Top 5 open homes to see in Canberra and the surrounding region this weekend

Traffic has poured back onto Parkes Way which can only mean one thing – Canberrans have finally all returned from holidays and are back in the hustle and bustle of city life. Although my smooth commute from north to south was short-lived, what it also indicates is a flow-on uptick in buyers hitting the property market – new year, new home.

If getting your foot into real estate or buying your next investment was on your resolutions list, this weekend couldn’t offer more perfect timing to check out the open homes in the suburbs you’ve been keeping your eye on.

The previous two weekends saw less than a handful of auctions combined, but this Saturday it’s a welcome change with 37 scheduled to go under the hammer. A buzz of excitement and anticipation is in the air as anxious bidders prepare to fight for their forever homes.

Lyons

27B Derwent Street

Price guide: $1.3 million

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

Newly constructed, this stylish home offers the highest quality inclusions and seamless connection between the indoors and out.

The grand entrance is complete with a void more than 5.5 metres high while you’re met with solid timber floors which flow on throughout.

Upstairs, the separate formal lounge and dining provide an abundance of space to entertain and runs directly out to a private entertaining area with outdoor kitchen.

With a designer kitchen that includes an impressive butler’s pantry, stone benchtops and top quality Bosch appliances, this is a home fit for a busy family.

Contemporary style and attention to detail are the hallmarks of this residence providing luxury, comfort and security.

Auction: 10am, February 15

Agent: Hayman Partners, Tome Beinke 0423 761 461

Braddon

521/27 Lonsdale Street

Price guide: $1.2 million-$1.3 million

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car space

This palatial two-bedroom penthouse is located in the heart of the rapidly growing Braddon retail precinct and is an architectural masterpiece.

Spread over two levels in the boutique Palko development and comprising of 133 square metres of internal living, Unit 521 showcases a functional design, ensuring spacious family living is achieved with ease.

Hardwood timber floors and stairs and feature polished concrete walls combine to create a contemporary design that you’ll look forward to coming home to.

The lower level maximises space with a well-equipped kitchen that leads to the separate dining and living areas. From here, you can step out to one of three private terraces and enjoy the cityscape view.

The upper level accommodates two bedrooms, both with built-in wardrobes and two bathrooms adjacent to each room, essentially creating two main suites.

Private sale

Agent: Carter and Co Agents, James Carter 0413 974 912

O’Connor

11/4-6 Hardman Street

Price guide: $600,000

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

Sharing just one wall, this single-level townhouse is flooded with natural light thanks to its full-length windows.

All bedrooms and living areas look out to private external spaces, while the 91-square-metre courtyard and paved entertaining area are a rare bonus.

The ultra-high ceilings in the large open living areas also enhance the feeling of space and tranquillity.

This two-bedroom property is only a short walking distance to O’Connor shops and the local schools.

With its own lock-up double garage and tucked away at the rear end of a boutique development, privacy and safety is guaranteed for buyers.

Auction: 11.15am, February 15

Agent: Independent Inner North & City, Aaron Lewis 0407 121 412

Jindabyne

2 Carinya Lane

Price Guide: $580,000-$600,000

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

This cottage is nestled on 1.28-hectares of land overlooking the Mowamba river. With polished concrete throughout the home, the newly finished cottage has luxury finishes.

The gourmet kitchen also features stainless appliances and Caesarstone benchtops.

Floor to ceiling windows invites the outside in, framing the sweeping valley views and enjoying glimpses of snow-capped mountains.

Perfect for your Snowy Mountains getaway, The Cottage affords comfort through all seasons with wood fire heating and reverse cycle air conditioning.

Only a seven minute drive to Jindabyne, mountain biking, hiking, fishing and skiing are at your doorstep.

Auction: 1:30pm, February 15

Agent: Henley Property, Michael Henley 0403 165 563

Burra

1342 Burra Road

Price guide: $1.195 million

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

Moving to the country is one of the most practical ways to live more self-sufficiently and the property at 1342 Burra Road is a perfect opportunity to do just that.

Its solar passive design and double-glazed windows give the home a four-star energy rating and reduce the need for heating and cooling.

There is a 96,000-litre rainwater tank for personal use, as well as two large damns, a creek and a bore for extra water security.

There are plenty of other reasons to love this north-facing home. Light fills each corner while every window boasts incredible country vistas of rolling hills.

Outside, leafy trees and a patio makes for the perfect outdoor entertaining area to share a meal made from scratch in the designer kitchen.

Private sale

Agent: Hodgkinson Real Estate, Melinda McCallum, 0429 122 700