Living the high life: The best penthouses for sale in Canberra and why they're in demand

When it comes to penthouses – size matters.

Tony Trpeski of Peter Blackshaw City & Inner North says well-heeled buyers looking for luxury residences want plenty of space.

“Penthouses by definition are expected to have plenty of room – indoors and outdoors,” he says.

“These types of buyers are looking for generous spaces that also come with a level of exclusivity, privacy, high-quality fixtures, fittings and finishes. And views.”

Trpeski says genuine penthouses in Canberra are still relatively rare and largely restricted to prestige areas such as the Kingston Foreshore, Campbell 5, and in some parts of the city.

“Buyers include side-sizers – people who are ready to forgo the high-maintenance family home for a new style of living,” he says.

“And, they’re attracted to spaces that offer all the extras like butler’s pantries, app-controlled smart home functions and plenty of outdoor entertaining options.”

Boris Teodorowych, of Boris Property, agrees with the key selling points, but points out that in some cases, the sub-penthouse can often offer the better deal.

“Due to planning regulations, you’ll see, say, the top two levels have to be set back,” he says.

“That can mean a huge outdoor entertaining space for the sub-penthouse. I know of one that has 300 square metres of outdoor living.”

Teodorowych says the relative rarity of genuine penthouses is often dictated by developers and their per- square-metre building price.

“I think that will change with increased demand as more and more baby boomers look to retire into this kind of living. And penthouse living is uncompromising with regards to quality.”

• Space. Penthouses are by their nature characterised by generous living spaces – indoors and outdoors. Buyers demand generosity throughout a floor plan including living areas, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. Panoramic views also extend space.
• Exclusivity. What distinguishes a penthouse from other apartments in the same development? Inclusions like private elevator access and a heightened level of fixtures, fittings and finishes can definitely raise the bar.
• X factors. As Canberra’s love affair with medium to high-density developments continues, expect to see future penthouses enhanced with pools, rooftop terraces, central courtyards and high levels of smart home automation.

Top pick of penthouses on the market in Canberra:

Kingston

401/2 Parbery Street (also pictured above)

Price guide: $1.98 million

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

EER 6

There’s one big advantage that comes with penthouse living – and that’s an almost certainty it’s going to offer sensational vistas.

And this Kingston luxury apartment does not disappoint with panoramic 240-degree views towards Black Mountain, Lake Burley Griffin and the Brindabellas.

The other certainty is that there’s going to be plenty of space to enjoy living at its finest and this sensational single-level, three-bedroom penthouse offers a generous 200 square metres.

There are two large, light-filled internal living spaces connected to a chef’s kitchen that flow onto the al fresco terrace and entertaining area.

The kitchen is anchored by a large island bench with a beautiful natural stone top and casual seating for four. A butler’s pantry offers the ideal hideaway for meal preparation.

The master bedroom is highlighted by a huge walk-through robe and dressing area, and a luxurious en suite complete with a double custom-built vanity unit and free-standing bath.

Both secondary bedrooms comfortably accommodate queen-sized beds and have generous built-ins.

There is elevator access from the double basement carpark with two bays allocated to the penthouse.

Other features include an automation package including lighting control, a sound system, and ducted reverse-cycle central airconditioning with split systems to each bedroom. There’s also double glazing.

And, of course, the penthouse is in an unrivalled location with easy access to the lake, Kingston foreshore, schools, shops and the parliamentary triangle.

Private sale

Agent: Peter Blackshaw City & Inner North, Tony Trpeski 0413 168 733

Or try these:

Kingston

72/5 Kerridge Street

Price guide: $1.45 million

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

EER 5.5

Campbell

701/12 Provan Street

Price guide: $2.25 million

3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 car spaces

EER 5

Kingston

27/8 Trevillian Quay

Price guide: $949,000 +

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

EER 6