The high-value feature adding 20 per cent to Canberra homes (and it's not the kitchen)

Canberra home owners are reaping the rewards of the capital’s leafy reputation, with new research revealing gardens and green spaces are adding significant value to local properties.

According to the Plant Value Report, conducted by Greener Spaces Better Places in partnership with Domain, Canberra leads the country with 49 per cent of house listings featuring greenery – the highest proportion nationwide.

This reflects the city’s distinctive character, defined by its established gardens and carefully landscaped streetscapes, which have become central to its identity.

The financial benefits are substantial.

Houses with greenery achieve a 19.9 per cent price premium, translating to significant additional value for sellers.

Beyond price, green features also help properties sell faster, with Canberra homes featuring gardens selling four days faster than those without.

The trend extends to the unit market.

In the ACT, 22.5 per cent of unit listings feature green elements, such as balcony gardens or communal green areas, providing a 13.7 per cent uplift for owners.

These apartments sell significantly faster, spending an average of eight fewer days on the market.

According to the report, greenery is emerging as an essential element of liveable design, one that elevates both lifestyle and property value, as cities grow taller and outdoor space becomes increasingly scarce.

Nationally, about a third of houses for sale feature greenery, selling for 17.4 per cent more or adding an average of $140,000 to the median sale price.

This is a similar case for units, which record a 16.1 per cent premium, or roughly $100,000 more.