Ripple effect: How new developments and infrastructure are shaping Canberra's inner-ring suburbs

Nothing stays the same forever when it comes to property.

Richard Luton of Luton Properties Manuka says new generations are repurposing the prized inner suburbs to suit modern lifestyles.

“Older buildings like weatherboards and cottages are rapidly disappearing in favour of new developments, knockdowns or renovations and extensions,” he says.

“That’s driven by the aspirational nature of the inner suburbs that tend to be located close to chosen schools and workplaces.”

Luton says home renewal also generates the same in retail and hospitality precincts like Kingston and Manuka.

“You see changes in what businesses offer to resident populations and the combination of the two gradually reshape the overall appeal,” he says.

“A cafe culture emerges and you can see that truth in trying to find a table in popular venues on weekends.”

Holly Komorowski of home.byholly says new infrastructure, like light rail, is playing a big role in reshaping inner suburbs north of the CBD.

“Many people are recognising the value in being located close to the light rail and this is pushing renewal along its route, particularly through new medium and high-density developments,” she says.

“The pace of change appears slower in heritage areas like Reid and Ainslie, but their proximity to the city, and to the cafe culture of Braddon, is influencing lifestyles and buyer choices.”

Komorowski says there is a big uptake in bicycle commuting among inner-city dwellers along with a preference to be within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and bars.

• Location. Our inner-city suburbs continue to be sought-after because of their accessible locations. New generations aspire to homes that are close to everything: schools, shops, work, transport and weekend cafe lifestyles.
• Infrastructure. Light rail is considered the ultimate transport solution the world over to support inner-urban redevelopment. Canberra is no different with the character of old suburbs evolving with the new developments along the route.
• Demographics. The march of time injects new blood into established areas and generates a healthy mix of demographics: old, young, professionals, families and multicultural influences are reshaping the character of inner suburbs.

Allhomes’ top pick of homes in inner-ring suburbs:

95 La Perouse Street, Griffith

Price guide: $2.5 million +

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 car spaces

Some streets just get better with age and one of those is the gloriously leafy La Perouse Street in sought-after Griffith.

And it has generated a kind of symbiotic relationship with the built landscape that includes original homes, new dwellings and sympathetically extended “reinventions”.

This luxuriously-appointed home at No. 95 provides outstanding family appeal and is idyllically located to enjoy the shade of those magnificent street trees.

A visual highlight of this privacy-hedged and gated two-storey residence is a glazed two-storey-plus “tower”.

That provides an intriguing entry statement and kind of prism for the wonderful light and sense of space that infuses this home.

The entry hall is highlighted by a feature timber staircase and spotted gum flooring that enhances the generous living room.

A superbly appointed kitchen boasts a marble benchtop, a roast-worthy 900-millimetre oven, gas cooktop and dishwasher.

It flows onto a magnificent outdoor entertaining terrace under a pergola with an inviting solar and gas-heated pool.

Other accommodation includes a study, four generous bedrooms, including the main bedroom with a large walk-in wardrobe and en suite with bath. There’s also a rumpus room. A fourth bedroom on the ground floor also enjoys an en suite.

There’s a spacious four-car basement garage with automatic doors and internal access.

Other features include ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling, back to base security, a ducted vacuum system and outdoor irrigation.

Auction: Noon, October 26

Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Richard Luton 0418 697 844