Open for inspection: The top 4 properties in Canberra for sale right now

Like a flick of a switch, Canberra’s iconic blossom trees, which line the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, seem to have fully bloomed overnight and that could only mean one thing – hello spring!

What’s felt like a long and dreary sub-zero wait has come to an end and finally we can look forward to what we hope will be a more lively property market. Winter provided some welcome surprises with good numbers coming through on the open homes circuit and buyer activity holding strong in the midst of tight supply, but agents can now breathe a sigh of relief as potential sellers who have held off until spring fling open the doors and list their homes for sale.

On the open homes circuit this weekend, August 31-September 1, our top picks comprise of an Inner North apartment with a savvy studio add-on, a family home on the hills with bushland views and a colourfully styled home that’s perfect for the warmer months ahead.

Lyneham

404/241 Northbourne Avenue (also pictured above)

Price guide: $555,000 +

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

Just moments from Braddon and the City is a little treasure that might just be the cutest apartment you’ve ever stepped foot in. While adorable in nature, make no mistake: this apartment uses 99 square metres of space to its ultimate advantage.

A spacious open-plan living and dining area, designer kitchen with movable island bench, one generous bedroom with built-in wardrobe, sizeable main bathroom and balcony only mark the beginning of a home holding one big secret.

Hidden behind this, much like the land of Narnia concealed behind a wardrobe, is a completely separate, fully equipped studio.

It has its own entry, bathroom, kitchenette and living space and offers complete privacy from the rest of the apartment.

For buyers looking to live in the home, the studio is ideal for renting to a permanent roomie or as an Airbnb. But if it’s an investment you seek, then putting both up for lease may produce a desirable return.

Located in Base 241, the home also enjoys access to luxe amenities including a resort-style heated rooftop pool, and barbecue area.

Private sale

Agent: Independent Inner North & City, Chris Uren 0407 466 199

Weetangera

34 Kinleyside Crescent

Price guide: $790,000 +

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 car spaces

This charming home on a sizeable 947-square-metre block has been dearly loved and filled with cherished family memories with the sellers having watched their three boys grow up in the home and the community which surrounds it.

It features an expansive, light-filled living room with hardwood floors, a cosy bay window and a glass door connecting to the large, covered outdoor entertaining space.

The kitchen is modern and bright, and has been renovated into a galley-style gourmet kitchen with stone benchtops, ample storage, gas cooking, Bosch appliances and a custom meals bench.

The convenient and family-friendly location means that the home is minutes to public transport, Weetangera Primary School, nature reserves and walking trails, including Mount Painter, Black Mountain Reserve and Pinnacle Nature Reserve.

Auction: 4pm, September 5

Agent: Cris O’Brien, home.byholly 0409 308 038

Chapman

38 Monkman Street

Price guide: Mid $2 millions

6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

Magnificent bushland views, designer features and a focus on connecting with the outdoors are drawcards of this dreamy home, which backs on to Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve.

It offers a multi-level design with a pool and formal living area, which enjoys massive amounts of light and warmth through large picturesque windows.

Meticulous attention to detail is evident at the very first glance. High-end premium quality materials and designer influences have been used extensively throughout the home with solid full-height timber windows and doors, remarkable custom-made joinery, quality carpets, blinds and superb selections of tiling and natural stone.

On the lower level of the home, there is a fantastic guest bedroom wing that comes with an en suite, separate TV room, rumpus/home gym and toilet, as well as access to the backyard with covered patio.

Auction: 11am, September 14

Agent: Peter Blackshaw Manuka, Mario Sanfrancesco 0412 488 027

Cook

8 Dugdale Street

Price guide: $600,000 +

3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 car space

Set behind a screen of mature native plants, this open and airy home has an abundance of light streaming in through the sliding doors, which lead to a private north-facing deck.

The design of the floorplan is both functional and versatile, and the great use of glass throughout helps to connect indoor spaces with outdoor areas.

Superb use of natural timbers adds character and echoes through to the kitchen, which features a huge island bench, soft close drawers, quality appliances and ample storage space.

The back yard is also a highlight – spacious and secure for the kids and pets to roam.

Auction: 11.30am, September 7

Agent: Ray White Canberra, Micky Jacobs 0431 957 156