Top 4 open homes to inspect in Canberra this weekend

I started hearing the news this week that the ACT and Queanbeyan had amassed 61 suburb sale price records thus far this year.

To give you a comparison, in all of 2019 only eight suburb records were broken and despite the tumultuous year that was 2020, the capital broke what was then considered an impressive 32 records.

There’s a murmur among distressed buyers on the open home and auction circuit: ‘What the hell is going on in Canberra’s property market?’ and what could possibly be driving this sky-high price growth?

This week saw the release of the Domain House Price Report for the June quarter and the numbers validated what everyone’s been feeling. Canberra joined the million-dollar club with a record median house price of $1,015,833 – the steepest jump across all capital cities and up 29.3 per cent year-on-year.

We also led the nation with an auction clearance rate of 86.7 per cent in June. And now the folks outside Canberra are raising their eyebrows, too.

If you’re trying to navigate the open home rounds this weekend, we’ve collated some of the best homes on the market for your perusal.

Kingston

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What do you get when you cross a rooftop terrace with a contemporary home? The answer is 402/85 Eyre Street, a sumptuous Kingston garden penthouse that you probably didn’t imagine could ever exist in Canberra.

And yet, here we are – 400 square metres of living space plus another 200 square metres of show-stopping outdoor area.

On the inside, luxury is seen (and felt) in every facet – engineered wooden floors, a custom-made fireplace and television cabinet, and masses of Italian marble in the bathrooms.

It’s also a little futuristic, with automated and powered blinds, heated floors, integrated appliances and a remote-controlled gas fireplace. Is this a new era of apartment living?

Step outside and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve entered a communal rooftop garden. But, in actual fact, it’s all yours to enjoy its private glory.

This richly planted garden incorporates multiple areas for all kinds of outdoor enjoyment. An entertaining area with a built-in kitchen and barbeque, retractable shades and dining space for dinner parties, an additional deck for more dining under the sunsets or the stars, and a courtyard for simply basking in its ambience.

Price guide: High $2 million – $3 million

Expressions of interest: Close August 17

Agent: Berkely Residential, Bill Lyristakis 0416 695 363

Reid

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Sporting a stunning recent renovation, this spacious townhouse could be your opportunity to get into the sought-after market of one of Canberra’s oldest and beautifully established suburbs. A thoughtfully designed floor plan rises through three levels of about 199 square metres of living space.

Meandering your way through the extensive established gardens, it only gets better once you step inside this home.

The ground floor is open plan, incorporating the lounge, dining, family, laundry room and kitchen areas.

From here, step out through double-glazed bifold doors into the private, north-facing rear courtyard perfect for entertaining family and friends.

Nearby schools include Ainslie Primary, Merici College and Campbell High, plus all the amenity of the city is only a short stroll away.

Price guide: $1.2 million +

Auction: 12.30pm, August 6

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Gillian Thorn 0416 017 072

Campbell

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A contemporary approach to the design and a classic palette combine to create this chic townhouse in the Inner North.

Spread over three levels, the first level includes two separate living areas and a beautiful kitchen boasting top-of-the-line European appliances and the island benchtop of your dreams.

Head up to the second level, where you’ll find two bedrooms and then the pinnacle third storey for the main bedroom suite. The third floor also has its own living space and balcony with views.

Other features of the home include double-glazed windows throughout, sky-high ceilings and a wealth of natural light and a double basement parking with storage.

The property is conveniently positioned only minutes from the local shop and some of Canberra’s iconic landmarks such as Lake Burley Griffin.

Price guide: $1 million +

Auction: 1.30pm, August 7

Agent: The Property Collective, Will Honey 0407 245 177

Greenway

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This five-bedroom townhouse has been architecturally designed to maximise space and natural light.

As you walk into the home, you’re greeted by an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. The kitchen is fitted with Artison appliances, an integrated fridge and matt black fittings and fixtures.

A unique feature is an internal courtyard connecting to an impressive 160 square metres of outdoor space. The main bedroom has access to the leafy area giving the bedroom a blissful atrium-style feel.

Residents will be able to enjoy a barbecue with family and friends in the shared communal area, or they could dip their toes in the resort-style solar heated pool or fully equipped outdoor gym.

Price guide: $1.3 million +

Private sale

Agent: 3 Property Group, Paul Hamilton 0400 550 805