Options for first home buyers by ACT region

There are two things every Canberran is certain about. We appreciate a good roundabout and we have a deep and passionate allegiance to the suburb in which we first lived.

North and south-siders alike will adamantly stand by their respective positioning in the nation’s capital, and the city’s three degrees of separation means a quick trip to the shops to grab milk can turn into a two-hour affair, as you run into everyone from your kindergarten best friend to your first boss at Kingsleys.

Entering the property market for the first time can be tough, particularly with Canberra’s continuously growing median price. However, there is assistance available such as the first home buyer grant (eligible for new homes) and the home buyer concession scheme.

When we reach the point in our lives where we look to buy our first home, this fierce patriotism and rivalry carries through. While units can be an affordable entry-level alternative, not everyone is willing to give up the Hills Hoist. For first home buyers who wouldn’t dare make the switch, here are some entry-level properties currently on the market. Or perhaps we can convince you to buy across the border?

Belconnen

Macgregor

Belconnen is often called the affordable heartland of the ACT. There are 15 suburbs in the region which sit below Canberra’s median of $753,516.

With a median house price of $476,000, Macgregor proves itself one of Canberra’s most ideal places for first home buyers.

For sale

14 Dagmar Berne Street (pictured above) 

$435,000+

3 bed/ 1 bath/ 1 parking

This three-bedroom abode is the perfect place to start a family.

On offer is comfortable and spacious open-plan living with a reasonably sized backyard. Features include a well-appointed kitchen, space saving European style laundry, ducted heating and cooling, and a rainwater tank.

Agent: Chris Uren & Tom Osborne, Independent Property Group Inner North & City, 0407 466 199 & 0432 976 148

Inner north

Watson

Watson’s median house price is $720,000 and while that may be well outside the budget of your typical first home buyer, the suburb is the most affordable in the inner north.

First home buyers need not fear, as entry-level homes often come onto the market in Watson. With a combination of luck and research you may just score an ideal buy.

For sale

This Watson home is currently listed for $479,950+ Photo: Harcourts Prime Residential

40 Tay Street

$479,950

2 bed/ 1 bath/ 1 parking

This low-maintenance, two-bedroom home is the ideal first home.

Ideally located at the foothills of Mount Majura nature reserve, the lucky buyer will be able to spend their evenings and weekends exploring the nearby parkland. Bedrooms are generously sized and the interiors are relatively modern.

Agent: Tim Stafford, Harcourts Prime Residential, 0412 000 841

Gungahlin

Ngunnawal

In recent years, Gungahlin has become synonymous with the term “nappy valley” as young families have descended upon the region, the great majority being first home buyers who have taken advantage of the first home buyers grant, only eligible for new homes.

The suburb with the lowest median price is Ngunnawal at $480,000.

For sale

For sale: 108 Burrumarra Avenue is the epitome of convenience for first home buyers. Photo: Luton Properties Gungahlin

108 Burrumarra Avenue

$420,000+

2 bed/ 2 bath/ 2 parking

Located only minutes from the Gungahlin precinct, 108 Burrumarra Avenue is the epitome of convenience for first home buyers.

Refreshing interiors adorn the immaculately presented home. Features include a stylish ensuite, landscaped garden, a modern kitchen and built-in robes in both of the bedrooms.

Agents: Katrice Velnaar & Chris Fredericks, Luton Properties Gungahlin, 0411 449 071 & 0437 859 865

Queanbeyan

Karabar

Queanbeyan is a hot spot for first home buyers after the NSW government announced last year that first home buyers would be exempt from stamp duty on homes up to $650,000.

Karabar is one of Queanbeyan’s biggest suburbs. It’s home to a combination of large and small homes ideal for both singles and families. Karabar’s median price is $480,000.

For sale

Stamp duty exemptions in NSW for first home buyers are making it easier to enter the market. Photo: LJ Hooker Queanbeyan

2 Hakea Street

High $300,000s

Auction: Saturday, March 3, 10am

3 bed/ 1 bath/ 1 parking

This cosy three-bedroom home boasts a practical floor plan with a spacious backyard perfect for the four-legged friend. Retro interiors adorn the home and it is ideally situated with easy access to all of Queanbeyan’s amenities.

Agent: Jason Maxwell, LJ Hooker Queanbeyan, 0416 182 379

Tuggeranong

Richardson

Although Belconnen is known as Canberra’s affordable heartland, all suburbs in the south-side region have median prices below Canberra’s total median, meaning the region is perhaps the most ideal for first home buyers in the ACT.

Richardson is home to the region’s lowest median price of $492,500.

For sale

The home at 41 Vidal Street is great for a growing family. Photo: McIntyre Property

41 Vidal Street

$490,000+

3 bed/ 1 bath/ 1 parking

Nestled in a quiet Richardson street is this comfortable three-bedroom home. With generously sized bedrooms and a living area, it’s great for a growing family.

Features include two water tanks, evaporative cooling, ducted gas heating and a recently updated kitchen and bathroom.

Agent: Daryl Gough, McIntyre Property, 0416 197 136

Weston Creek

Rivett

Weston Creek is a very versatile region with an array of different houses available spanning a range of prices.

Rivett is the most affordable option in Weston Creek with a median price of $559,500.

For sale

Rivett’s median price is $559,500. Pictured: 43 Angophora Street. Photo: Luton Properties Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley

43 Angophora Street

$530,000+

Auction: Saturday, March 3, 11am

Situated on a large block of 813 square metres, this Rivett home is the perfect start.

This is the first time the home has been available since new but a number of improvements have been made in that time such as the addition of ducted gas heating, a reverse cycle split system and double glazed windows.

Agents: Tim & Justine Burke, Luton Properties Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley, 0411 878 587

Woden Valley

Torrens

The Woden Valley has few entry-level options with most suburbs’ medians sitting above $800,000. The cheapest median house price in the region can be found in Phillip for $495,500, but homes for sale in the suburb are few and far between.

First home buyers in the region are most likely to get lucky in the conveniently located Torrens, where the median price is $681,000.

For sale

The home at 33 Jefferis Street has a price guide of $650,000+.  Photo: Independent Property Group Woden and Weston Creek

33 Jefferis Street

$650,000+

Auction: Saturday, February 17, 12.30pm

3 bed/ 2 bath/ 1 parking

A classic Canberra red brick home with updated interiors, this is a fantastic option for first home buyers. The home boasts generously sized bedrooms, open plan living, a large walk-in pantry and a recently renovated kitchen and main bathroom.

Mt Taylor is only a few minutes away from the home, making a great afternoon workout.

Agents: Jonathan Charles & Ryan Thomas, Independent Property Group Woden and Weston Creek, 0413 909 158 & 0447 366 477

Inner south

Narrabundah

In the coveted and sought-after inner south, entry-level homes are hard to come across. The region is home to six of the top 10 suburb median house prices.

Narrabundah is the suburb with the lowest median of $820,000.