Blue-chip address: What's the appeal of the Inner South's most sought-after streets?

There’s no doubting the timeless appeal of the Inner South, but some streets have developed higher profiles. 

Think the “Golden Mile” of Mugga Way, perhaps Dominion Circuit in Forrest or Caley Crescent in Narrabundah.

Louise Harget of Belle Property Canberra says specific addresses are not the main motivators for Inner South buyers.

“There’s a real diversity of locations within the broader area, and that’s a strong part of the appeal,” she says.

“The choice of address is really driven by how comfortable it makes a buyer feel.”

Harget says some streets have natural advantages.

“Buyers are drawn by the beauty of the Chinese Elms in Carrington Street, Deakin, and you couldn’t find a more picturesque street, say, than Grant Crescent in Griffith – it’s so leafy and filled with character homes.

Mario Sanfrancesco of Blackshaw Manuka says a desire to upgrade often leads buyers toward what they consider better locations.

“Some of the most sought-after streets are favoured because of their relative privacy,” he says.

“For example, Vancouver, Torres and Wickham streets in Red Hill tend to experience light traffic, and the homes are often on bigger blocks.”

Sanfrancesco cites other addresses for their views, like Hamelin Crescent in Narrabundah, Endeavour Street, Red Hill, and Rawson Street in Deakin.

“One of the rarest addresses, however, would be Brown Street in Yarralumla for its lakeside location,” he says.

“But as far as the Inner South is concerned, just about anywhere is the right address.”

• Location The Inner South is one of Canberra’s oldest established regions. Consequently, it’s close to just about everything. Typically, beyond the shopping precincts, its streets tend to be leafy and relatively quiet.
• Convenience There is a wide variety of quality schools within minutes of just about anywhere in the Inner South. It’s also close to many workplaces and to shopping and recreational options.
• Street cred Many of its sought-after streets are regarded as such because of the appeal of their specific location: it could be views, privacy, big blocks or character homes – or a combination.

Check out our top pick of properties in the Inner South:

Kingston

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Most people associate Kingston with apartments and shops but don’t realise it also has its fair share of classic homes.

Here’s one in Kennedy Street: a character-filled residence that effortlessly captures the appeal of the Inner South. 

This stunning 1920s bungalow effortlessly fuses its heritage charm with a sympathetic renovation and extension that delivers the highest standards in contemporary living.

And the charm begins with the private, hedged front garden contrasted by red brick paths on a very manageable 824-square-metre block.

It’s a leafy haven, all within minutes of the Kingston shops, foreshore dining options and lakeside amenity.

This three-bedroom home has undergone a dramatic transformation and is packed with character features that include high ceilings, painted cedar windows and highly polished hardwood flooring. 

Generous living areas and a traditional country kitchen enjoy the northern sun and flow onto a covered al fresco space and onto the back garden.  

The kitchen is highlighted by subway tiles, island stone benchtops, good storage and a pantry; German appliances provide the muscle. There’s an adjoining meals area that can seat 12. 

The main bedroom enjoys an en suite, and there are two further bedrooms. The bathrooms are creatively styled with period fixtures and fittings. Home comfort is delivered through ducted gas heating and a new evaporative cooling system.

There’s a single lock-up garage with storage as well as ample off-street parking for caravan or boat. 

Price guide: High $1 million-$2 million

Auction: 3pm, June 26

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Louise Harget 0412 997 894

Or try these:

Griffith

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Price guide: $470,000-$520,000

Private sale

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Amy Wilson 0405 130 332

Narrabundah

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Price guide: $1.1 million+

Auction: Noon, June 26

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Bree Currall 0410 633 247

Red Hill

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Price guide: Circa $3 million

Auction: Noon, June 26

Agent: LJ Hooker Manuka, Stephen Thompson 0418 626 254