The ups and downs of single-level living in Canberra

Single-level living is a big hit with buyers across all demographics, from families to downsizers.

Josh Morrissey of HIVE Property has unpacked the key reasons and puts flexibility at the top of his list.

“A floor plan on one level can meet the needs for multigenerational living,” he says.

“It can offer different zones for adults, children and even extended family – there can be spaces to suit all.”

Morrissey says downsizers often buy into two-storey dwellings, but usually favour options where the main suite is sited on the ground level.

“Upstairs then simply becomes accommodation for visiting family and friends,” he says.

Morrissey says that, for these reasons, single-level homes often attract strong competition when they come to market.

Aaron Papahatzis of Belle Property Queanbeyan says they can also be more economical to build in the first place.

“There’s definitely more costs associated with a two-storey build, but they are often a good solution for a smaller block,” he says.

“A single-level dwelling on a reasonably sized block, however, offers the potential for easier extension down the track.”

Papahatzis says single-level living can also be a safer option for families with young children – or older relatives – as it does away with the need for stairs.

“And single-level living is a better option in giving parents closer supervision of youngsters,” he says.

Another welcome benefit, he adds, is that single-level homes are often easier to clean and maintain.

• Downsizers: Single-level living is very popular with downsizers. Even if the home is two-storey, they value the ability to live on one level, reserving the upper level for visiting family and friends.
• Families: There are practical advantages when everything is open-plan and on one level. Single-level homes can be safer for youngsters – no stairs to navigate day-to-day or in an emergency.
• Maintenance: Single-level homes are easier to clean, especially saving time cleaning the stairs and lugging the vacuum up them. Single-level homes are also usually cheaper to heat and cool.

Check out our favourite single-level homes on the market:

Forrest

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If there’s anywhere in Canberra where character is in rich supply, it’s Forrest … and this home in popular Dampier Street is no exception.

This single-level classic can trace its bones to the 1930s, but it has since been extended and – more recently – renovated to maximise the potential of a giant block of nearly 1500 square metres. It now delivers 332 square metres of living over two wings connected by a central family hub.

Inside, the front of the home could be characterised as “adults only” as this wing holds the main suite, a sitting room/library, a formal lounge and a television room.

The main suite has a bespoke dressing room and a full bathroom with marble finishes. The lounge is highlighted by a wood-burning fireplace, bay windows and integrated storage.

The hub of the house holds the kitchen, dining and family rooms along with access to a generous external courtyard.

High ceilings draw in the light and shine it on the high-spec kitchen that features custom joinery, stone bench tops and brand appliances.

Beyond the hub are three generous bedrooms, also highlighted by custom joinery. They share a main bathroom with underfloor heating and heated towel rails.

The big-ticket outdoor item is a heated swimming pool and a cabana surrounded by plenty of lawns for play and pets.

There’s a three-car garage, a carport and ample off-street, secured parking.

Price guide: $4 million+

Private sale

Agent: HIVE Property, Josh Morrissey 0437 799 234

Or try these:

Holder

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Price guide: $950,000+

Auction: 10am, February 11

Agent: VERV Property, Jason Roses 0431 419 847

Duffy

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Price guide: Circa $1.3 million

Auction: 6pm, February 8

Agent: HIVE Property, Eva Bono 0415 668 718

Queanbeyan

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Auction: 6pm, February 21

Agent: Belle Property Queanbeyan, Aaron Papahatzis 0419 683 599