Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Canberra's property market is included in our pack
Buying an apartment in Canberra as a foreigner in 2026 comes with some unique rules and costs that you won't find in most other cities.
We've done the research so you can understand exactly what you'll pay, from the purchase price to the ongoing fees.
This blog post is constantly updated to reflect the latest data and policy changes in Canberra's property market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Canberra.
Insights
- Foreign buyers in Canberra must pay a A$15,100 FIRB application fee just to get approval for purchasing a new apartment under A$1 million in 2026.
- Canberra's apartment market is "two-speed" right now, with houses rising faster while unit prices have stayed nearly flat over the past year.
- The off-the-plan duty exemption in the ACT can save eligible owner-occupiers tens of thousands of dollars on stamp duty until June 2026.
- Foreign persons are banned from buying established apartments in Australia until March 2027, so new or off-the-plan units are your only option in Canberra.
- A 2-bedroom apartment in Braddon or Kingston costs about 25% more per square meter than the same size unit in Belconnen or Gungahlin.
- Non-resident foreign buyers typically need a 30% to 40% deposit in Canberra because Australian lenders cap loan-to-value ratios much lower for overseas purchasers.
- Strata levies in Canberra range from A$4,800 to A$10,000 per year, and buildings with lifts, pools, or gyms sit at the higher end.
- Foreign apartment owners in Canberra face an extra 0.75% annual land tax surcharge on top of regular rates if the property isn't their main home.
How much do apartments really cost in Canberra in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median apartment price in Canberra sits at around A$600,000 (roughly US$378,000 or €348,000), while the average apartment price is slightly higher at approximately A$630,000 (about US$397,000 or €365,000).
When you look at price per square meter, Canberra apartments typically cost around A$8,500 per square meter (about US$5,350/m² or €4,930/m²), which works out to roughly A$790 per square foot (US$500 or €460 per sq ft).
Most standard apartments in Canberra fall within a price range of A$400,000 to A$850,000 (US$252,000 to US$535,000, or €232,000 to €493,000), though premium inner-city locations can push well above this range.
How much is a studio apartment in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Canberra costs around A$350,000 (approximately US$220,000 or €203,000).
Entry-level to mid-range studios in Canberra generally fall between A$300,000 and A$380,000 (US$189,000 to US$239,000, or €174,000 to €220,000), while high-end or luxury studios in prime inner locations like Kingston or Braddon can reach A$400,000 to A$420,000 (US$252,000 to US$265,000, or €232,000 to €244,000).
Studio apartments in Canberra are typically around 30 to 40 square meters, which is smaller than most other Australian capitals where studios can sometimes reach 45 square meters.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Canberra costs around A$440,000 (approximately US$277,000 or €255,000).
Entry-level to mid-range one-bedroom apartments in areas like Belconnen and Gungahlin start from A$360,000 to A$450,000 (US$227,000 to US$284,000, or €209,000 to €261,000), while high-end one-bedroom units in Braddon or Kingston can reach A$500,000 to A$560,000 (US$315,000 to US$353,000, or €290,000 to €325,000).
One-bedroom apartments in Canberra typically measure between 50 and 60 square meters, which usually includes a separate bedroom, living area, small kitchen, and bathroom.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Canberra costs around A$585,000 (approximately US$369,000 or €339,000).
Entry-level to mid-range two-bedroom apartments in Canberra range from A$480,000 to A$600,000 (US$302,000 to US$378,000, or €278,000 to €348,000), while high-end or luxury two-bedroom units in premium suburbs like Kingston or Braddon can reach A$700,000 to A$750,000 (US$441,000 to US$473,000, or €406,000 to €435,000).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Canberra.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Canberra costs around A$850,000 (approximately US$536,000 or €493,000).
Entry-level to mid-range three-bedroom apartments, especially older walk-ups in outer suburbs, range from A$650,000 to A$800,000 (US$410,000 to US$504,000, or €377,000 to €464,000), while high-end or luxury three-bedroom units and penthouses in the Inner South can reach A$1,000,000 to A$1,200,000 or more (US$630,000 to US$756,000+, or €580,000 to €696,000+).
