Homes next to nature reserves attract a healthy premium on sales

Canberra’s reputation as the “bush capital” is enhanced, not only by its surrounds, but also within the generous nature reserves that are woven into its suburbs.

This close proximity delivers both lifestyle benefits and a healthy premium when it comes to home sales.

Louise Harget of Belle Property Kingston says it’s a deliberate choice for many homeowners who love having nature “on their doorstep”.

“Deakin is a great example with easy access to bushland, yet it’s literally just minutes away from the city, schools, shops and employment hubs,” she says.

“Buying a home in close vicinity to these open spaces definitely promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. It’s a positive life choice – not just a matter of a buying a home.”

Harget says homes directly backing onto nature land and or the golf courses also command premium prices when they come to market.

“There is real value in having kangaroos as your neighbours,” she says.

Holly Komorowski of home.byholly says Canberra’s unique design enhances the importance of reserve and other green spaces.

“As a people, I think we’re very connected to the bush and we appreciate having an identity that has a closer relationship with the environment than, perhaps, other cities,” she says.

“And we also value a degree of privacy, it’s great to be part of a community, but we also like our own space – a nature backdrop provides that.”

Komorowski says there’s no doubt that buyers are willing to pay more for that added value.

The great outdoors

Choice. There is an abundance of choice for those wanting to live close to nature reserves in Canberra including Red Hill, Mount Ainslie, Mount Taylor, Wanniassa Hills, Mulligans Flat, and Percival Hill.

Lifestyle. Nature reserves offer a multitude of recreational opportunities including walking, cycling and bird and wildlife watching. Dogs on leashes are permitted within a number of reserves, but always check first.

Premium. Many home owners prize a close connection with nature and a heightened sense of space. That enhances the appeal – and price – of properties that back onto nature reserves within Canberra suburbs.

Top pick of homes on the market close to nature reserves:

DEAKIN

13 Rawson Street

Price guide: Mid-high $1 millions

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

A Red Hill Nature Reserve backdrop enhances the character and appeal of this quaint home that shares its provenance with an unlikely triumph in Canberra’s public architecture.

The original bones of this renovated and extended Deakin residence were designed by Clem Cummings, widely lauded for his iconic 1970s concrete bus shelters.

Unlike buses, however, there won’t be another along in a minute that can compare with 13 Rawson Street.

Its facade presents a charming, weatherboard persona to the street, but inside the story changes to one that is ultra -contemporary in its telling.

Clean lines and generous light-filled spaces deliver deceptive simplicity within a form that combines functionality and comfort.

This property has been creatively re-imagined for 21st century living and its renovation has been faultlessly executed with critical attention to detail.

Highlights include European oak flooring contrasted by designer wool blend, loop pile carpet.

The all-important kitchen is punctuated by a Super White dolomite island bench, an induction cooktop, a wall oven and an integrated dishwasher. Generous storage is provided through bespoke cabinetry.

Thermal comfort is tailored to Canberra’s cold winters and hot summers and is primed through double-glazed windows, doors and insulation. Evaporative cooling and a hydronic system help maintain preferred temperatures.

Outdoors, a 100-square-metre timber deck integrates into the landscaped and very private grounds and provides the perfect platform for year-round entertaining.

Auction: 11.30am, December 1

Agent: Belle Property Kingston, Louise Harget 0412 997 894