Property Market in Canberra
Canberra's property market is underpinned by high household incomes and stable public sector employment, resulting in consistently low vacancy rates and strong buyer demand. The planned light rail network and ongoing development in Molonglo Valley and Gungahlin are expanding the city's residential footprint.
Median House Price
$950,000
Median Unit Price
$550,000
Buying a median-priced house in Canberra at $950,000 involves more than just the purchase price. Estimated upfront costs include approximately $31,008 in stamp duty, $1,800 for conveyancing, and $1,200 for building and pest inspections — totalling around $34,008 in additional costs on top of your deposit. Use the calculator above for a detailed breakdown.
Buying Property in Canberra
Canberra's public sector employment base provides unusual market stability — even during national downturns, the ACT's unemployment rate stays well below the national average, which insulates property values from the sharp corrections seen in other capitals. The ACT government's land release program means pricing varies significantly between established suburbs and new developments in Molonglo Valley or Whitlam, where buyers can access house-and-land packages at a discount but may wait years for surrounding amenities to materialise. Canberra's ongoing stamp duty reform — progressively abolishing stamp duty in favour of higher annual land tax — means the upfront cost of buying is declining each year, but ongoing holding costs are rising, which is a critical calculation for investors comparing yields against other states.