What were the big property trends in Canberra for 2022?

There’s no doubt 2022 has been another roller coaster year and that uncertainty has been translated by buyers into a priority list when assessing a home’s potential.

Dan McAlpine of Belle Property Queanbeyan says he has seen an increasing preference for established, near-new and renovated properties.

“Buyers have noted impacts on the building supply chain, rising costs and the availability of trades,” he says.

“Consequently, homes they can move into and start living in right away have become highly desirable.”

McAlpine says this has kept the pressure on supply which, in turn, has kept the pressure on prices.

“That’s evident in the current market, which has recorded something like eight suburb records over the past two months,” he says.

McAlpine says other hot buttons for buyers have been work-from-home spaces, energy-efficient homes and covered entertaining areas.

Tim Burke of Luton Properties Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley also has observed buyer demand for ready-to-go homes.

“We have seen that translate into a greater willingness among buyers to move across Canberra when they find a home that meets their needs,” he says.

“In other times, they may have stayed in a general area and taken on a renovation or a rebuild.”

Burke says another desirable feature continued to be multiple living areas.

“Families need spaces where they can come together and others for personal privacy – or as an office,” he says.

“Another popular property feature is homes with a studio – a space that puts some separation into work-from-home.”

• Heating up: Rapidly rising energy costs have swung buyer focus onto home efficiency infrastructures like insulation, double-glazing, draught-proofing, solar systems and emerging battery storage technology. The higher the rating, the better.
• Retreat: Homes with a sense of privacy are prized, possibly in response to a continually battered world economy. A screen of trees or a neighbouring reserve offers a level of separation and tranquillity.
• Space: Changes to workplace culture and new options for working from home have upped the need for study or office space, while outdoor entertaining areas have a heightened level of appeal.

Check out our top pick of homes for sale:

Jerrabomberra

View property

There’s a whole lot of living to be had in this sprawling home – along with a set or two of tennis.

The five-bedroom residence is on a generous 1877 square metres in a cul-de-sac with sweeping views and private access to a neighbouring bush reserve.

Inside, are multiple living spaces, including formal lounge and dining rooms, a rumpus room and a sunken living room. Four bedrooms on this level share a family bathroom. The main bedroom suite is upstairs, serviced by a big walk-in wardrobe and an en suite with a corner spa. 

The central living hub is almost big enough for its own postcode and comprises all rooms for entertaining, relaxing and playing.

And the kitchen is big and well-equipped to cater for – no doubt – the roll call of family, friends and guests who will be drawn to this entertainer of a home. There’s a further bathroom to help meet needs.
Comfort is delivered through two wood fires, double-glazing throughout and central heating. Evaporative air cooling takes the sting out of the summer months. 

There are plenty of further al fresco options, including a wood-fired pizza oven and a tennis court. Native garden pockets require little maintenance, and vegetable garden bays will help reduce supermarket bills. There’s even a built-in composting bin to help recycle the kitchen scraps.

Car parking is taken care of by an oversized double remote-controlled garage with internal entry.

Private sale

Price Guide: $1.895 million

Agent: Belle Property Queanbeyan, Dan McAlpine 0401 005 282

Or try these:

Berry

View property

Private sale

Price Guide: $3.5 million-$3.6 million

Agent: McGoldrick Estate Agents, Nicholas Lyell 0401 658 450

Taylor

View property

Private sale

Price Guide: $1.8 million+ 

Agent: Confidence Real Estate, Anish Sebastian 0450 865 524