Compact House and Land Packages for sale by ballot
Ginninderry’s new release of Flexi-living Homes has been thoughtfully designed to ofer more choice, sustainability and value. With a range of two and three-bedroom designs available, you’ll fnd a home that suits your lifestyle and budget.
Enjoy architecturally designed living, quality fnishes, energy-efcient features and the freedom of individually titled homes with no body corporate fees.
This is a smarter way to own in one of Canberra’s most sustainable communities.
and Land Packages now selling by ballot
Note from the editor
This week, the latest Domain Forecast Report brings a bit of a reality check for our local market, predicting that Canberra house prices will fatline or potentially dip by up to 4 per cent over the next 12 months. Driven by recent interest rate hikes and a shift in buyer sentiment, it’s clear we are entering a much more varied national property landscape. While this puts Canberra among the softer-performing capital cities alongside Sydney and Melbourne, experts remind us it is certainly not all doom and gloom. Our apartment and unit market is expected to hold relatively steady, and the capital’s long-term housing undersupply gives us a great foundation for resilience. Read more on page 8.
Comfort, space and tranquillity
Escape to the country in five-star style. Set on more than 20 hectares of rolling green farmland, this is your private rural sanctuary just 30 minutes from the centre of Canberra.
Perched on the property’s high point, the sprawling, renovated house at 141 Rochford Road, Wallaroo, boasts huge windows that flood the rooms with sunlight and take in breathtaking views. It features four bedrooms, a dedicated study, a designer kitchen and a separate rumpus room. There’s plenty of fun stuff too, like a built-in bar with a wine fridge, a covered entertaining area with an outdoor kitchen, and a hot tub looking out to the mountains.
Two garages offer parking for four cars or space for a workshop or home gym. On the farming side, there are five fenced paddocks, cattle yards, a dam and water system, and around 100 olive trees.
Comfort, space, and tranquillity await, says agent Katrice Velnaar from Hive Property. The private sale has a price guide of $2.6 million.
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*Canberra’s #1 Property magazine
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WHAT TO SEE THIS WEEKEND
Words by Lucy Jones
Grifth
14 Landsborough Street
Private sale
Agent: LJ Hooker Manuka, Samuel Thompson 0412 300 774
Built in 1948, this grand residence stands as a captivating piece of Canberra’s history. Carefully updated over the years, the home ofers an expansive dual-level foor plan tailored for family living. Character features such as wood-framed windows and stainedglass panels blend with the modern kitchen and luxe bathrooms. Set on a 1001-square-metre block, the estate boasts a circular driveway and a park-like backyard. This enviable location is just a short stroll from the Grifth shops and top-tier schools, with Manuka’s boutique dining precinct only 10 minutes away.
$2.5 million+ 6 3 2 EER 2 Wright
51 Steve Irwin Avenue
$1.449 million+ 4 2 2 EER 6
Private sale
Agent: Hive Property, Bree Prince 0450 566 150
You’ve never seen a house quite like this. Outside, it’s sleek and elegant, with a foating black glass facade refecting the parkland opposite. Inside, it’s incredibly bright, with high ceilings, burnished concrete foors, refective surfaces and layered lighting. Conveniently set on one level, with separate living areas, abundant storage and a tiled and decked al fresco area, this home makes for easy living without sacrifcing style.
Palmerston
9 Bunya Close
$890,000-$910,000
3 2 1 EER 3.5
Auction: 10am, July 4
Agent: Archer Canberra, Alex Wang 0402 169 387 Harrison 7 Brumby Street
$990,000
58 PROPERTIES ON OFFER 63
4 2 2 EER 5.5
Auction: 10am, July 4
Agent: Momentum Property, Adrian Giampietro 0449 559 225 LAST WEEKEND HIGHEST SALE
scheduled auctions last weekend
11 O’Shanassy Street
$1.5 million-$1.6 million
4 3 2 EER 1.5
Contact agent
Agent: Hayman Partners, Tyran Murphy 0428 036 790
$2.912m PIALLIGO
17 Kallaroo Road Sold by Luton Properties Dickson
A large house on an even larger block in one of Canberra’s most desirable suburbs, this property ticks all the boxes. Designed in a timeless mid-century style, it features clean lines, bespoke cabinetry, natural textures and an indoor-outdoor fow. Three separate living areas and oversized bedrooms let the family spread out, while established trees make the garden completely private. A self-contained studio at the rear of the yard features a bathroom, kitchen, living space and separate bedroom and ofers endless potential.