Three-bedroom apartments in Canberra typically measure between 100 and 120 square meters, though penthouse-style units in premium buildings can be significantly larger.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, new or off-the-plan apartments in Canberra typically cost about 5% to 12% more than comparable resale apartments in the same area, though this gap can shrink or even reverse once you factor in tax savings.
New-build apartments in Canberra average around A$9,000 to A$9,500 per square meter (US$5,670 to US$5,985/m², or €5,220 to €5,510/m²), with modern finishes and energy-efficient features built in.
Resale apartments in Canberra average around A$7,800 to A$8,500 per square meter (US$4,915 to US$5,355/m², or €4,525 to €4,930/m²), though well-maintained buildings in prime locations can command prices closer to new stock.
Here's what makes Canberra unique for foreign buyers in early 2026: the ACT Government's off-the-plan duty exemption (running until June 2026) can eliminate stamp duty entirely for eligible owner-occupiers, which can make new apartments cheaper overall than resale units where you'd pay full duty.
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Can I afford to buy in Canberra in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, a foreign buyer purchasing a standard A$600,000 apartment in Canberra should budget approximately A$640,000 to A$675,000 all-in (roughly US$403,000 to US$425,000, or €371,000 to €391,000).
Beyond the purchase price, your all-in budget in Canberra needs to cover the FIRB application fee (A$15,100 for properties under A$1 million), stamp duty (which can range from zero to A$18,000 depending on exemptions), conveyancing and legal fees (A$1,500 to A$3,000), strata report costs (A$300 to A$700), and settlement and registration fees (A$500 to A$1,500).
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Canberra property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Canberra.
What down payment is typical to buy in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, Australian residents typically need a 20% deposit (around A$120,000 or US$76,000 or €70,000 for a A$600,000 apartment), while non-resident foreign buyers usually need 30% to 40% (A$180,000 to A$240,000, or US$113,000 to US$151,000, or €104,000 to €139,000).
Most Australian banks require a minimum deposit of 20% to avoid paying lender's mortgage insurance, but for non-resident foreign buyers, lenders typically cap the loan-to-value ratio at 60% to 70%, which means you'll need that higher deposit.
To secure the most favorable mortgage terms in Canberra as a foreign buyer, aim for a 40% deposit if possible, as this gives you access to better interest rates and a wider choice of lenders willing to work with overseas purchasers.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Australia.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Canberra in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, apartment prices per square meter in Canberra range from around A$6,000/m² in affordable outer suburbs to over A$11,000/m² in premium inner locations (US$3,780 to US$6,930/m², or €3,480 to €6,380/m²).
The most affordable apartment neighborhoods in Canberra include Belconnen town centre, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong (especially Greenway), and parts of Woden Valley like Phillip, where prices typically sit between A$6,000 and A$7,500 per square meter (US$3,780 to US$4,725/m², or €3,480 to €4,350/m²).
The most expensive apartment neighborhoods in Canberra are in the Inner North (Braddon, Reid, Turner) and Inner South (Kingston, Barton, Griffith), where prices typically range from A$8,500 to A$11,000 per square meter (US$5,355 to US$6,930/m², or €4,930 to €6,380/m²).
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Canberra.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods for first-time apartment buyers on a budget in Canberra are Belconnen town centre, Gungahlin, and Tuggeranong (particularly around Greenway).
In these budget-friendly Canberra neighborhoods, one-bedroom apartments typically range from A$350,000 to A$420,000 (US$220,000 to US$265,000, or €203,000 to €244,000), and two-bedroom apartments range from A$450,000 to A$550,000 (US$284,000 to US$347,000, or €261,000 to €319,000).
These affordable Canberra suburbs offer good amenities including shopping centres, public transport links to the city, restaurants, gyms, and in Gungahlin's case, access to the light rail network.
The main trade-off of buying in these budget-friendly areas is the longer commute to Canberra's CBD and Parliamentary Triangle, typically 20 to 35 minutes by car or public transport versus 10 minutes or less from inner suburbs.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Canberra in 2026?
