How important is finding a good community for Canberra buyers?
Where you want to live is just one part of a home-buying equation, the other is understanding the community you’d be buying into – but how do you know which one is right for you?
Josh Morrissey of HIVE Property says most buyers simply take the plunge and then find out what it’s like to live in a particular location.
“Their primary purchase drivers are around the motivation as to why they want to live in a particular area,” he says.
“Quite often that comes down to – particularly for families – the presence of a range of quality schools.
“But that in itself can become an introduction to the local community. Parents inevitably become sideline spectators at weekend school sports and that’s how many introductions are made and relationships develop.”
However, Stephen Thompson of LJ Hooker Manuka says assessments of neighbours and the local community can play a larger role in a buyer’s considerations.
“There are several factors, that range from how well surrounding gardens are maintained up to the presence of any community advocacy groups,” he says.
“Buyers also draw a lot of information from an actual location – how well it might be serviced by schools, shops, workplaces, transport and other amenities.”
Thompson says all this feeds into an assessment as to whether a neighbourhood is a good fit for a buyer.
“It’s a way for them to determine whether they are joining like-minded people – their tribe, if you like,” he says.
- Feel good: There’s a lot of appeal for buyers in becoming a part of a welcoming and active community. Positively neighbourly vibes enhance lifestyle and also increase connections and grow personal networks.
- Adding value: Active communities tend to be determined custodians of their neighbourhoods. This often sees them advocate for new amenities, services and area upgrades to further improve local appeal, lifestyle and value.
- Convenience: Well-established communities tend to benefit from the area’s history and are enhanced by their proximity to schools, public transport, medical services, shops, dining venues, workplaces, recreational options and connections to nature.
Check out our top pick of homes for sale:
Griffith
There’s a lot to be said for apartment living, and being in a walkable neighbourhood is probably one of the biggest advantages.
Imagine waking up to great views and then simply strolling out for morning coffee. Perhaps, later in the day, another constitutional before a sundowner in a local bar and dinner a few doors down at a chic restaurant.
These are just some of the attractions of this Griffith apartment – the others are revealed once you step inside.
This generous two-bedroom residence delivers more than 100 square metres of living on level four of the Renaissance development overlooking the Manuka Village shopping centre.
The entry leads into the core hub that incorporates kitchen, dining and living areas with access to a 53-square-metre balcony.
The living area is characterised by engineered-timber flooring and floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows with privacy tinting.
There’s plenty to like about the bespoke kitchen, including its thick Caesarstone benchtops and custom cabinetry. Franke appliances deliver the engine room through a pyrolytic and combi microwave oven, InSinkErator, dishwasher, induction cooktop and rangehood.
The clever layout provides privacy for the main bedroom and its generous four-metre-long wardrobe and en suite.
There’s a spacious second bedroom with a built-in robe and study nook.
A ducted Daikin reverse-cycle heating and cooling system provides extra comfort. There are two basement car bays and further storage.
Price guide: $1.199 million+
Private sale
Agent: HIVE Property, Josh Morrissey 0437 799 234
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Greenway
Price guide: $750,000 – $775,000
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Agent: VERV Property, Elizabetha Da Pozzo 0423 077 391
Coombs
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