Which suburbs around Canberra offer the best rural lifestyle properties?
New options in working from home and major lifestyle changes are propelling interest in rural properties beyond the ACT border.
George Southwell of Ray White Rural Canberra & Yass says an unexpected outcome of the COVID-19 crisis has seen a new flexibility that has now enabled many people to work from home.
“That has prompted them to review their lifestyles and has made living further away from the city a viable option,” he says.
“Buyers are now looking beyond the boundaries of the ACT and finding a wide range of choice while still being within an easy commute.”
Southwell says buyers are looking for bigger blocks with some wanting to experiment with a more sustainable lifestyle.
“They’re planting veggies and fruit trees, perhaps running a few chooks – I think COVID-19 has also engendered a desire for a degree of self-sufficiency,” he says.
Southwell says popular locations include Murrumbateman, Sutton, Wamboin and Bredbo.
Ben Lee of Gilbert Real Estate says rural property buyers had reconsidered their lifestyle needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After being cooped up at home, many decided they wanted more space. The flexibility to work from home has made lifestyle change possible,” he says.
“Most of those seeking a rural property are often double-income parents with children from youngsters to teenagers.”
Lee says Carwoola and Bywong are popular, along with Gundaroo and Bungendore.
“Buyers are generally after space and privacy and that more relaxed country lifestyle,” he says.
He says there’s strong activity in the $1 million to $2 million price range.
- Location. There are a number of cross-border locations within a comfortable commuting distance of Canberra. Rural lifestyle ticks go to Murrumbateman, Sutton, Wamboin, Gundaroo, Carwoola, Bungendore and now Bredbo.
- Lifestyle. Working-from-home options have encouraged buyers to consider an escape to the country; big plots of land from two hectares upwards offer the opportunity to grow-your-own and run a few chooks.
- Accessibility. Space and privacy are big drawcards, but convenience is also highly regarded. Proximity to school bus runs is a must along with an easy to commute into Canberra or nearby towns.
Check out our top pick of homes for sale in the surrounding regions:
Murrumbateman
Murrumbateman beckons if an escape to the country is on the horizon.
Affectionately named Illowra, this property is a rare mixed-farming opportunity of 56 hectares that hosts a generous residence within easy commuting distance of Canberra.
The modern family home features four large bedrooms, multiple formal dining and living areas and extensive outdoor entertaining areas.
An extension designed by architect Tony Trobe offers in-slab heating in all bathrooms, cedar cladding and blackbutt timber flooring.
A newly renovated kitchen features stone benchtops, three ovens, an induction cooktop, a dishwasher and plenty of storage.
Bedrooms are away from the main living areas and the main features a walk-in wardrobe and en suite that opens onto a private deck. The other bedrooms share two bathrooms, also with deck access.
Work-from-homers will appreciate two offices.
A large open fireplace, two slow combustion stoves, gas central heating and six reverse-cycle airconditioning units provide year-round comfort.
Outside is a fully covered outdoor entertaining space and an in-ground solar-heated pool.
A low-maintenance garden has automatic irrigation, supplied by a 75,000-litre tank. There’s even a veggie patch and herb garden – and a fox-proof chook run.
Infrastructure includes a fully enclosed two machinery sheds, shearing sheds, yards and a manual wool press. And there are 11 paddocks.
Horse lovers will appreciate shelters, stables, yards and tack room along with a round yard and sand arena.
Price guide: $1.75 million-$1.85 million
Auction: 3pm, November 28
Agent: Ray White Rural Canberra & Yass, George Southwell 0429 838 345
Or try these:
Manton
Price guide: $985,000
Private sale
Agent: Yass Valley Property, Karen Lawler 0498 113 327
Wamboin
Price guide: $1.8 million
Auction: 6pm, November 19
Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Sophie Luton 0410 750 413
Carwoola
Price guide: $1.45 million-$1.55 million
Forthcoming auction, unless sold prior.
Agent: Gilbert Real Estate, Ben Lee 0402 426 925
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