City 809/222 City Walk
$349,000+ 1 1 1 EER 6
Private sale
Agent: Momentum Property, Anthony McCormack 0425 283 588
Get your foot on the Canberra property ladder with this contemporary eighthfoor apartment. A curved wall of windows foods the living area with natural light, and the balcony looks out over the rooftops of the city beyond. The foor plan is compact yet practical, with an internal laundry, corner bath, built-in wardrobe and storage. The location is hard to beat, with the Canberra Centre, restaurants and parks just steps from your front door.
On the market for the frst time since it was built almost 50 years ago, this expansive property is ready for its new family. It’s impeccably maintained with generous proportions and abundant natural light, and you’ll instantly feel at home. There are three separate living areas, including a rumpus room with a woodburning freplace and bar that’s sure to be a favourite. The large block has leafy gardens and a saltwater swimming pool, while the elevated balconies have views out to the Brindabellas.
Curtin
Wanniassa
Words by Sue Williams
A tale of two markets across the capitals
A new report forecasts property prices will head in opposite directions over the next year as uncertainty reshapes
demand.
Property prices in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra are being tipped to fall dramatically by up to 8 per cent over the next 12 months, while those in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are forecast to rise by up to 9 per cent.
The new Domain Forecast Report FY2027 tells a striking tale of likely winners and losers in the national real estate scene through June 2027.
It points to the combination of interest rate hikes, federal budget tax reforms, global and domestic uncertainty and local demand-and-supply mismatches as triggering the wide range of results.
“The research points to quite a diverse picture,” Domain chief residential economist Dr Nicola Powell says.
“Any change in interest rates afects cities like Sydney, Melbourne and
Left: Canberra’s property prices are tipped to remain fat or decline modestly through to mid-2027.
Below: Sydney’s resilient market could bounce back quickly from predicted falls.
Canberra the most because buyers there tend to borrow more, while they tend to be better at providing more housing supply.
“On the other hand, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have very undersupplied housing markets, and demand is still ahead of where supply is. They’ll still have price growth, but it will be more subdued.
“It’s like they’ve been racing along the highway and have just hit a school zone and had to hammer on the brakes. Some areas’ prices were growing over 20 per cent a year, and now they’ll be below 10 per cent, which is a massive slowdown.”
The report predicts that Melbourne will see the biggest house price drops of between 4 and 8 per cent, Sydney the next at 3 to 7 per cent and Canberra either fatlining or falling up to 4 per cent.
Meanwhile, Perth house prices are expected to rise the most, by 5 to 9 per cent; Adelaide next, at 4 to 8 per cent; and Brisbane, by 3 to 7 per cent.
“What we’ll be seeing is much more measured price growth than in the past few years for some areas, and a marked fall in others.” Dr Nicola Powell
Units hold frm
Unit prices are forecast to outperform houses, with prices falling just 1 to 3 per cent in both Sydney and Melbourne, and 0 to 4 per cent in Canberra.
In Perth, they’re expected to surge 7 to 11 per cent, in Brisbane by 5 to 9 per cent and in Adelaide by 4 to 8 per cent.
Median house prices in the combined capitals will range between a 2.5 per cent fall and a 1.5 per cent rise, while units will move from 3.3 per cent to -0.7 per cent.
“So, what we’ll be seeing is much more measured price growth than in the past few years in some areas, and a marked fall in others,” Powell says.
“We’ll see the more afordable markets doing well and the higher-priced property being afected most.
“In Australia, we’re seeing gross domestic product growth slowing, unemployment rising, employment falling and the housing market slowing.
“But a lot depends on the international outlook too, and factors like whether the Strait of Hormuz will be open. Prices might start gradually recovering from mid-2027.”
Richardson & Wrench managing director Andrew Cocks sees the market
as being driven by sentiment. With all the domestic and global headwinds creating enormous uncertainty, it’s, in turn, providing a drag on prices.
“But hopefully the price falls in our two largest cities will be relatively short term with some stability occurring in the global sphere later,” he says.
“The federal budget wasn’t helpful, either, in boosting sentiment, and that is undermining investor confdence, which has an impact on the market as a whole.
