'Look before you leap': What makes a good neighbourhood to buy into?

When you purchase a home you’re not just buying a property, you’re also becoming part of a community and a neighbourhood.

That’s quite a commitment and it’s often a case of “look before you leap”.

Mario Sanfrancesco of Blackshaw Manuka says the decision on where to live is often determined by your stage in life.

“If you’re a first-home buyer, it might be driven by affordability, perhaps a desire to be close to the amenity of a town centre,” he says.

“Families may be drawn to neighbourhoods that have access to good schools, public transport and places of work.”

Sanfrancesco says that, later in life, downsizers often move “toward the centre”, toward the inner suburbs.

“That’s when they’re ready for a low-maintenance, lock-up-and-leave lifestyle,” he says.

“Perhaps it’s in an apartment or townhouse that’s within a walkable neighbourhood with easy access to cafes, restaurants and recreational outlets.”

Stephen Bunday of LJ Hooker Dickson says strong-performing local shops are an indicator of appeal.

“A good cafe or grocer can really pull in customers and add to the vibrancy of a neighbourhood,” he says.

“Of course, the fundamentals of schools, transport links and other amenities need to be in place.”

Bunday says visual cues can provide a snapshot of a neighbourhood’s status through something as simple as the level of care applied to gardens and the exterior of homes.

“You can form an assessment just from their general level of presentation,” he says.

• Gardens. If you’re an out-of-towner, gardens are a good indicator of the status of a particular neighbourhood. Are the gardens raked of leaves and generally well-tended? Check house exteriors, too.
• Amenities. Popular neighbourhoods tend to be the recipients of a wide range of services: shops, schools, transport links, proximity to workplaces, recreational options and connectivity with nature (via reserves).
• Community. It’s easy enough to move into a neighbourhood, it’s another level of motivation or effort to become part of a local community. The local shops may well be your entree.

Allhomes top pick of good neighbourhood homes for sale:

Mawson

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This freestanding Mawson residence combines the best in contemporary living with a location that has all you need right on your doorstep.

First, a quick snapshot: it’s a north-facing, four-bedroom, single-level residence that’s close to the Mawson and Swinger Hill shops, the Woden Town centre, a heap of quality schools and the Canberra hospital.

About now, most buyers should be wearing down their pencils as they tick off the must-haves. Now for the detail.

The modernist-influenced design should score a further tick for kerb appeal, highlighted as it is by an external recycled-brick feature wall. You don’t see those every day.

Inside, the living spaces enjoy plenty of light, and a feeling of spaciousness is enhanced by extra-high ceilings. Blackbutt timber flooring extends throughout. There’s a formal living area off the entry but, like most contemporary homes, the kitchen, dining and family room take centre stage.

The kitchen provides generous stone benchtops, high-end Miele appliances and a walk-in pantry. Full-height glass doors open onto a paved covered alfresco area for further entertaining options.

The master suite has a generous bank of built-in robes plus a deluxe ensuite with double vanities.

A further three bedrooms also incorporate built-in-wardrobes and share a main bathroom with a freestanding tub.

Other features include multi-zone reverse-cycle air conditioning and an automated irrigation system.

There’s a double garage with internal access and storage.

Price guide: $1.25 million +

Auction: 3.30pm, February 27

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Mario Sanfrancesco 0412 488 027

Or try these:

Campbell

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Price guide: $1.25 million +

Auction: 9:30am, February 27

Agent: Independent Our Team, Mark Larme 0403 215 246

Duffy

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Price guide: $1.2 million +

Auction: Noon, February 27

Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Sophie Luton 0410 750 413

Higgins

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Price guide: Low-mid $800,000s

Auction: 11:30am, February 27

Agent: Blackshaw Gungahlin, Michael Braddon 0408 446 793