As of January 2026, the neighborhoods showing the strongest apartment price momentum in Canberra are Gungahlin (absorbing new supply well), Belconnen town centre (large liquid market that moves quickly when demand strengthens), and Braddon in the Inner North (high demand with limited premium stock).
Year-over-year price growth for apartments in these Canberra neighborhoods has been modest overall, typically in the 1% to 4% range, because the broader Canberra unit market has been relatively flat compared to the house market.
The main driver behind price growth in these Canberra neighborhoods is strong rental demand from public servants and university students, combined with limited new supply in already-established inner areas like Braddon.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Canberra.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Canberra in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Canberra?
For a typical A$600,000 apartment purchase in Canberra, a foreign buyer should expect total closing costs of roughly A$20,000 to A$55,000 (US$12,600 to US$34,650, or €11,600 to €31,900), depending heavily on whether stamp duty exemptions apply.
The main categories of closing costs for Canberra apartment buyers include the FIRB application fee (mandatory for foreign purchasers), stamp duty (conveyance duty), legal and conveyancing fees, strata records inspection, title searches, and settlement registration fees.
The largest closing cost for foreign apartment buyers in Canberra is typically stamp duty, which can reach A$18,000 or more on a A$600,000 purchase, though eligible off-the-plan owner-occupiers may pay zero duty under the current ACT exemption policy.
Some closing costs in Canberra are negotiable or variable, particularly conveyancing fees (shop around between A$1,500 and A$3,000) and the choice of whether to get a building inspection (more relevant for older apartment buildings).
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Canberra?
Foreign buyers purchasing an apartment in Canberra should budget approximately 3% to 9% of the purchase price for closing costs, with the exact percentage depending largely on whether you qualify for the off-the-plan stamp duty exemption.
The realistic range breaks down like this: if you're buying off-the-plan and qualify for the ACT's duty exemption, expect around 3% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, but if you're paying full stamp duty on any purchase, budget 6% to 9% of the purchase price.
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Canberra.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Canberra in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Canberra right now?
In Canberra, what's called "HOA fees" elsewhere are known as "strata levies," and as of January 2026, typical apartment owners pay around A$1,200 to A$2,500 per quarter, which works out to A$4,800 to A$10,000 per year (roughly US$3,025 to US$6,300/year, or €2,785 to €5,800/year).
Strata levy costs in Canberra vary significantly based on building amenities: basic low-rise buildings without lifts sit at the lower end around A$1,200 to A$1,500 per quarter, while buildings with lifts, pools, gyms, or concierge services can reach A$2,000 to A$2,500 per quarter or more.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Canberra right now?
As of January 2026, a typical Canberra apartment owner should budget around A$250 to A$400 per month for all utilities (approximately US$158 to US$252, or €145 to €232).
Monthly utility costs in Canberra can range from A$180 for a small, energy-efficient apartment with minimal heating and cooling, up to A$500 or more for larger units with high electricity usage during Canberra's cold winters or hot summers.
Your typical monthly utility budget in Canberra covers electricity (A$90 to A$180), water usage (A$20 to A$60, though some buildings bundle water into strata), internet (A$70 to A$100), and gas if your building has it (A$0 to A$60).
Electricity tends to be the most expensive utility for Canberra apartment owners, especially given the city's cold winters where heating can significantly increase bills from May through September.
How much is property tax on apartments in Canberra?
As of January 2026, a typical Canberra apartment owner pays around A$2,000 to A$4,000 per year in general rates (approximately US$1,260 to US$2,520, or €1,160 to €2,320), with foreign owners potentially facing additional land tax surcharges.
Property tax in Canberra works through "general rates" set by the ACT Government, which apply to all property owners regardless of whether you live in the apartment, plus "land tax" which kicks in if the property is not your principal place of residence (for example, if you rent it out).
