30 June 2022

Red hot demand for land as thousands compete for second Ginninderry release

| James Coleman
Join the conversation
34
Family next to sign

The Valiveti family will be right at home in Ginninderry. Photo: Supplied.

Demand for land is still soaring – and the proof could be seen in one of Canberra’s newest suburbs.

More than 7400 buyers registered for one of 51 blocks in the second release of Macnamara last weekend.

Macnamara is the second suburb of Ginninderry, set on the border of NSW and ACT along the Murrumbidgee River with views of the Brindabellas. It’s currently 880 people strong, but will one day be home to 30,000 people who’ll enjoy a new neighbourhood park, community food gardens, local parks and more.

Block sizes range from 450 to 1083 square metres and include free front landscaping and construction waste management.

READ ALSO First blocks in Macnamara secured by lucky buyers in random ballot

The Valiveti family currently lives in Gungahlin but are very excited to move into their new block following Saturday’s result.

“We chose Ginninderry for the views – they’re amazing – and being close to nature,” Geetha and Syam Valiveti said.

The conservation corridor at Ginninderry. Photo: Ginninderry.

The first release took place in February and offered 71 blocks through a ballot. Instead of a traditional auction, blocks are listed with fixed prices and interested buyers essentially throw their hat into the ring by registering. The names are pulled out at random.

Ginninderry Project Director Steve Harding said interest in the ballot – one of three purchase methods in Macnamara’s second release of the year – demonstrates that demand for land remains strong.

READ ALSO Second land release at Macnamara includes another fixed price ballot

“The most pleasing aspect of the result is that Ginninderry’s commitment to being Canberra’s most sustainable community is resonating with purchasers,” he said.

“Not only will residents enjoy a community that fosters social and environmental sustainability, but economic sustainability as well with our mandate that all homes meet a minimum Energy Efficiency Rating of 7 Stars – a mandate that will undoubtedly result in lower running costs.”

Ginninderry ballot

The block selection weekend for the first ballot winners in February. Each party was given five minutes to choose their block in descending order from the first drawn. Photo: Ginninderry.

Ginninderry has also been named the ACT’s only ‘6 Star Green Star Community’ for its widespread use of solar panels, double glazing, insulation, batteries, rainwater tanks and electric vehicle chargers.

A resident since February 2020 in Ginninderry’s first suburb, Strathnairn, Chezang Dema purchased a block in Macnamara to meet the growing needs of her family.

“The area here is so nice, especially being close to nature and the parks where the children can play,” Chezang said.

The Mcnamara land release includes 35 blocks which are set to be auctioned in July and 31 house and land packages currently up for sale. Settlement of land is expected between December 2023 and May 2024.

Join the conversation

34
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

I received an email to say my application for the land ballot had been received, I had never lodged a ballot. I called them, after some investigation they said it was a mistake, I expressed my concern at what had occurred & asked them to put respond in writing as I did not want my name to be used for anything I was not aware of.

I am a Rabbit™10:08 pm 01 Jul 22

Why are they doing land ballots in this way? I would rather they do open auctions so they are sold under market rates, and pass on the revenue through reduced taxes. People who are already paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for land should pay real market rates, rather than rely on taxpayers for handouts.

Linda Seaniger4:36 pm 01 Jul 22

As a retired person I won’t be selling my family home to move into an poorly build apartment with heaps of warranty issues and indebted body corporate situation.
The Chief minister only approves developments for two story townhouses and not smaller, single story seperate title dwellings. I feel sorry for all the young people who have to pay such an exorbitant price for land in Canberra.
I sincerely hope the ACT government doesn’t buy land in surrounding NSW so that other developers can meet market demand.

Definitely need more small affordable single storey separate title homes for older , single, younger. The numbers of strata as well as the strata fees are outrageous, not benefiting those who are buying.

The easiest way to lower the price of land would be to ban builders and developers from buying empty blocks. They have very deep pockets, can splash out millions at the beginning of the process and then are happy to sit on the vacant blocks while they slowly build their house and land packages.

The government should restrict land sales to the home owner only. Once the block is purchased the owner can engage the builder. This may have a secondary advantage of owners actually getting an appropriate house and not the McMansion that builders want to erect.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.