How important is backyard space for Canberrans?

Backyard space has been shrinking in contemporary times, but buyers still place a premium on having room to entertain and play.

Bill Lyristakis of Berkely Residential says the residence on leafy La Perouse Street is a reminder of old Canberra.

“It sits on more than 1400 square metres and, back in the day, that was pretty much standard,” he says.

“In the new areas, block sizes are now often less than half that, but people still want outdoor space.”

Lyristakis says entertaining and room for kids to play is still a high priority.

“When the weather’s good, the outdoor space comes into its own, and buyers want room to extend their lifestyle into the fresh air,” he says.

“Of course, a bigger block also comes future-price proofed if it ever goes to market.”

Alexander Anlezark of Belle Property Canberra says useable space is the key for buyers.

“They’ll take a close look at a block and think about how they might maximise it,” he says.

“That might include an area for relaxing, preparing meals, dining and an area for play.”

Anlezark says the golden rule in unlocking value is to buy the biggest block you can as close to the city centre as possible.”

“Bigger blocks provide more options – whether it be for a pool or a studio or to extend the home,” he says.

Anlezark says downsizers, however, prefer to trade off big blocks for usable entertaining space and low-maintenance plantings.  

• Benefits: Any number of studies attest that we all benefit from fresh air and sunshine – that’s easier to absorb if there are attractions to motivate us to spend more time in the backyard.
• Create: Respond to family interests: what challenges each member? A jungle gym, ninja obstacle course, a basketball hoop – or perhaps simply pottering around a humble sandpit or a cubby house?
• Encourage: Backyard recreation options are opportunities to foster imagination, creativity and passion. Future Ash Bartys or Raiders or Brumbies stars may well say it was their backyard play experiences that shaped them.

Check out our top pick of homes with backyards for sale:

Griffith

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This is the right address if you’re looking for a home with distinction and style. It has it all, beginning with a location in one of the Inner South’s leafiest avenues. 

Add to that a classic Canberra family residence — now fully renovated and extended. Put all that on a super-sized block of 1416 square metres. Now, tie a bow around it and add a price tag to match.

The interior layout of the main residence constitutes a wing with three bedrooms to the right of the entry, a central living core, a main bedroom suite to the rear and an outdoor entertaining terrace. There’s also a separate studio and a double garage with a mud room and shower.

But it’s the detail that separates this home from many other contenders. 

Consider this list: French doors to the front terrace, spotted gum timber floors, a fireplace and high ceilings in the living and dining rooms, a light-filled family room, and a luxury designer kitchen with high-quality appliances, stone benchtops and a meals area. Home comfort features include double-glazed windows, hydronic heating and reverse-cycle heating and cooling.

More welcome surprises await outdoors, highlighted by a timber deck with a retractable roof overlooking a saltwater pool. There’s even a wood-fired pizza oven that’s a work of art in its own right. And if the double garage isn’t enough, up to six cars can be squeezed onto the forecourt.

Price guide: $4 million+

Auction: Noon, September 24

Agent: Berkely Residential, Bill Lyristakis 0418 626 593

Or try these:

Karabar

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Price guide: $830,000+

Auction: 5:30pm, September 15

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Alexander Anlezark 0403 221 667

Mawson

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Price guide: $1.99 million+

Private sale

Agent: Edge Real Estate, Steve Thomas 0419 888 026