A viable work from home option: Why people are drawn to Canberra's surrounding regions

Many Australians are now coming to grips with working from home and finding that dedicated space can make all the difference in creating productive sanctuaries.

Homes in the ACT surrounding region offer the best of both worlds – space to stretch out with plenty of segregation to be productive while also providing a rural-feel escape for when we need to peel away from our screens.

Naish Stormon of LJ Hooker Gungahlin says he has experienced significant interest from buyers exiting city markets.

“Many of those are looking to buy properties with more land,” he says.

“But also high on their wish list is a space that has either a dedicated study or a spare bedroom than can be converted into an office.”

Stormon says buyers consider a number of other factors in assessing whether a particular home and location is a viable work from home option.

“These can include proximity to a town, the reliability of the NBN or other connection and access to major roads and even airports,” he says.

Kelly Allen of Luton Properties Braidwood says she definitely sees more Canberrans needing a home office or study space to work in.

“Travelling to work is normal for Sydneysiders and commuting to Canberra for work is not an issue for them, but I’d say eight out of 10 buyers now require a study or home office.”

Allen says families have been working from home to break up the week in the Braidwood area for years.

“One parent might commute all week while the other one works from home and collects kids from school,” she says.

“Some will work a couple of days from home and commute the rest of the week.”

So, what should we consider when looking for a property where we can work from home?

• Space. Working from home is often best served through a dedicated space like a study or conversion of, say, a spare bedroom. The ability to minimise family and other distractions is a consideration.
• Connectivity. An escape to the country may provide a welcome change of pace, but the speed of business doesn’t usually slacken. A reliable broadband connection will provide that all-important digital umbilical cord.
• Accessibility. A high level of work needs may be able to be successfully executed online, but needing to attend meetings in person means convenient access to roads – or airports. Location is everything.

Try these properties:

YASS

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If you’re looking for a safe haven from the outside world, this could be it – a six-bedroom country estate on an elevated 2.4 hectares with stunning 360-degree valley views.

New Hope may well be a prophetic name for this homestead-styled property that raises expectations on approach along its circular driveway, fringed by intricately planted landscaping.

Inside, there’s 316 square metres of living and a character theme continues with glossy blackbutt flooring throughout, high ceilings, cornices, ceiling roses and deep skirtings.

There’s a double-sized formal living area that will easily receive scores of guests once social distancing rules relax.

The spacious kitchen sparkles in white with plenty of bench space and storage while the breakfast room can comfortably seat 12. That leads onto wide verandahs and a spacious pavilion.

The parents’ retreat comprises a double-sized bedroom, large en suite and dressing room with north-facing windows. A guest room also enjoys an en suite. There are four other large bedrooms that share a generous family bathroom and separate vanity room.

Climate is controlled by ducted gas heating and insulation. Hot water is delivered via a continuous gas system.

The grounds include a 63-square-metre garage and a golf driving range. A free school bus collects primary school pupils from the front gate while free buses to Canberra schools stop on Yass Valley Way, a short and safe walk from the front gate.

Price guide: $1.5 million

Private sale

Agent: LJ Hooker Gungahlin, Naish Stormon 0488 164 426

BUNGENDORE

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Price guide: $975,000-$1 million

Private sale

Agent: Luton Properties Gungahlin, Katrice Velnaar 0411 449 071

YASS

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Price guide: $845,000

Private sale

Agent: Yass First National Real Estate, Deb Johnson 0427 394 481

BURRA

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Price guide: $1.29 million

Private sale

Agent: Hodgkinson Real Estate, Melinda McCallum 0429 122 700