Aranda’s open window: Rare opportunity as tightly held homes hit the market

From its very beginnings, Aranda has always been a suburb with people at its core. When it was developed as Belconnen’s first suburb in the late 1960s, there was a focus on liveability and a connection with the landscape.

The suburb was deliberately kept small – there are only 973 private dwellings. Low-density living and walking distance to shops and schools were of prime importance.

The streets were designed to work with the landscape, not against it, twisting and turning through the bushland on the foothills of Black Mountain.

Sixty-odd years later, it’s these very qualities that still make Aranda one of the most desired suburbs in Canberra.

The Property Collective’s Amy Wilson grew up in Aranda and remembers a childhood spent playing in her tree-lined cul-de-sac with her neighbourhood friends.

“I loved everything about it,” she says. “The lifestyle is a real attraction for young families wanting to move to the area for the bush setting, and general proximity to schools and the city.”

Wilson says most buyers are “upsizing” into the suburb, looking for mid-century designed homes on large blocks with easy access to the nearby Belconnen Town Centre.

“It’s a great time to look at Aranda,” she says. “It’s usually very tightly held, but right now there is an unusual number of properties available, from large homes to new townhouse developments.”

Buy in, and you’ll be able to walk to one of Canberra’s best suburban retail and hospitality spots. The striking pitched-roof building has had its own journey, sitting vacant for many years; it was described as a “blight” on the suburb.

Local businessman Chris Dennis saw its redevelopment potential and engaged the community in its revitalisation.

It was the birthplace of Two Before Ten, one of Canberra’s favourite coffee destinations, and the precinct now offers an eclectic collection of businesses, from gift shops to health and fitness businesses.

According to Domain data, the current median house price is $1.38 million and $1.07 million for units.

My Local

With Amy Wilson, The Property Collective

Coffee Fix

Our Two Before Ten is the OG cafe for the iconic Canberra chain. It’s a super-popular spot not only with Aranda folk but with anyone who appreciates good coffee. The staff are lovely, and it’s a pleasure walking in every morning to familiar faces.

Best Eats

After dark, it becomes 10 Yards, with a great dinner menu that utilises the produce from the on-site kitchen garden. There’s also one of the best wine lists in town with a real focus on Canberra district wines.

Hidden gem

Meet Gather Collect is an amazing gift shop. With a focus on local designers, there’s jewellery, homewares, art and more. They also run workshops such as painting or clay-making. I used to play with the owner, Thea, when we were kids, so Canberra!

Homes for sale in Aranda

$1,280,000

4/10 Jalanga Crescent, Aranda ACT 2614

3

2

2

View property

Agent: The Property Collective, Amy Wilson 0405 130 332

Aurella is a boutique development, just metres from shops and schools.

Built by Blackett Homes, there are only three of the six townhouses left, perfect for buyers looking for a mix of high-end quality in a bush setting.

At No. 4, a gourmet kitchen centres the open-plan living, opening onto a private courtyard, while upstairs there are three generous bedrooms. Move in – June 2026.

View property

Agent: Independent Property Group North, Lucy Cameron 0438 757 057

This beautifully renovated duplex mixes classic Canberra architecture with many modern touches.

From restored mountain ash timber flooring throughout to a state-of-the-art kitchen, there’s a touch of style in every room.

Three upstairs bedrooms are a good size; one has direct access to a balcony.

Downstairs, the open-plan living area opens onto a large deck overlooking low-maintenance gardens.