Why NSW regions across Canberra borders are attracting buyers

Regions around the ACT are growing in popularity, which has led to record-breaking property growth in the last 12 months.

Just three examples are near-neighbour Googong, which topped out at just over 58 per cent, Mollymook Beach on the South Coast, which jumped 65.8 per cent, and Jindabyne in the alps, where prices snowballed by 76.5 per cent.

Gavin Van Zyl of White Rhino Property Googong-Queanbeyan-Jerrabomberra says there had been incredible price increases at the height of the pandemic.

“I sold homes to buyers just before COVID for around $950,000 and resold them during the pandemic for as much as $1.6 million,” he says.

Van Zyl says prices are now steadying due to frequent interest rate rises, but Googong’s appeal shows no sign of slowing.

“People still see it as representing great value for money compared with what’s on offer in the older parts of Canberra and Queanbeyan,” he says.

“First-timers to Googong say they are amazed how good it looks and feels – and it’s only going to get better with a school under construction and a shopping centre on the horizon.”

Michael Henley of Henley Properties says a change of lifestyle has driven the appeal of the Snowy Mountains region.

“And that demand put upward pressure on prices during the height of the pandemic,” he says.

Henley says the region offers a more relaxed lifestyle made possible by new work-from-home options.

“People are now able to move away from the big cities,” he says. “The Snowies offers a relaxed lifestyle with amazing activities on the doorstep.”

• Choice: There’s a world of choice outside the ACT. Maybe a cottage in the Southern Highlands, a beach house on the South Coast or a cosy lodge in the alps.
• Community: Moving to somewhere in regional NSW usually also means joining a local community. People depend more closely on one another when living in a small town, a village or neighbouring lifestyle properties.
• Lifestyle: An escape to the country or to a small regional town is usually driven by a desire for a relaxed lifestyle with more breathing space and perhaps more recreational options.

Check out our top pick of homes across the border for sale:

Googong

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This is something special: a distinctive Googong home packed with features – and with mountain views that go on forever. 

The sloping site has delivered a five-bedroom, cantilevered wonder that is well and truly a study in architectural and engineering excellence.

Inside, the delight continues. The lower level houses three bedrooms, a bathroom (with bath), a tiered home theatre and a study. There’s access to an outdoor deck from one of the bedrooms. 

The upper level offers the main suite and one other bedroom. The main has a walk-through wardrobe and an en suite with dual vanities. 

There’s also a study, a mudroom and a main family, kitchen and dining area highlighted by raked ceilings.

The kitchen has an island bench that can seat four, and there’s a big line-up of appliances including a gas cooktop and electric oven. Other features include a mirrored splashback, plumbing for a refrigerator and a spacious pantry.

There’s also a second living room and three decks around the home with a further one off the laundry.

Comfort is delivered through ducted reverse-cycle air-conditioning and split systems downstairs.

The entertaining area features a full outdoor kitchen with a drinks fridge. A spa and a firepit add to the attraction.

There’s also a double automated garage and the property is completed by landscaped, low-maintenance gardens.

This spectacular residence is just five minutes to Queanbeyan and about 25 minutes to Canberra city.

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Mario Sanfrancesco 0412 488 027

Auction: 5.30pm, September 1

Or try these:

Mollymook Beach

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Price guide: $1.65 million

Private sale

Agent: Raine & Horne Mollymook/Milton, Ben Pryde 0410 324 209

Googong

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Price guide: $1.15 million-$1.25 million

Private sale

Agent: Hayman Partners, Anthony McCormack 0425 283 588

Jindabyne

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Price guide: $1.65 million-$1.7 million

Private sale

Agent: Raine & Horne Snowy Mountains, Ben Clancy 0413 778 501