Why Canberra buyers are looking for enclosable outdoor spaces

Buyers are placing a high value on outdoor spaces and are willing to pay a premium for those that are not only covered but potentially enclosable.

Samantha Granter of Belle Property Canberra says an enclosable space can add considerably to home value.

“The feature property is a case in point. It has a beautifully designed and covered outdoor space that is enclosable – and that’s what potential buyers remark on,” she says.

“They are thinking beyond an additional living or dining area toward other potential uses, perhaps for a hobby, a fitness space or as a man cave.”

Granter says buyers and homeowners are engaging in “forward-thinking” around indoor-outdoor spaces.

“Home space is always at a premium and people are looking at how they can maximise usage, not just for a season, but year-round,” she says.

Bree Currall, also of Belle Property Canberra,  says her listings show both ends of the spectrum.

“[A] Narrabundah property [that recently sold] shows how extra space can be created simply through the use of affordable cafe blinds and overhead heating,” she says.

“The Bruce property, however, has a timber-and-glass conservatory extension that provides an additional living area with a strong visual connection to the garden.”

Currall says minimising the distinction between interior living spaces and an enclosable outdoor space is the key to successful integration.

“That may mean choices in flooring, the colour palette, soft furnishings and lighting,” she says.

• Appeal. Buyers respond favourably to well-designed outdoor areas that maximise useable space within a home. That response is enhanced if they have the potential to become enclosed for year-round living and entertaining.
• Get the look. There is a wide range of options that can help customise a space as a year-round option. These range from affordable cafe blinds to architect-designed enclosable spaces.
• Flexibility. An enclosable space can be styled to offer a seamless extension of home living and dining, but can also be customised for other options like a gym, a man-cave or a work-from-home space.

Check out our top pick of homes with the best-enclosable spaces:

Chapman

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Outdoor spaces undoubtedly help maximise home living areas, but that truism only really sinks in when you find an outstanding example like this one in Chapman.

This five-bedroom residence – which includes a self-contained apartment – is designed for family living and entertaining with the further bonus of commanding views across the Woden Valley and Weston Creek.

Apart from oodles of space, this north-facing home, built over two levels, is also packed with extras such as double-glazed windows, solid blackbutt flooring, LED lighting, zoned heating/cooling and bathroom floor heating.

Cut to the sleek kitchen backed up by a roomy butler’s pantry. This chef central is anchored by a three-metre stone benchtop and bristles with Integrated-brand appliances. Behind the kitchen is a spacious study, perfect as a work-from-home location.

The main bedroom toward the front of the home has a big walk-in wardrobe and luxe en suite. There are a further three generous bedrooms, serviced by the family bathroom.

While the home is the full package, it’s the sophistication of its indoor-outdoor connection that provides the point of difference. Stackers open onto a big covered and enclosable al fresco area for entertaining or even hobbies.

On the lower level is that one-bedroom, self-contained apartment with a living-dining-kitchen area, a bathroom and a laundry.

Adjacent is an oversized garage with extensive storage space that offers potential for reconfiguration into a workshop, a man cave, a home theatre and more.

Price guide: $1.9 million +

Auction: 6pm, November 4

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Samantha Granter 0402 507 902

Or try these:

Chapman

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Price guide: $1.5 million-$2 million

Auction: 12:30pm, November 3

Agent: Independent Belconnen, Matthew Peden 0419 000 079

Bruce

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Price guide: $1.4 million +

Auction: 5:30pm, November 4

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Bree Currall 0410 633 247

Lyneham

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Auction: 5:30pm, November 10

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Bree Currall 0410 633 247