Our border neighbour, Queanbeyan, couldn’t get much closer to Canberra, but there’s no doubt the drawn boundary between the two creates a real sense of separate identities.
Queanbeyan definitely has the feel of a NSW regional town, while just across the divide, everything is, well, capital.
Aaron Papahatzis of Belle Property Queanbeyan, who lists this week’s feature property, says there’s plenty of optimism on his side of the border, especially when it comes to real estate.
“And Canberrans are finding plenty to like when they take a closer look at what’s on offer,” he says.
“Their budget definitely stretches further in Queanbeyan – and they can find homes with real character like the feature property cottage in Campbell Street.”
Papahatzis says the local lifestyle is also a distinctive drawcard for a wide range of people.
“Everyone from, say, retiring farmers to Canberrans are attracted to the more relaxed pace,” he says.
Gavin Van Zyl of White Rhino Property says the regional real estate market has really been buzzing.
“There’s a high number of buyers in the market and a lot of confidence,” he says.
“Lifestyle properties on acreages around Googong have been particularly sought-after.”
Van Zyl says he has also seen plenty of interest from Tuggeranong buyers seeking to maximise their budgets.
“There’s plenty of options to choose from and the travel distance to workplaces is often very similar,” he says.
“The Queanbeyan country town vibe is also a big drawcard for many who wish to become part of a tight-knit community.”
Value
Queanbeyan still offers more bang for your buck than its capital city neighbour. First-home buyers and young families are attracted to the range of options, from apartments to detached homes.
Location
Our cross-border neighbour is as close to the Canberra CBD as some of the ACT’s outer suburbs. That means Queanbeyan is conveniently located to take advantage of capital employment, schooling and more.
Vibe
Queanbeyan exudes a regional town appeal with its typical main street, pubs, community markets and riverside location. But there’s nothing regional in its growing infrastructure, including schools, healthcare, and transport links.
Queanbeyan
23 Campbell Street
Price guide: Circa $1.65 million
Agent: Belle Property Queanbeyan, Aaron Papahatzis 0419 683 599
Sitting neatly behind a white fence, this Queanbeyan cutie presents as the kind of character weatherboard home found throughout many parts of Australia.
However, appearances can be deceiving.
Behind the crisp, traditional exterior that speaks of tea and scones (with jam and cream) is a modern interior that’s more cocktails and share plates.
The near-new home has light-filled spaces, soaring ceilings, timber floors, a fireplace and high-end finishes. There’s a Hamptons vibe going on, for sure.
Other features include double-glazed windows and zoned ducted heating and cooling for year-round comfort.
Four spacious bedrooms occupy the front end of the floor plan, along with a study.
The main suite offers a private retreat with a bespoke walk-in wardrobe, a luxe en suite and underfloor heating.
The entertainer’s kitchen has it all: a Quantum Quartz benchtop with a breakfast bar, an AEG induction cooktop, pyrolytic and microwave ovens, and a Miele dishwasher. A concealed pantry provides ample storage.
Outside is a covered entertaining area with a fully equipped kitchen leading to a big rectangle of lawn and low-maintenance landscaping.
You’ll also discover a double garage and studio, currently set up as a fitness room.
Other tech includes a 10-kilowatt solar system, Wi-Fi-controlled irrigation, a motorised sliding gate, and a Paradox security system.
The whole package is on a 651-square-metre dual-access block just across from Queanbeyan pool and park.
99 Crawford Street
Agent: Ray White Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra, Brad O’Mara 0402 343 771
32 Kathleen Street
Agent: Belle Property Queanbeyan, Aaron Papahatzis 0419 683 599
24 Crawford Street
Agent: Ward Estate Agents, Greg Ward 0413 503 312