“Long term, however, Australian real estate is very secure and one of the
best markets in the world in terms of product and diferent options, but it isn’t absolutely resilient to the impact of negative sentiment.”
Not all doom and gloom
The chief executive of Belle Property and Hockingstuart, Nick Boyd, is also forecasting much more subdued overall growth and has seen some Melbourne property prices fall below replacement value.
“But I don’t believe we could ever see Melbourne house prices falling as much
as 7 or 8 per cent,” he says. “They’re already at such attractive prices, they’re attracting buyers from elsewhere in search of value.
“Certainly, Sydney has come of the boil, though, but it is a very resilient market and can bounce back very quickly as well.
“We also believe that Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide will see more subdued growth but they are robust cities and their prices will potentially still increase.”
National buyer’s agent Simon Pressley, head of property market research at Propertyology, says those three markets will now experience price growth that’s more akin to normal years, rather than the staggering rates of the past six years.
“And we’ll see some locations rise, others fall, and still others barely move at all,” he says.
“But while Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra will be the worst-performing capital cities, they’re still undersupplied in the long run.
“But it’s not all doom and gloom. There will be large parts of Australia, particularly in the regions, where we’re seeing strong growth, with agribusiness very strong and domestic tourism strong despite the cost-of-living rises.”
Left: Melbourne is forecast to see the biggest house price drops.
Words by Jil Hogan
House-sized space, apartment ease
In the hunt for a new home, buyers are often asked to choose between two very diferent lifestyles: the space and fexibility of a house, or the convenience and ease of apartment living. TANA, a new boutique development in Lyneham, poses a diferent question: why not have both?
Comprising just 11 residences and tucked away in a quiet pocket, the project occupies the often-overlooked middle ground between detached homes and higher-density apartment living. Each residence includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a double garage – one boasts a triple garage – ofering house-like proportions without the maintenance that typically comes with them.
Built across an amalgamation of three residential blocks, the developers could have pursued a much higherdensity outcome. Instead, they opted for boutique.
“The vision for TANA was to create a community defned by thoughtful design and enduring craftsmanship,” says Justin Ingram from MRKT Property. “ Every decision was made to complement the surrounding neighbourhood, creating a private and secure place that people will be proud to call home.”
The result is a gated community designed around privacy, security and long-term liveability. Residents enter through a secure gate, while homes enjoy a rare combination of seclusion and connection to the neighbourhood.
A rare combination: The development is built across an amalgamation of three residential blocks, and designed to blend into the neighbourhood while maintaining a sense of seclusion.
At a glance
TANA
17 Fox Place, Lyneham
Number of residences: 11
Prices: Four-bed from $1,959,900
Architect: Turco & Associates
Developer: Fox Trot Developments Trust
Sales: MRKT Property, Justin Ingram 0431 116 399
Inspections: By appointment only
From the developer: “TANA is the perfect balance between a standalone house and an apartment, with an Inner North address. There are very few new, familysized homes available in the area”
“They’re made for big living with quiet luxury, and designed so people can downsize from the yard.” Justin Ingram
Designed by Canberra architects Turco & Associates, the homes were conceived with downsizers in mind, although Ingram says they are equally suited to families seeking a lowmaintenance lifestyle.
“They’re made for big living with quiet luxury, and designed so people can downsize from the yard, but not necessarily the house,” he says.
Inside, the homes fow over two levels, with open-plan living centred on an oversized kitchen designed as the social heart of the home.
“The kitchens are massive. They’re bigger than you would fnd in a lot of homes these days,” Ingram says.
Complete with integrated fridgefreezers, oversized island benches, sleek cabinetry, 900-millimetre induction cooktops and twin pyrolytic ovens, they’re designed to comfortably handle everything from everyday meals to large family celebrations.
“It’s designed so it’s big enough for when you have family gatherings and everyone over for events like Christmas,
but small enough for every day, so you’re not a slave to the property in terms of cleaning and maintenance,” Ingram says. Accommodation has also been planned with fexibility in mind. Each home includes two bedrooms with en suites –one located on the ground foor, plus a generous main-bedroom retreat upstairs with a walk-through wardrobe and en suite. Also upstairs, two additional bedrooms and the main bathroom are arranged around a second living area illuminated by skylights.
