Narrabundah: The foot in the door to home ownership in Canberra's inner south

Narrabundah: for many prospective buyers it’s seen as the last affordable foot in the door to inner south home ownership.

But you’d want to get in quick, with strong house price growth and the tendency for existing residents to stay put.

Though it may sit in the more prestigious part of town, Narrabundah is not a community without its quirks.

It has survived an infestation of peacocks, for one.

Some residents loved their brightly-feathered neighbours. Others were glad to see groups of the birds relocated, rattled by their noise and droppings.

Then there’s the infamous Narrabundah tyre slasher, with a number of car tyres damaged circa 2014.

Nevertheless, Narrabundah is a sought-after suburb with a lot going for it, including what is arguably one of Canberra’s most sought-after public schools, Narrabundah College.

At its heart is a popular local shopping precinct that draws diners from across the city.

Beer-lovers can seek a smooth tipple at the Harmonie German Club of Canberra on Jerrabomberra Avenue.

Sport-loving Canberrans are also catered for. Baseball fans can watch Canberra Calvary at Narrabundah Ballpark.

Golf lovers have Canberra International Golf Centre and the Capital Public Golf Course on their doorstep.

Green space is aplenty throughout the suburb, including the exceptionally, wonderfully named Rocky Knob Park.

There’s no doubt Narrabundah is in demand, with prospective buyers much more likely to snap up property for less than a $1 million here than in neighbouring suburbs.

Narrabundah’s median house price sits at $803,500 for houses and $395,000 for units, according to Allhomes data.

Belle Property Kingston co-principal Louise Harget says the suburb has undergone a transformation over the past five years.

She says buyers are eyeing off property thanks to the suburb’s access to sought-after schools and its relative affordability when compared to its neighbours, Griffith and Red Hill.

“I find many people are rushing to get in before it’s too late,” she says.

Ray White Kingston director Cory McPherson says many of Narrabundah’s newer homeowners have felt priced out of other inner south suburbs.

Narrabundah’s proximity to the Griffith shops and, most significantly, its location within most of the inner south’s school catchment zones, have become the new big drawcards.

Today, it’s one of Canberra’s most tightly-held suburbs.

“When people get here they are just not leaving, unless they’re moving interstate or have a need to downsize,” he says.

Keep an eye out for more Allhomes suburb profiles.