Character and charm: Where can you find these homes in Canberra?

Character homes are consistently in demand in a still relatively young Canberra, where they are considered in short supply.

Sophie Luton of Luton Properties Manuka says examples can be found throughout the ACT.

“It would be fair to say the really older homes – like 4 Moresby Street in Red Hill, which dates to 1927 – are typically found in either the Inner South or North,” she says.

“One reason they remain in demand is that their built features simply cannot be economically replicated in today’s market.”

Typically, homes now considered characterful were also built on much larger blocks of land, further increasing their value.

“Character buyers are also often attracted to these homes because they see future value in a sympathetic renovation or extension,” Luton says.

“And they offer a lifestyle that provides a link with history with the best in contemporary living.”

Eva Bono of HIVE Property says buyers are often drawn to renovated character properties because they represent “something different”.

“Character homes have a unique presence that differentiates them from new builds,” she says.

“Buyers appreciate the history that comes with them and the stories that these homes can tell.”

Bono says renovated homes with the strongest appeal are those that have gone beyond the cosmetic.

“They should appeal to contemporary living expectations, but that also includes improved energy efficiency through double glazing, insulation and other improvements,” she says.

Style: Canberra’s suburbs effectively radiate outwards from the centre and represent many different eras in architecture, such as interwar art deco, mid-century modernist and late 20th-century stripped classical.

Find: Character homes are highly valued in this relatively young city. Many of the finest examples have been sympathetically extended and renovated to the latest standards in contemporary living.

Enjoy: Fully renovated character homes are in high demand. Buyers want homes where the work has been done, rather than take on the risk of tighter lending, rising building costs and uncertain schedules.

Check out our top pick of homes on the market:

Red Hill

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Red Hill is undoubtedly one of Canberra’s most aspirational suburbs, shaped as much by its history as by its Inner South location.

This grand residence on Moresby Street showcases that enduring appeal through bones that date to 1927 and character that has been lovingly illuminated to the highest contemporary standards.

For those after a little fun fact, 4 Morsby Street was the first property listed on Allhomes in 2000.

This two-storey home sits on more than 3400 square metres of private, mature grounds.

Its architecture could be considered classic old Canberra – a stately structure with a cream-rendered exterior and tiled roof along with timber-framed windows and doors.

Inside, the home delivers nearly 300 square metres of living over its two floors. The ground floor houses two bedrooms – including the main suite – and a study.

Then there are the formal living and dining rooms, that lead into a hub containing the kitchen, casual meals, family and rumpus areas.

The kitchen grabs attention with its granite benchtops, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and large walk-in pantry.

The generous main suite has a walk-through wardrobe and a gracious en suite with double vanity and bath. There’s private access to the outdoors.

Upstairs are two further bedrooms, one with its own terrace, and a bathroom.

Outside is a variety of terraces, courtyards and decks, highlighted by an in-ground pool and a gazebo with an outdoor kitchen.

Price guide: Circa $6 million

Auction: 11am, April 1

Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Sophie Luton 0410 750 413

Or try these more modern homes:

Denman Prospect

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Price guide: $1.65 million+

Auction: 11am, April 1

Agent: Altair Property, Rahul Mehta 0449 820 713

Garran

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Auction: 6pm, March 30

Agent: HIVE Property, Eva Bono 0415 668 718