Stepping out of Woden's shadow: Intergenerational demand for Weston Creek homes

Weston Creek is coming out from the shadow of its Woden neighbour as buyers are drawn to its accessible location, choice of schools and perceived value for money.

Solidly family-friendly, Weston Creek, and its suite of eight suburbs, offers a wide range of options, from entry level dwellings in Rivett to multi-million dollar hill top homes in Chapman.

Leading area agents are unanimous the district has come of age and that buyers are voting with their feet and their mortgages.

Director of Luton Properties, Weston Creek, Tim Burke, says buyers see the advantages of a very accessible location.

“They realise that it’s not only very close to Woden, but an easy drive to the city, Tuggeranong and even Belconnen,” he says.

“It’s now very hard to find a traditional home in the district below $500,000. Around $550,000 for a basic 3×1 is probably a realistic entry level, but stock is scarce – and that puts more pressure on prices.”

Principal of Betram Ellis, Tim Ellis, says Weston Creek, has a great sense of community and upholds family values.

“The demand is not just coming from people who want to move into the area, it’s inter-generational,” he says.

“Young adults who have grown up in Weston Creek and love the area want to put down their own roots close to family.”

Ellis says Rivett has experienced significant demand and that its prices have been catching up to its neighbours.

“It’s certainly perceived as being a more affordable buy-in, particularly for young buyers,” he says.

“At the other end of the scale, luxury homes in Chapman have sold for as much as $2.6 million.

Luke Metcalfe of Peter Blackshaw Woden and Weston Creek, says the release of Mr Fluffy blocks has created new opportunities for people to stake their place in the district.

“These open the opportunity for dual occupancy developments that are highly sought-after by retiring baby boomers and other downsizers who want to remain in the area and to enjoy quality, single level living,” he says.

“There is a dearth of townhouse-style living options in Weston Creek, but high demand from those who want to retire in the community they have become part of.”

Chris Wilson of Cream Residential says many buyers are looking to buy affordable properties with the potential for renovation.

“The three beddie, ex govies on a reasonable block represent good value,” he says.

“Buyers are doing their sums on extensions and adding value.”

Wilson says home exhibitions have been strong across Weston Creek and prices have probably pushed forward by 10 per cent in the past 12 months.

Weston Creek Community Council chairman Tom Anderson. Photo: Katherine Griffiths

While the property market continues to kick goals, the Weston Creek Community Council is still locked in a fractious dispute with the Barr government over the siting of social housing within the district.

Plans to put 92 townhouses and apartments on three blocks in Holder, Chapman and Wright (Molonglo Valley) have drawn fierce ratepayer criticism over a lack of consultation.

But council chairman Tom Anderson is keen to reinforce the positives.

“We are still talking to government about the locations and the numbers. Overall, it doesn’t affect most areas in Weston Creek,” he says.

“It still remains one of the best spots in Canberra to live with hills all around and Stromlo Forest Park on our doorstep. It’s like a large country town.”

What’s hot in Weston Creek?

• Rivett – The suburb offers the best opportunity for an entry-level home. Ex-govies with renovation potential are sought after.
• Mr Fluffy blocks – Retirees looking to downsize might consider dual occupancy developments for townhouse-style, low-maintenance living.
• Chapman – An elevated position, great views and bigger than average blocks reinforce its claim as the district’s top suburb.

Warm, friendly welcome

Family reasons drew Barbara Wallace, above, from her Mittagong home to a new life in Chapman some 12 years ago.

“I moved to be closer to family. I really didn’t know much about Canberra. My only experience had been visiting and getting lost,” she says.

Barbara settled into her new home on Perry Drive with its close proximity to the local primary school another selling point.

“It turned out to be a really good move,” she says.

“I love that Weston Creek is close to everything. I’m the local IGA’s best customer, but it’s also an easy drive into Civic.”

Barbara, who works from home, believes the district has the feel of a country town.

“This is the 13th home I’ve lived in and the area reminds me of Bathurst where I once lived,” she says.

“It really is the warmest, friendliest place to live.”

Barbara will soon be making her 14th move, but she won’t be lost to Weston Creek. She’s moving about three kilometres to Holder to be even closer to family.

Number 82 Perry Drive, Chapman, is being sold through Cream Residential.

Cover property

This home at 26 McConchie Circuit in Weston effortlessly asserts a claim to spacious and stylish living.

Added to that sought-after mix is an unrivalled location opposite a nature reserve with views toward Black Mountain, Mount Stromlo, the National Arboretum and beyond.

This four-year-old residence is defined by strong architectural lines that effortlessly scalpel its clean-edged silhouette into the sky.

Entry leads into a tiled grand foyer, highlighted by a soaring void and a sleek, stainless steel and glass staircase.

The foyer provides access to multiple living areas including a formal lounge and dining room along with games, family and rumpus rooms.

The heart of the home is commanded by a superb chef’s kitchen with stone benches, gas cooking, high quality appliances, an enormous butler’s pantry and casual meals area.

Also on this level is a study and guest bedroom with ensuite.

Upstairs, is a luxurious master bedroom with walk-in-robes and luxury ensuite. There are three more bedrooms, all with built-in-robes and a stylish main bathroom.

Outside, with access from the casual meals area, is plenty of room for alfresco dining amid easy-care, landscaped gardens.