Outdoor spaces have also been kept manageable. Each residence enjoys a private backyard, while homes 3 to 11 also include rear-gate access directly onto the parkland beside Lyneham High School, extending the sense of outdoor space beyond the property boundary.
Homes 1 and 2 ofer an additional layer of fexibility, with the ground-foor bedroom featuring direct external access, making it equally suited to a home ofce.
The rest of the inclusions list reads more like a custom home than a
townhouse development. Solar panels and battery storage are included as standard, alongside zoned heating and cooling, security cameras, intercom access and EV-ready infrastructure. Homes are delivered fully landscaped and turnkey-ready.
Construction is by respected local builders Monarch Building Solutions, which Ingram says gives buyers peace of mind and confdence that the quality is built to stand the test of time.
And then there’s the location. A pedestrian path links directly to the Lyneham shops, while Northbourne Avenue, the light rail and the city are only minutes away.
With construction complete, TANA ofers an opportunity to secure a brandnew, family-sized home in Canberra’s Inner North, ready to move in now.
Scan the code to see the listing
Fresh air: Each residence features a lowmaintenance private backyard, providing a touch of the outdoors at home.
Words by Jil Hogan
Unique lakeside combination
Front-row views across Lake Burley
Grifn are usually reserved for apartment dwellers, but here, they come with a fve-bedroom house.
Opposite one of Canberra’s most recognisable landscapes, the home enjoys outlooks across the water to the Black Mountain tower beyond.
Large terraces and balconies make the most of the position, creating plenty of places to sit back and take it all in.
Sitting behind secure gates, the home fows across two levels. The entrance
foyer is fanked by formal dining and lounge rooms, the latter with a freplace.
From both, French doors open onto a travertine-paved terrace where that view is on full display. A separate home ofce or rumpus room enjoys the same treatment.
Further inside, the expansive kitchen centres around a marble island bench, complemented by integrated appliances, a Zip tap and extensive cabinetry. It fows to the open-plan informal living and dining spaces, where there’s yet
“An exceptional residence, where grand design, refned craftsmanship and an irreplaceable lakefront position defne one of Canberra’s most remarkable homes.”
another freplace and more French doors leading to a covered rear terrace.
Outside, a gas-heated swimming pool sits among landscaped gardens.
Upstairs, the main-bedroom suite has a private balcony with lake views, a walkthrough wardrobe and an en suite with a double shower, bath and in-foor heating.
Of the four additional bedrooms, one features an en suite, while another has a private balcony. The landing area atop the stairs provides yet another space in which to retreat.
Yarralumla 4 Brown Street Contact agent
Auction: Noon, July 11
Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Ahmad Souweid 0404 401 068
Yarralumla’s lakeside streets are home to Government House, embassies and diplomatic residences, making it one of Canberra’s most exclusive and internationally connected suburbs.
million
Ahmad Souweid Blackshaw Manuka
THE INVESTOR
Words by Sue Williams
Rental as anything
As the housing crisis reshapes the market, renting is becoming a long-term choice rather than a stepping stone to ownership.
Renting property no longer carries the bad odour it once did in the Australian market, as the housing crisis bites and home ownership remains out of reach for many.
Instead, many more forms of rental accommodation are now becoming available. Colliers’ research has found that professionally managed rental living is expanding beyond inner cities, with more people choosing to rent as a lifestyle.
“We’re now seeing a combination of domestic and international funds investing in the living sector,” in areas like build-to-rent, co-living and land lease communities, says Robert Papaleo, head of living – residential at Colliers and one of the authors of the Australian Living Capital Markets Investment Review and Outlook report.
“It’s an attractive sector for institutional investment given Australia’s robust market fundamentals and supply challenges. It’s globally proven as a significant asset class, and this is an easier way for them to gain exposure to all the fundamentals of the housing market and [achieve] a low-risk income from the growing pool of renters.”
As of December last year, there were 20,100 build-to-rent apartments completed and committed to, plus 8000
co-living units, and 100,000 land-lease community dwellings, the report says. That’s still a small proportion of Australia’s $12 trillion residential asset class, with its total stock of 11.4 million homes, and 174,000 new dwellings planned by the end of 2025, but it’s growing fast.
While renting has simply become a financial necessity for more Australians, it is also a deliberate lifestyle choice for others who prefer to invest their capital elsewhere, Papaleo says. The more
“There’s now a huge need for familyfriendly rental neighbourhoods and for long leases.” Rasti Vaibhav
Evolution: New forms of professionally managed rental housing are helping to meet growing demand across the country.
demand and supply in the sector, the more active and desirable it becomes.
