Big and beautiful: Why Canberra buyers are drawn to large homes

Standout, large-footprint homes are in demand, but space is not the only factor that sets them apart, local agents say.

Luke McAuliffe of Luton Properties Gungahlin says growing families are the strongest demographic for bigger homes.

“Space for individuals and for the family is certainly a significant factor, but others come into play, including location and block size,” he says.

“The priority is around lifestyle and location is not necessarily simply an aspirational address, but could be because of its proximity to, say, a nature reserve or even a golf course.

McAuliffe says other factors might include views, well-designed outdoor areas and, within the home, multiple living areas and multipurpose rooms.

“The ability to accommodate multi-generations is also a big driver,” he says.

Stephen Bunday of LJ Hooker Dickson says young couples are another active demographic, particularly in rebuilds around the Inner North.

“[They] have been looking to build aspirational homes on blocks around Ainslie,” he says. “Some originally entered the apartment market seven or eight years ago, paid them off and then had their equity further boosted through recent price growth.”

Bunday says others are first-home buyers who are going “all in” to get the knockdown block they want and to then build a big-footprint home on it.

“Their total investment is certainly well beyond $2 million,” he says, adding that younger buyers aspire to homes that have high-end finishes and inclusions along with easy access to inner-city amenities.

• Location: Big, luxury homes can be found throughout Canberra and pockets of them exist in most suburbs. These tend to be original builds in newer suburbs or rebuilds in the more established areas. 
• Difference: Buyers are not just looking for more space, but what might distinguish one home from another. This might range from a location next to a nature reserve to inspired design and high-quality inclusions.
• Lifestyle: A big, high-end home is shorthand for “lifestyle”. Buyers are looking to acquire a property that meets their needs, perhaps for privacy, or entertaining, maybe comfort, or sheer indulgence – or the lot.

Check out our top pick of big homes for sale:

Jerrabomberra

View property

This builder’s own home in Jerrabomberra has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment to offer all the advantages of a new build.

The five-bedroom luxury residence sits within an elevated cul-de-sac on an 1100-square-metre block with superb views over bushland. 

Entry is through an overwide, solid-timber pivot door that opens onto a split-level design that offers some 450 square metres under the roof. 

There’s a large home office (or bedroom) off the foyer while an elegant formal lounge features 3.3-metre ceilings and full-height windows, maximising those views.  

All the activity happens in the dining, family and kitchen zone. The latter showcases stone benchtops and Miele appliances, including an induction cooktop, rangehood and oven.

There’s also a semi-integrated dishwasher, a microwave and a built-in coffee machine.

A butler’s pantry comes equipped with a Bosch cooktop and oven. 

The luxurious, segregated main suite opens to a Juliet balcony and courtyard. It offers a walk-in wardrobe and en suite with spa – and much more. 

The other bedrooms include built-in robes, while the main bathroom has a free-standing bath.

On the first floor is a guest bedroom – with a walk-in robe and en suite – a spacious rumpus room and an attic space.

Outdoor entertaining takes place under a timber-lined ceiling and in a manicured garden highlighted by a water feature and lush turf.

The garage accommodates four cars, and there’s also a man-cave with a bar. And plenty of extras in each.

Price guide: $2 million-$2.2 million

Auction: 12pm March 26

Agent: Luton Properties Gungahlin, Luke McAuliffe 0433 338 429

Or try these:

Fadden

View property

Price $1.4 million +

Auction: 1pm, March 26

Agent: Soley Properties, Ben James 0448 445 841

Red Hill

View property

Price guide: $2.5 million +

Auction: 10am, March 26

Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Miriana Cavic 0409 366 266

Fadden

View property

Price guide: $1.35 million +

Agent: 11:30am, March 26

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Steve Whitelock 0402 082 886