What to look for when buying into a new suburb in Canberra
There’s a certain level of comfort when buying into an older suburb. You have decades of history to consider before taking the leap. You understand the area, the community, the benefits and the downfalls and you can make an informed decision accordingly.
Buying into a newer suburb, on the other hand, isn’t as tangible. The suburb is in its evolutionary stages, with so many buildings yet to be completed, communities yet to be established, amenities yet to be built and networks yet to be created.
So, what exactly should you be looking for when buying into a new suburb?
“Ultimately, there are the rational considerations you need to weigh up when looking to join a brand-new community,” says Ginninderry project director Stephen Harding.
“The location and its proximity to friends, family and work, as well as the affordability of the area. Beyond that, it’s all about the fit of those new communities and what’s planned in terms of amenity and lifestyle over time.
“You have to take the value proposition of that new suburb and make sure it aligns with your own personal aspirations. But you also have to be patient and understand the longer-term vision and be able to grow with that community.”
“Take Ginninderry, for example. Across four suburbs, it’s set to take shape over the next 30-odd years.
“It’s also Canberra’s most sustainable community with a six-star Green Star energy rating. {it will] have four schools, a market centre and a conservation corridor for sustainable land management.”
Canberra’s newest suburbs, especially those on our northern end are much better planned than our older ones.
The shared areas, parks and playgrounds are significantly better. Not to mention increasing sustainability and building a community are at the heart of each suburb’s development.
“Generally speaking, when buying into a new community, it’s relatively affordable and proposes a much more contemporary way of living,” Harding says.
“You can set down roots, grow and prosper amongst other community members with similar and shared aspirations, whether you’re all first-home buyers or new to the region.
“And when you contrast the new homes to older ones, they are much more sustainable and have a much high energy efficiency rating, which is a huge motivator for some people.”
Harding says new suburbs have a strong focus on developing public spaces that promote more active and healthy lifestyles.
There are usually footpaths on both sides of the road, dedicated off-road bike paths, and good proximity to bus stops and green open spaces from every home. Plus, the local parks and playgrounds are standouts with new facilities and equipment.
“In new suburbs, you also have much more diversity in the housing opportunities to appeal to a range of needs,” Harding says.
“Ginninderry has some of the most diverse housing options of any community in Canberra.
“There are flexi-living homes customised for first-home buyers up to block almost a quarter acre in size and everything in between.”
Move in:
The Brosnan
Just nine townhouses in a boutique development in Strathnairn that reap the benefits of a sustainable six-star Green Star community. They’re low-maintenance, light and spacious, and designed with functionality at the forefront.
While on the doorstep of a nature reserve, they’re also just 15 minutes from the city.
Price guide: $734,900-$754,900
Agent: Blackshaw Projects, Robert Peaker 0412 726 025
Acacia
Luxury garden townhouses in the height of Whitlam. Impeccably designed, they feature a combination of urban architecture, striking facades and contemporary interior finishes.
The floor plans are flexible with options for open-plan living areas, self-contained studios, home offices, breathtaking rooftop terraces and entertaining options.
Price guide: $790,000 – $1.5 million
Agent: Verv Property, Jason Roses 0431 419 847
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