Weston Creek and Woden Valley regions lead Canberra house price growth

Two southern regions have been named as the ACT’s runaway house-price growth champions over the past 12 months, according to the Domain House Price Report for the June quarter.

Weston Creek broke the tape at 11.9 per cent with plenty of clear air between it and Woden Valley on 9.3 per cent. The latter just edged Gungahlin on 9.1 per cent.

Alisa Lawrence, of Michael Potter Real Estate, says southern suburbs benefit from a combination of factors.

“The actual geographic location is hard to beat,” she says.

“You couldn’t get more central – both regions are convenient to everywhere, either to Tuggeranong, Belconnen or further.”

Lawrence says the two regions are well-established and this offered families something special.

“They signal traditional values,” she says.

“Many buyers were brought up in Weston Creek or Woden. It’s like a return to a familiar place to bring up their own children.”

Tim Burke, of Luton Properties Weston Creek & Molonglo Valley, says tightened supply has put upward pressure on prices in both locations.

“We had 72 groups go through one Woden Valley property in its first two weeks on the market,” he says.

“There is a big pool of … buyers out there for a limited supply of homes. Add that to sought-after areas and it’s a recipe for higher prices.”

Burke says pent-up demand has seen strong pre-auction offers pull many properties off the market.

• Location. Weston Creek and Woden Valley enjoy central locations that provide convenient access to Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Gungahlin, the city – and just about everywhere else. That makes for easier shopping, schooling and recreational opportunities.
• Gentrification. Remediated Mr Fluffy blocks within the two areas have led to a flurry of new building, sparking existing home owners into value-adding renovations and extensions – all contributing to year-on-year price growth.
• Tradition. Everything old is new again in Woden Valley and Weston Creek. There’s a sense of traditional family values – and that’s driving a return of buyers to areas where they grew up.

A recent sale in Weston Creek:

Duffy

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Now here’s a home that’s got the lot, along with a healthy dollop of difference. Its sleek silhouette almost seems to glow at twilight; a geometric white facade contrasting against established landscaping.

The floor plan will appeal to those who appreciate the benefits of zone living with the main suite enjoying a high degree of privacy. The other three bedrooms share another wing with a rumpus room and the family bathroom. There’s access to a terrace.

Sun streams into the open-plan kitchen, family and dining room enhanced by north-facing clerestory windows. The kitchen is white, wide and handsome with glass features, quality appliances, bench space and a walk-in pantry. The family room opens onto a covered terrace.

This house delivers even more flexibility through a separate living room featuring high ceilings, spectacular timber panelling and access to that main terrace.

Comfort is delivered through insulation, zone-controlled ducted gas heating and evaporative cooling. There’s a double garage with automatic door and internal access, and a second driveway for visitor parking or for a trailer.

A 1500-litre water tank is plumbed into toilet and laundry for grey water recycling and there’s solar hot water with an electric booster and timer.

Families will also appreciate the security of key-locked gates.

The home was built in 2004 and its 238 square metres of living is on an 816-square-metre block.

Price guide: $1.1 million +

The auction of this property was brought forward to August 4 and has since sold.

Allhomes’ top picks of homes for sale in Weston Creek and Woden Valley:

Garran 

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Price guide: $1.5 million+

Auction: 11am, August 22

Agent: Blackshaw Woden, Weston Creek & Molonglo, Robert Peaker 0412 726 025

Swinger Hill

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Auction: Noon, August 29

Agent: Christing Shaw Properties, Gillian Thron 0416 017 072

Torrens

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Price guide: $1.049 million-$1.09 million

Private sale

Agent: White Rhino Property, Gavin Van Zyl 0429 269 260