Today, rental accommodation is edging up to a 35 per cent share of the total housing market, says Rasti Vaibhav, founder of strategic buying agency Get RARE Properties, offering even more potential for investors.
With 75,000 new properties a year needed to satisfy the rising demand from the growing population, especially new migrants, students and young people, it will continue to offer strong returns, whatever budget reforms come along.
“Renters’ attitudes have changed too, which is important,” Vaibhav says.
“Before, many saw it as dead money but now more see it as a lifestyle choice, and they want to invest their money where it can work harder for them and rent to live closer to work or schools.
“I’m a long-time rentvestor, with a portfolio of rental properties, which has been my deliberate choice. But investors do need to change their mindset too to keep up with all the money now coming into the sector and the increasing competition.
“There’s now a huge need for familyfriendly rental neighbourhoods and for long leases and more security of tenure and maintenance to be kept up.”
Brett Warren, national director of real estate advisory and buyer’s agency Metropole, says that while there’s so much new investment in the living sector, it does mean more competition for individual investors in the rental property market.
However, with demand so strong, and so many investors either sitting on their hands to see how the budget measures unfold, or selling, this is a good time to buy.
“There are incredible opportunities now for investors as, at the moment, they’re buying at a discount until the market comes back in three to six months,” Warren says.
“We have so many people doing nothing in the market, with 40 per cent just waiting to see, and 22 per cent more people selling than this time last year; the right time to buy for investors is now.”
Words by Angela Paulson
TSkip the fight, hit the slopes
Trade the suburbs for the snow – Australia’s alpine playground is closer than you think.
he Snowy Mountains are practically Canberra’s backyard –a two-and-a-half-hour drive south on the Monaro Highway through the wide, treeless expanse of the Monaro Plains. Here’s your guide to the Snowy Mountains, on and of the slopes.
Eat & drink
The drive south is part of the ritual, and so is a stop at The Bredbo Pie Shop on the Monaro Highway for delicious pastries and cofee, before you drop into Cooma, the gateway town with the last good servo before the hills get steep. In winter, you can hire snow chains here. Once you reach Jindabyne, which serves as the base for most visitors, you’ll be rewarded with a food scene that punches well above its weight.
Start with some brekkie and cofee at Birchwood and also grab a picnic pack from there if you’re headed for a day in the mountains. For a pub feed, head to the Banjo Paterson Inn, an alpine-style hotel, and enjoy the famous Snowy trout. If you’re feeling some international cuisine, Takayama is a locals’ favourite – a Japanese izakaya-style restaurant with fresh sashimi, Sapporo on tap, and warm, unhurried service. For Italian, Bacco earns repeat visits for its gnocchi with gorgonzola, and trout pasta. On the Alpine Way toward Thredbo, Wildbrumby in Crackenback is Australia’s highest distillery, set in a valley with a sculpture garden, an Austrian-inspired cafe menu, and free tastings of its award-winning schnapps and gin. Note that the Stillhouse Cafe operates Thursday to Monday, but if you’re passing through mid-week, the distillery door is still open for tastings. Further along, Cuisine at Lake Crackenback Resort is one for special occasions – arrive before sunset for a window table over the lake, and watch the birdlife settle into the reeds. On the drinks front, the Kosciuszko Brewing Company is Australia’s frst mountain brewpub and produces
Left: Thredbo, Snowy Mountains, is the pick for a walkable village. Right: The Wildbrumby Distillery in Crackenback offers tastings of its schnapps and gin.
“Thredbo and Perisher are the two headline acts, and between them, they’ve got most bases covered.” Angela Paulson
one of the country’s most-loved pale ales. Jindabyne Brewing is also worth knowing, especially as a post-ride stop if you’ve done the Thredbo Valley Track.
In Thredbo village itself, the Alpine Bar is where the mountain day ends and the evening begins. It features balcony sunsets, live music and cold drinks.
Play
Thredbo and Perisher are the two headline acts, and between them, they’ve got most bases covered.
Thredbo is the pick for a walkable village and Australia’s longest ski runs – the highest lifted point sits at 2037 metres. From the top, you can either point straight down the Funnel Web black run or meander home through the snow gums.
