2 Nankervis Street, Casey: The expansive four-bedroom home boasts 325 square metres of internal living space. Photo: Supplied Once synonymous with the Great Australian Dream, the quarter-acre block has been considered the property of choice for most homeowners since Canberra’s early days.
However, as land becomes more expensive and block sizes shrink in the territory’s newer suburbs, the dream has evolved to encompass a wider variety of homes.
The townhouse, large apartment and cleverly designed two-storey home on a smaller parcel have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, but there’s still a strong demand for the large traditional block, according to Peter Blackshaw Manuka principal Mario Sanfrancesco.
“Buyers realise that to have that size block does cost a bit more and it can take some work to maintain it beautifully,” Sanfrancesco says.
“However, there are plenty of buyers who are looking for that lifestyle and I don’t see that demand changing too much into the future.”
The quarter-acre block – roughly 1000 square metres in metric terms – is a tough find in some of Canberra’s newer suburbs, according to the latest Allhomes data.
Allhomes data scientist Nicola Powell says figures from the last quarter reveal that the average block size sold in the ACT was 735.7 square metres, though this number vastly differs by region.
While the inner north and Belconnen were bang on average, with blocks sized at 734 and 733 square metres, parcels to the south were comparatively larger.
The inner south and Woden Valley had the largest blocks, averaging 932.4 and 920 square metres.
Weston Creek and Tuggeranong blocks averaged 890.9 and 822.4 square metres.
But in Canberra’s younger regions, the 500-square-metre block has become the new normal. Gungahlin and Molonglo Valley sales averaged 509.6 and 524.7 square metres.
“The data of the last quarter really reflects what’s been happening for some time,” Powell says.
“It reflects the change in our building patterns and it’s to drive affordability.”
The smaller block works well for some buyers – for some the reduced upkeep is even preferable. But demand has demonstrated that our list of priorities vary, even among the same demographic.
While some busy families seek the lock-up-and-leave lifestyle, Sanfrancesco says others want their property to be a resort-style sanctuary that feels like coming home to a holiday.
“Families are so busy these days,” Sanfrancesco says.
“Often both parents are working, children have a busy schedule and getting away is a bit more challenging. Having the perfect home environment is becoming more desirable.”
Harcourts Kingston/Manuka agent Sandy Funston says hobbies and family dynamics can also demand a larger block size.
While car enthusiasts seek the space for multiple vehicles, others are looking for a spot to build a granny flat.
Funston says a swimming pool moves its way up the priority list at this time of year as well.
Those seeking a larger property should speak to agents in their desired area, as big blocks can be snapped up quickly, Sanfrancesco says.
“I’m not necessarily sure whether the demand is increasing or the supply is becoming close to non-existent,” Sanfrancesco says.
If you do manage to snag one of those rare quarter-acres, it’s a worthwhile investment, Powell says.
She says large blocks are set to remain popular in the capital, even if they’re surrounded by smaller neighbours.
“People move to Canberra because we have space,” Powell says.
“There is that demand for the quarter-acre block, but there’s a scarcity. They’re going to be worth even more in years to come because of that scarcity.”
Canberra’s biggest blocks
- Inner south: It’s not uncommon to find a half-acre block in Canberra’s prestigious southern suburbs: 37.5 per cent of last quarter’s inner-south sales were for a block larger than 1000 square metres. The average block size was 932.4 square metres.
- Woden Valley and Weston Creek: Big blocks were popular in Canberra’s west last quarter with land sales in Woden and Weston Creek averaging 920 and 890.9 square metres. But the figure declines above the 1000-square-metre mark. Less than a quarter of sales were for a quarter-acre block.
- Tuggeranong: When size matters and you’re seeking bang for your buck, it’s worth venturing into Tuggeranong. Last quarter’s average sale was 822.4 square metres and 17.5 per cent of sales topped the elusive 1000-square-metre mark.
More space for all
After almost 40 years in their Kambah home it’s time for Barry and Gloria Jarman, above, to downsize.
Four children and four grandchildren have called the 944-square-metre property home and the house has provided the perfect settings for family gatherings.
“The large-sized block has made a huge difference to family life,” Gloria says.
The house was one of the first to be built in this peaceful pocket of Canberra and its size and proximity to surrounding paddocks has allowed the family to have horses.
Barry built sheds for feed and hay, while the large double garage with a workshop area gave other family members room to indulge in their love of cars and motorsports.
“We’ve had the space to do all these things,” Barry said.
The couple sold the property through Harcourts agents Sandy Funston and Rhys Summergreene to a young, local family. The new owners will have plenty of space to make their own memories.
Cover property
2 Nankervis Street, Casey
$900,000-$1 million
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces
Auction on Saturday, October 8, at 10.30am, onsite.
Inspect on Saturday, from 2pm-2.30pm
McGrath Estate Agents Gungahlin, Jess Smith and Kris Hellier 0410 125 475 or 0413 799 700.
There aren’t too many blocks in Gungahlin large enough to accommodate a basketball court, but you’ll find one in this Casey backyard.
McGrath Gungahlin agent Jess Smith says the 957-square-metre block is one of Gungahlin’s largest and the expansive four-bedroom home boasts 325 square metres of internal living space.
The home was designed to maximise natural light and enjoys a lovely indoor/outdoor flow.
There are two distinct living spaces, both positioned on the upper floor capturing panoramic views across the district.
The formal living room includes an eye-catching gas fireplace and opens out to a huge entertainer’s balcony.
An informal family room flows from the gourmet kitchen, which includes stone bench tops, stainless steel appliances and ample storage space.
Four bedrooms are on the ground floor. All have built-in wardrobes and the master suite has a large walk-in wardrobe and en suite.
The guest bedroom also has an en suite and a kitchenette.
The outdoor space is stunning with a natural pond and a 9-metre x 11-metre basketball court.
Set in the popular suburb of Casey, it provides easy access to schools, bus services and reserves.