This 'burb offers something you 'can't get anywhere else in Canberra'

Luke McAuliffe can remember the excitement his family felt when they were among the first residents to move into Nicholls in the mid-1990s.

His father was a real estate agent, and he saw the perfect opportunity to build the home of his dreams on a big block in what was being touted as Gungahlin’s premier suburb.

McAuliffe, now an agent with MARQ Property, was barely a teenager then but he still has fond memories of the open spaces and tree-lined streets, mucking around with mates near Gungahlin Pond and spending summer evenings in big backyards.

“I’ve watched the suburb transform over the years and it’s still that perfect family setting,” he says.

“There are wonderful family homes, for every stage of family life, but it’s more than that. The way it’s set up with pathways means the kids don’t even have to cross the road to get to school or the local shops.

“And there’s a real sense of community. There always has been. It’s quite impressive what’s been achieved in the suburb over the years, that’s for sure.”

According to the latest Domain House Price Report, Nicholls has a median house price of $1,247,500, up slightly from $1.22 million in the June quarter, but a hefty increase of 45.5 per cent over the past five years.

Allhomes data shows the median unit price for Nicholls is $805,000.

McAuliffe says one of the factors that sets Nicholls apart is the variety of the houses and also the locations within the suburb.

“You might have water views over Gungahlin Pond, or hill views, or find yourself overlooking either of the two golf courses,” he says. “There are really views for everyone.”

It was people like his father who pushed the boundaries in the early days, building architecturally stunning homes with all the mod-cons, from segregated formal and informal living areas to in-ground pools with al fresco dining, large garages with attached workshops, and spectacular gardens with spaces to play.

“Nicolls stands out in that regard,” McAuliffe says.

“You’re getting 1200, 1400, 1600-square-metre blocks with 500, 600, 700-square-metre homes for around $2.5 million … you really can’t get that anywhere else in Canberra.”

Civium agent Josh Finnigan set a new suburb record in October when he sold 6 Just Place for $2.55 million.

He says the luxury five-bedroom home epitomises what Nicholls represents: “You can buy in Nicholls and not sacrifice anything, it’s unique like that.”

Situated in a cul-de-sac, the stunning 738-square-metre home featured formal and informal living areas, a large al fresco dining area with an outdoor kitchen, as well as a large pool and spa nestled in Japanese-inspired gardens – and even a self-contained pool house.

Finnigan says the large blocks in Nicholls allow for these extra amenities.

“There’s value in a large piece of land if you’re buying a high-level property on a block that’s 800 to 1000 square metres or more,” he says.

All that said, both agents agree there is more than just luxury family homes on offer in Nicholls.

You might be lucky to pick up one of the tightly held spots in boutique complexes such as The Promenade or The Gardens on Temperley Street, or be looking to downsize into a well-appointed smaller home better suited to empty nesters.

Offers over $1,495,000

6/25 Temperley Street, Nicholls ACT 2913

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“Mind you, there are plenty of opportunity for multigenerational living in Nicholls too,” McAuliffe says.

“While a lot of modern homes are all about open-plan living, in Nicholls you’ll find places where there’s a separation of living spaces, a variety of floor plans, even self-contained flats underneath.”

Time to buy

“There’s really something for everyone in Nicholls,” says MARQ Property agent Luke McAuliffe.

Auction 21/12/24

6 Berwick Place, Nicholls ACT 2913

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“It’s one of those suburbs where you could move in and never leave. There’s easy access to the Barton Highway to take you into the city, or it’s minutes from the Gungahlin Town Centre. Everything is really on your doorstep.”

Auction 07/12/24

130 Temperley Street, Nicholls ACT 2913

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Things to see and do

Whether you’re into golf, prehistoric life or a cold pint on a Sunday, the offerings of Nicholls are quite diverse.

There are two golf courses – at Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club and Gold Creek Country Club – as well as expansive playing fields with many sporting clubs, and a good system of cycling and walking paths in areas such as Gungahlin Pond and Percival Hill Nature Reserve.

The George Harcourt Inn might become your regular. The English-style pub is family-friendly with a value-for-money menu and plenty of live music on the weekends.

The kids won’t let you forget about the National Dinosaur Museum or the miniature landscapes of Cockington Green Gardens.

By then, you might need a coffee, and there are plenty of options in the Gold Creek Village. Pulp Book Cafe is a cafe-bookshop that is now open on a Friday night for dinner and drinks.

School’s in

Nicholls is also well serviced by a range of schools. Gold Creek School offers placements from kindergarten to year 10 across two separate campuses. Holy Spirit is a co-ed Catholic primary school and, since it was established in 2013, St John Paul II College has gained much praise for its flexible learning practices and holistic care.