Perisher has a larger ski area with more than 45 lifts and four linked resorts, and is better suited to groups or families seeking more variety. For something more intimate, Charlotte Pass is accessible only by oversnow transport in
winter, which makes it perfect for those wanting to escape the busy resorts.
Both Thredbo and Perisher ofer night skiing sessions. Thredbo runs nights on Thursdays and Saturdays through July and August, while Perisher runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays from late June through to mid-September.
For something truly memorable, Kareela Snowcat Dinners transports guests to on-mountain restaurants by tracked snow vehicle after the lifts close. It runs on select Tuesday and Thursday nights between July 7 and August 25 and is worth booking ahead.
When you need a break from the snow, the region has plenty to ofer at ground level. For culture, the Bundian Way Gallery showcases contemporary and traditional works by local Aboriginal artists, ofering context for the ancient country you’re moving through.
The Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail ofers a diferent pace again – world-
WHAT ’ S ON
HerCanberraʼs weekend guide
class installations woven through historic towns including Adelong, Batlow, Tumbarumba and Tumut.
Stay
Most visitors base themselves in Jindabyne – it’s central to everything, the lake is beautiful, and the town has enough life that you’re not wholly dependent on the ski village.
Fawn + Fallow Lodge near Crackenback is one of the most considered boutique stays in the region. For something with more character and space, Moonbah Hut in the valley outside Jindabyne ofers high-country atmosphere, and for those looking for more privacy, stays like Crafters Cabins and Freaks of Nature Retreat ofer slow mornings in the bush. Those who want the full on-snow experience are better placed in Thredbo village, where ski-in ski-out access and a walkable layout make mornings easier. The Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort sits between the two, ofering the region’s best spa alongside fne dining and easy access to both resorts. Further afeld but worth knowing about, Avonside Alpine Estate and Second Flat Retreat ofer more secluded high-country experiences.
The official ski season opened on the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, with peak snowfall through July and August.
Inclusive fun: Thredbo Resort, with Disabled Wintersports Australia, offers the ultimate mountain experience for all.
Above: Snowy Mountains Helicopters’ experiences include a vineyard visit and a wilderness picnic.
HOME TOUR
Its preceding chapter was, by all accounts, a bland and banal one. But that, as they say, is in the past. For a magical sense of expression now pervades the reborn apartment of entertainer and leading content creator Luke O’Halloran.
To climb a fight of stairs and enter the home, cradled by leafy vistas in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Elwood, is to be welcomed into a cosseting wonderland of colour and creativity.
And Luke, who with his older brother Scott is known to his millions of TikTok and Instagram followers as @lukeandsassyscott, wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I wanted each space and each room to have its own main-character energy,” says Luke, who competed alongside Scott in last year’s Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. “You walk in here, and you’re in a diferent universe.”
Entertainer and leading TikTok and Instagram content creator who, with older brother Scott, is known as @lukeandsassyscott.
Above: Luke (left) at his eclectic apartment with designer Nicole Rosenberg and brother Scott. Below: Panelled walls and a velvet banquette add colour and texture.
Words by Jackie Brygel • Photos by Elise Scott
Warm welcome: “You walk in here and you’re in a diferent universe,” Luke says.
After engaging the services of buyer’s advocate Lauren Staley from Infolio, Luke snapped up the three-bedroom apartment in a nondescript 1970s building in May last year. He knew instantly it was “the one”.
Just a short walk from the water’s edge, the apartment’s location was close to perfect for Luke. Anything but a dealbreaker, the lacklustre decor beckoned as the ideal blank canvas for a home that would also incorporate the brothers’ podcast studio.
“I was a radiographer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital for seven years, and when I bought this place it felt like I’d brought the hospital with me to Elwood,” Luke jokes. “There was nothing to really spark joy in terms of the interiors.
“I loved the idea that we could create something that would feel completely diferent from walking into a stark hospital room.”
But where – or, perhaps more to the point, with whom – to begin?
With Scott having enlisted the talents of interior designer Nicole Rosenberg of Liberty Interiors a few years back to transform the house he shares with his husband, Marcus Sellen and their nowtwo-year-old twins Obed-Oliver and Bobbi-Beckett, his advice to his sibling was immediate and unequivocal: “Trust me – use Nicole!”
