Goodbye sleepy bush capital. Hello vibrant city.
Canberra City is exploding with major growth. The population is on the rise, infrastructure is expanding, including Transport Canberra’s light rail. Innovation is alive and well, and property development is booming.
The first settlers who arrived in Canberra in 1824 wouldn’t believe their eyes. No doubt Walt and Marion Griffin would be keen to see how the city they planned has changed.
Canberra’s growth over the first few decades was slow. Before World War II, Canberra was just a small country town with a population of fewer than 2,000. Today life is vastly different. Canberra’s population is more than 460,000 with the bulk of the population between 15 and 64 years of age and the median age 37 years.
Building the city and building the community is front and centre of the ACT Government plans to make Canberra even more liveable and accessible for all.
The capital offers so much. With nature Canberra is blessed with plenty of parklands, including Glebe Park. A major focal point is Lake Burley Griffin. The city enjoys cycling paths, walking tracks and surrounding reserves and bush land. Those who love swimming head to the Canberra Olympic Pool.
Canberra’s culture is rich and the capital is home to inspiring national cultural institutions. The education system is first class and businesses find it easy to operate in the capital, including with the National Convention Centre located right in the city. There’s no end to entertainment, including at the Canberra Theatre Centre and Dendy Cinema.
It’s shopping galore in the city, starting with the Canberra Centre—the ACT’s largest shopping complex. Boutique retail operators, many locally owned, abound.
Find out how you can see Canberra City differently.
These are amazing times for Canberra. Here are some of the residential developments appearing on the city’s skyline.
New developments in Canberra City
Metropol
Striking, edgy and sophisticated, Geocon’s Metropol is a new residential statement for Canberra's most savvy. Designed by Fender Katsalidis and comprising three towers, the Metropol precinct has it all. The private spa, relaxation room, rooftop terraces and park views. Metropol’s inner-city location gives residents easy access to all the CBD offers, including transport, bicycle and walking paths, bars, pubs, eateries and shopping.
Dawn
Dawn, the third phase at Founders Lane, is under construction with some units still available. By JWLand, an Australian development company, Dawn is right in the city, at the boundary of Civic and Braddon, within easy reach of bars, cafes, restaurants and entertainment. Dawn’s open-concept apartments have been crafted with meticulous attention to detail with high-quality inclusions and finishes. Two contemporary colour schemes are available. The display gallery is at 59 Currong St, North Braddon.
The Griffin
The Griffin in Parks is at the front of the lake, at the edge of the city and in the centre of it all. A collection of residences inspired by the holistic design philosophy of Walter Burley Griffin, this development is by Amalgamated Property Group. With a prime location on Constitution Avenue, The Griffin is just moments from the city. Apartments are spacious, open-plan and enjoy quality finishes and appliances. The display unit is at 44 Constitution Avenue, Parkes.
SOL
SOL is the highly anticipated fourth and last release in the Founders Lane Precinct. In the heart of Canberra city, SOL is close to shopping, bars, cafes and restaurants. By JWLand, SOL offers a contemporary design with a mix of enduring materials. Two interior finishes are available and SOL’s expansive double-glazed windows allow ample natural light. One, two and three bedroom apartments start at $408,000. Sol’s sales suite is open at 59 Currong Street North, Braddon.
The Grounds
The Grounds, located in bustling Braddon, is a collection of apartments and terrace homes that adjoin the heritage-listed Northbourne Oval. One, two and three-bedroom apartments feature open spaces, natural light and great views across the Inner North. Two, three and four-bedroom terraces have multiple living areas, courtyards, lock-up garages and direct oval fronted. Built by Construction Control Australia, The Grounds is a development like no other. The display townhouse is at 7 Donaldson Street, Braddon.
If you’re looking for more information on developments in other parts of the ACT, you might like our articles on new developments in Belconnen, new developments in Woden, new developments in Gungahlin and new developments in Tuggeranong.
Want to find the latest real estate listings for sale and rent in Canberra City? Zango can help you find them:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is living in the city expensive?
Rents and purchasing prices vary, but there are affordable apartments, townhouses and houses in the city. Obviously, the amount you pay depends on many factors like city location, size, age and the condition of the property you’re looking to rent or buy.
Is the city family friendly?
Living in the city might not be for every family. However, there are loads of accommodation options for families and so much for families to do.
Should I buy an apartment in the city?
This depends on your personal circumstances but certainly many Canberrans love living in the city for its vibrancy, convenient facilities, amenities and enviable location. The percentage buying to live in the city is growing. More and more investors are also buying in the CBD, finding it relatively easy to rent properties out.
How far is the city to local transport?
The city is well served with public transport hubs. Bus service is great, the light rail a major addition to Canberra, and taxis are constantly on the move in and around the CBD.
Are there plenty of schools in Canberra city?
Canberra is well served with educational facilities, from primary school through to university (including the renowned Australian National University). A range of public, private and Catholic schools are available. Depending on where in the city you live, some education facilities may be closer than others, but most are within easy reach.