Buried treasure: The benefits of a basement

Many homes around Canberra have basement levels, with some being used for parking and storage only, and others housing a wide variety of lifestyle options.

Bree Prince of HIVE Property, who lists this week’s Curtin feature property, says below-ground space can add significant value and offer appealing possibilities to potential buyers.

“Further storage space is always attractive, but many below-ground spaces are really being maximised to meet lifestyle needs,” she says.

“For example, the Curtin feature property offers parking and a lounge and games area, a wine cellar and a workshop space.”

Prince says she has seen many uses for basement spaces, including gyms, theatre rooms, home offices, teenager retreats and more.

“Spaces like these are really valued and offer multipurpose options that can change their functions over time to meet evolving family needs,” she says.

Award-winning Terry Ring of Architects Ring & Associates, says basements can likely be included in any new build subject to relevant approvals.

“Potentially the biggest obstacle is what you find yourself digging into, like extensive rock,” he says. “That can determine whether a basement is viable.

“Personally, I love the idea of basements and what they can add to a build – just look at the amazingly creative things that are being done with below-ground spaces in cities like London.”

Ring says bigger spaces can host a wide range of options, and fit-outs can be tailored to accommodate whatever budget is set.

“It’s an old saying, but you’re really only limited by your imagination,” he says.

Top tips:

Get creative

Make the most of any space. Basement levels can offer all kinds of options to add to living enjoyment – perhaps as a games or theatre room, a workshop or a hobby space.

Family ties

Basement spaces offer intergenerational living potential for elderly relatives or a private space for young adults or teenagers. Typically, spaces should have private access for independence and natural light for comfort.

Additional income

A generous, light-filled basement level can hold the potential for conversion into a self-contained apartment for an additional income stream on either the long-term or short-term rental markets.

Feature Property:

26 Bavin Street, Curtin

If space – and lots of it – is a deciding “buy” factor, then this five-bedroom Curtin home is going to hold strong appeal, especially for families.

It sits on just more than 1000 square metres of established, landscaped grounds on one of the suburb’s most sought-after streets, enjoying treetop panoramas and a Curtin Ridge backdrop.

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The spacious home offers nearly 350 square metres of living over two above-ground levels but also comes with a big bonus through another level beneath.

This includes a garage, games room, living area, wine cellar, workshop and plenty of further sub-floor area.

A split-level design on the main living level offers generously sized formal and informal spaces including lounge, family and rumpus rooms.

Features include skylights, polished timber floors, cedar-framed windows and a wood fire.

The kitchen is big and white with plenty of cabinetry, highlighted by a stone island benchtop, two pyrolytic ovens and a five-burner gas cooktop.

There are two bedrooms on this level and three upstairs, including a main suite with his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes and an en suite with a bath.

Plenty of use has been made of the outdoor areas, with a wide balcony and patio across the front of the home overlooking the garden.

At the rear is a covered patio that has a built-in barbecue and overlooks a pool with solar and electric heating.

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