“Once you see the work that Nicole does, it’s just outstanding, and now I wouldn’t even buy a vase for our home without running it past her,” Scott says. “She’s like a godmother to our children – she’s become a really close friend of ours.”
As for Rosenberg, she savoured the opportunity to work with the brothers again, this time on Luke’s home.
“Luke is a really funny guy, so I wanted to bring his personality into the apartment with colour and quirky pieces that would make him happy,” she says.
With Luke and Scott co-projectmanaging the eight-month works, and Rosenberg casting her creative spell on every aspect of the interiors, a seductive transformation had begun.
“We frst started walking through the apartment and using our imagination – and Nicole’s and mine can run wild,” Scott says. “We said to Luke, ‘Let’s lean into the idea of colour-drenching, so that we really commit to colour all the way.’ ”
And that the trio unquestionably did. While the ’70s-era building dictated the vision, the palette-focused interiors feel as playful as they do purposeful.
“The apartment lent itself to the 1970s vibe,” Rosenberg says. “The ’70s were very moody, and I wanted to bring that feeling – that sense of cosiness – into every space that had previously felt so cold and uninspiring. I wanted people to feel something as soon as they walked into the apartment.”
Certainly, it’s the designer’s decorative brush strokes that truly bring this apartment to life.
In each space, intricate texture, graphic patterns and saturated colour deliver a fabulous fight of fancy.
There’s the entry drenched in Haymes Paint’s Irish Cofee, ofset by a stripy mirror from Fenton & Fenton and a scalloped foor runner from Miss Amara.
Unfolding beyond is the James Hardie groove-lined living domain. Fully encased in Haymes Paint’s Bushland, the room’s rich terracotta hue forms a divine whole with a sage-green Koala dining table, a custom-upholstered striped-velvet banquette, a dusty-pink
Koala sofa, and statement artwork from Urban Road Art.
Then there’s the heart of the apartment – the kitchen. It has been dramatically remodelled with Reed Green joinery from Kitchens U Build, and a powdercoated Qasair rangehood in Haymes Paint’s Bushland, customised to colourmatch the walls and ceiling.
When it comes to nominating his favourite room, Luke doesn’t hesitate. It’s his whimsical bedroom swathed in jungle-themed wallpaper from Pickawall.
“It’s the space people talk about the most when they come into the house,” Luke says. “The wallpaper is a bold choice, but with the bedding, rug and curtains, it all seems really soft. It’s surreal waking up to the jungle feel around you.”
Yet despite the big-impact moments awaiting discovery in every corner, a cocooning calm prevails, proving that serenity presents in many styles and, indeed, hues.
As for Luke, who shares the apartment with his caique parrot Zazu, he can’t think of anywhere he’d rather call home.
“All of the colours are vibrant and bring joy to every space.”
Bespoke: The rangehood in the remodelled kitchen was customised to colour-match the ceiling.
Beautifully renovated and thoughtfully designed, this exceptional Ainslie residence offers the perfect balance of space, flexibility, and lifestyle. Featuring four bedrooms, two ensuites, multiple living areas, and a stunning loft retreat, the home adapts effortlessly to modern family living. Established gardens, private outdoor entertaining spaces, and a double garage complete the package. Positioned moments from Mount Ainslie, local schools, Braddon, and the CBD, this is a rare opportunity in a tightly held inner-north location.
EER: 3.5
Saturday, 18th July 2026
Contact Agent
• Prestigious waterfront position within Sapphire
$0 Stamp Duty Payable at Woden Green on all owner occupier purchases from 1st July 2026.†
A lifestyle that feels easy.
Life at Woden Green is designed to make everyday living feel easier
Set in the heart of Woden, you’re moments from Westeld Woden, cafés, dining, medical services and public transport, with nearby parks and green spaces offering room to walk, unwind and stay connected to the outdoors.
At home, spacious apartments are supported by an abundance of thoughtfully designed amenity. Swim in the 25m indoor pool, stay active in the quiet cardio gym, host family in the private dining room, enjoy a movie in the cinema or nd a quiet moment in the business lounge, established gardens or outdoor spaces. With more ways to relax, connect and enjoy your day without needing to go far, Woden Green brings comfort, convenience and lifestyle together.
Construction complete. Now ready to occupy. Get in touch to see how our team can help you make the move.
