights Goulburn’s accessibility as another key attraction with a Sydney or a South Coast commute of just under two hours, or Canberra an easy one-hour drive.

“And improved technology is making it easier for people to work from home,” he says.

New Goulburn subdivisions including Tillage, Teneriffe and St Joseph’s Gate are also gathering “plenty of interest from out-of-towners”.

John Lennie of Elders Murrumbateman also points to affordability and demographic appeal.

“Our median sale price is $840,000 and the median age of our buyers is just 39,” he says.

“Murrumbateman is arguably sought-after as an ideal place to enjoy a country lifestyle and raise a young family.”

Lennie also says infrastructure improvements are likely to further elevate the town’s appeal.

“The duplication of the Barton Highway between Canberra and Murrumbateman will make the daily work commute easier and put upward pressure on property prices,” he says, “[and] add to that Murrumbateman’s idyllic location, expanding tourism industry and world-famous cool climate wineries.”

Hot tips

by Ben Stevenson, Estate Realty

Wamboin. Lifestyle properties between two hectares to 20 hectares, popular with families with older children who need space for horses or motorbikes. Sought after by Sydney-siders looking for a change of pace. Ditto for Carwoola and Bywong.

Captains Flat. An affordable step onto the property ladder for first-home buyers. $250,000-$350,000 buys a home on up to 700 square metres. Country town charm also appeals to empty-nesters and downsizers.

Bungendore. Benefiting from buyers exiting Canberra and Googong markets in search of bigger blocks. Homes priced from the mid $600,000s are sited on blocks of up to 1200 square metres. Popular with young families.

Top 2 picks of homes for sale in the surrounding region:

Goulburn

12 Belmore Street (also pictured above)

Price guide: $1.1 million

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

Heritage is just about on tap in regional country towns where many homes with history are reinvented to meet contemporary lifestyle needs.

Number 12 Belmore Street, Goulburn is a lovingly restored and immaculately presented federation gem that’s located within walking distance to the CBD, shops, schools, cafes, gyms and clubs.

The front of the home presents as classic federation, framed by a delightful cottage garden. Inside, it is packed with character features such as high ceilings, timber floors, fireplaces and more.

The older part of the home effortlessly fuses with modern features including a gourmet kitchen and sun-drenched living, dining and family rooms.

These open onto a spacious undercover deck and sparkling pool area that’s perfect for year-round entertaining.

A further three oversized bedrooms feature original marble-surround fireplaces and are serviced by the luxury main bathroom.

This grand home sits on a 1375-square-metre corner block with a potential subdivision option subject to council approval.

Private sale

Agent: Zeb Alaia, Raine & Horne Goulburn 0408 662 944

Yass

48 Orion Street

Price guide: Circa $420,000

3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 car spaces

48 Orion Street, also known as Oakhill, is rich with history and family memories. It was built in the mid-to-late 1800s from local stone and was used as stables and accommodation for a farmhand for the original homestead in the area.

In 1947 the cottage was bought by a young couple, Ron and Lola Pye, who, over the years, thoughtfully renovated it into their family home.

The concrete bricks, which form the fences and garage and the kitchen addition, were made by Ron himself. He was a well-known horse breaker and trainer and his daughter an avid polo-cross player. Their saddles and riding equipment still hang in the garage today.

Oakhill is superbly located in the North Yass countryside, next to crown land that is unlikely to be built on.

With a striking stone facade, the home has stunning street appeal. And while it’s no secret the inside needs a little work, it has the potential to be an incredible family home once more – it just needs the right buyer.

Auction: 6pm, May 15

Agent: LJ Hooker Gungahlin, Naish Stormon 0488 164 426