Canberra's pleasant surprise: Why Florey should be at the top of your property watch-list

If Florey hasn’t been at the top of your Canberra property watch-list, you might be in for a pleasant surprise.

Tucked neatly across from Lake Ginninderra, this hidden gem boasts a thriving community driven by excellent schools, affordable housing and a local shopping precinct that easily rivals its fancier neighbours.

You could say Florey offers the perfect balance of suburban tranquillity and urban accessibility. It sits just minutes from the Belconnen Town Centre, with immediate access to major arterial roads that lead effortlessly into the city or farther north and south.

The suburb is home to highly regarded schools, including St Francis Xavier College, St John the Apostle Primary, and Florey Primary. For higher education, the University of Canberra is also just a stone’s throw away.

Florey’s local shops are a big drawcard for residents, offering plenty of parking and an impressive array of hospitality and retail amenities.

The Irvine Cafe and Bar quickly became a favourite when it opened in 2024, offering all-day dining from breakfast to dinner (three nights a week). With weekly specials – like kids eating free on Thursdays – parents can relax while the little ones burn off energy at the nearby playground.

Long-time favourite Cesars Cafe remains as popular as ever, alongside Mills and Grills for fantastic pizza, while you’ll also find a bustling bakery, quality butcher and a Supabarn. Florey might be close to Belconnen Town Centre, but you’d have to wonder why you’d even bother.

According to Blackshaw Belconnen agent Matt Sebbens, Florey has always been a location-driven market.

“Its proximity to Belconnen Town Centre, Lake Ginninderra, quality schools and the convenience of a thriving local shopping precinct make it consistently appealing,” he says.

This appeal extends to a wide demographic, driven largely by the suburb’s versatile property market.

“One of Florey’s key strengths is its diversity of housing,” Sebbens says.

“You’ll find everything from two-bedroom townhouses through to larger, established family homes, which means it appeals to a broad cross-section of buyers, from first-home buyers and downsizers through to growing families.”

With its winning combination of lifestyle, location and community, Florey is undeniably worth a closer look.

According to Domain data the median price for houses is $922,500, while the median price for units is $630,000.

The median weekly rent for houses is $650.

My Local

With Matt Sebbens, Blackshaw Belconnen

Best Eats

Florey punches above its weight when it comes to food. From fresh bánh mì at the Bakery, to schnitzel burgers from the takeaway or authentic empanadas at Cesar’s Cafe, there’s something here for every taste.

Coffee Fix

The great debate between locals! Regulars are split between Cesar’s Cafe and The Irvine Cafe and Bar, but the good news is you can’t go wrong. Both consistently deliver excellent coffee.

Hidden Gem

Florey Fine Meats is a local institution. Owner Craig has spent more than 15 years honing his craft, offering premium-quality meat. What really sets it apart is the knowledge and service; it’s old-school butchery at its best.

Homes for sale in Florey

$1,040,000

27 Challinor Crescent, Florey ACT 2615

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27 Challinor Crescent

Auction: 11.30am, May 2

Agent: Tim McInnes, Timothy Road 0401 097 568

Close to schools, parkland and the Belconnen Town Centre, this charming three-bedroom home would suit a young family looking for a property in a well-established suburb.

The recently renovated kitchen connects to open-plan living areas and a large, covered deck overlooking the low-maintenance backyard, where there’s plenty of space to play.

There’s also off-street parking for bigger vehicles, such as a caravan or boat.

$1,090,000

135 Ratcliffe Crescent, Florey ACT 2615

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135 Ratcliffe Crescent

Auction: 10am, May 9

Agent: Christine Shaw, Christine Shaw Properties 0405 135 009

This solid family home offers a well-thought-out floor plan, with open living areas and a segregated main bedroom.

There’s a large outdoor area where you can take in the established garden throughout the seasons.

The home has been recently repainted, inside and out, with new carpet laid.

Throw in double glazing, ducted reverse-cycle air-conditioning and a solar energy system, and winter’s looking cosy.