Call to book a private appointment. Ben Wilson 0420 375 976 or Will Honey 0407 245 177. For more information visit wodengreen.com.au.
Final release now selling
One Bedroom + Study/Media from $587,500*
Two Bedrooms from $699,900*
Three Bedrooms from $805,000*
Three Bedroom Penthouses from $1,349,900*
Furnished apartments available to inspect. Saturday 10am-11:30am & Sunday 11:45am-12:45pm Or by appointment. 102 Easty Street, Phillip.
Your next move starts here
Momentum Property is Canberra’s newest Real Estate agency, built on experience, driven by results, and focused on doing things better. Our team combines years of local knowledge with a fresh, energetic approach to Real Estate, ofering clear advice, honest communication, and a seamless experience from start to fnish.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, we believe every property journey should feel informed, supported, and genuinely rewarding. Our sales team is committed to delivering standout results through insight, strategy, and care, whilst our Property Management specialists ensure every investment is managed with the same level of dedication and attention to detail.
At Momentum Property, we’re proud to represent a new way of doing Real Estate in Canberra, where relationships come frst, excellence is the standard, and progress is always in motion. Get in touch with our team today and discover how we can help you move forward with confdence.
Agent: McGrath Merimbula, Steve Haslam 0487 697 245
Views across Merimbula Bay are the centrepiece of this architect-designed home set on a large block. The main bedroom gets a front-row seat to that view, while a lower-level retreat adds fexibility. The gourmet kitchen includes a butler’s pantry, while outside there’s a kitchen with a pizza oven and barbecue, plus landscaped gardens and a fre pit.
65 Rutledge Street
$1.14 million-$1.21 million
Private sale
Agent: Ray White Bungendore, Ellie Merriman 0402 117 877
Sweet dreams are made of this charming cottage, set among established gardens. Timber foors, high ceilings and three open freplaces add character, while two living areas and a sunroom provide space to spread out. The wraparound verandah overlooks the grounds, with hydronic heating, excellent storage and a double carport completing the package.
Upgrade Your Lifestyle — Picturesque Privacy and Proximity
• Picturesque grazing country with established trees, quality pasture and rural views plus secure water Owners bought elsewhere, enjoy their hard establishing work!
raywhiteruralyass.com.au
Words by Ray Sparvell
A sizzling opportunity in a retail hotspot
There’s no sure-fre recipe for success in life – but in business, being in the right location can get you of to a fying start.
An operator after a fast and afordable entry into the hospitality industry might like to pair that with a fully ftted-out restaurant business in the popular Kippax Fair shopping centre in Holt.
Quan’s Kitchen in Hardwick Crescent has become a fxture for locals, ofering Chinese and Asian cuisine – dine-in, takeaway or delivery.
The 244-square-metre space ofers a generous dining area, commercial kitchen, bar and multiple storage areas.
Paco Yip of Trusted Property
Management says the sale is an opportunity to acquire a fully ftted and well-recognised restaurant business in Canberra’s north-west.
“This is a fully operational hospitality ofering with a fexible setup suited
to either owner-operators, familyrun management or experienced restaurateurs seeking a ready-to-trade venue,” he says.
“A new operator could continue the business, refresh the brand or diversify the cuisine and the food operations.”
A mixed-use precinct with untapped potential.
Rent is $85,000 a year plus GST. Yip says the sale represents a very afordable entry point.
“A fully ftted-out restaurant and commercial kitchen represents a huge upfront saving,” he says. “A new business owner could be ... trading very quickly.”
A 12,261m2 mixed-use development opportunity is available in Wright. Located on a central intersection where two established suburbs meet, the site is designed to seamlessly integrate with future transport connectivity, including future light rail and rapid bus. It also offers CZ5 zoning that provides flexibility and opportunity for future growth.
Don’t miss your chance to tap into this potential. Find out more by visiting suburbanland.act.gov.au or scan the QR code.
For sale by auction SUBURBANLAND.ACT.GOV.AU
Nathan Dunn 0488 216 406 Nathan.Dunn@au.knightfrank.com
Artist impressions of Wright 39 Block 1 for illustrative purposes
– Immediate proximity to Parliament House and major Commonwealth departments
– Clear pathway to positive rental reversion
397 to 795 sqm of functional ofice space
– Purchase units individually or together in-one line
One of only four strata-titled ofice buildings in Barton