For foreign apartment owners in Canberra, the realistic annual property tax range is A$2,000 to A$4,000 for rates alone, but if you're renting out the property or it's not your main home, you may also owe land tax plus a 0.75% foreign ownership surcharge on the property's average unimproved value.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Canberra.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Canberra?
As of January 2026, most building maintenance costs for Canberra apartment owners are included in your strata levies, which typically run A$4,800 to A$10,000 per year (US$3,025 to US$6,300, or €2,785 to €5,800).
Beyond regular strata levies, you should budget an additional A$0 to A$2,000+ per year as a risk buffer for special levies, which can arise unexpectedly when older buildings need major repairs like roof work, facade repairs, or lift replacements.
Expenses typically included in Canberra strata levies cover common area cleaning, gardening and landscaping, lift maintenance, fire safety systems, building insurance, and general repairs to shared spaces.
In Canberra, building maintenance costs are almost entirely included within your strata levies, not charged separately, so your main additional risk is special levies for major capital works that exceed the building's sinking fund.
How much does home insurance cost in Canberra?
As of January 2026, Canberra apartment owners typically pay around A$300 to A$720 per year for personal contents insurance (approximately US$189 to US$454, or €174 to €418), while building insurance is usually covered through your strata levies.
Contents insurance costs in Canberra can range from A$25 per month for basic coverage with a high excess, up to A$60 per month or more for comprehensive coverage with lower excess and higher contents value limits.
For apartment owners in Canberra, building insurance is typically arranged by your strata scheme and paid through levies, but contents insurance for your personal belongings and liability coverage is your own responsibility and strongly recommended.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Canberra, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| NAB Canberra Property Market Insights (November 2025) | Major Australian bank using Cotality (CoreLogic) housing data. | We anchored our median Canberra unit price estimate to this report. We also used it to ground recent unit price growth trends. |
| PropTrack Home Price Index (December 2025) | PropTrack is run by REA Group, one of Australia's leading property data providers. | We used it to cross-check price movement direction heading into January 2026. We verified our estimates reflect the latest market momentum. |
| Domain Suburb Profile - Braddon | Domain is a major Australian property portal with consistent suburb-level data. | We used 1, 2, and 3-bedroom unit medians for this Inner North suburb. We built realistic Canberra-wide bedroom price estimates from this data. |
| Domain Suburb Profile - Kingston | Domain provides transparent, buyer-facing suburb snapshots widely used by media. | We captured Inner South pricing for units by bedroom. We triangulated Canberra's premium apartment market pricing. |
| Domain Suburb Profile - Belconnen | Belconnen is a major apartment hub and Domain's data is a practical benchmark. | We represented a large "middle market" unit cluster with this data. We kept our Canberra averages from being overly inner-city-biased. |
| Domain Suburb Profile - Gungahlin | Gungahlin is a key growth corridor with substantial apartment stock. | We represented a newer, typically more affordable unit-heavy area. We estimated bedroom prices matching what buyers see in listings. |
| ACT Revenue Office - Conveyance Duty | Official ACT tax authority for stamp duty rules. | We described what stamp duty is and how rates differ for owner-occupiers. We framed closing costs correctly for Canberra apartments. |
| ACT Revenue Office - Duty Calculator | Official ACT calculator for estimating duty under current law. | We used it as the reference point for duty estimates on typical apartment prices. We justified our closing cost percentage ranges. |
| ACT Revenue Office - Off-the-Plan Duty Exemption | Official ACT Government policy page describing a time-limited exemption. | We explained a big Canberra-specific quirk where off-the-plan owner-occupiers may pay no duty. We refined all-in budget estimates for new apartments. |
| FIRB Guidance Note 6 - Residential Land | Official FIRB guidance for interpreting Australia's foreign investment rules. | We explained what foreign buyers can generally purchase and what they cannot. We ensured foreigner buyer advice aligns with current policy. |
| ATO - Banning Foreign Purchases of Established Dwellings | Official Commonwealth authority summarising policy and dates. | We stated the current ban window and what it means for foreign apartment buyers. We kept the article accurate as of January 2026. |
| FIRB Schedule of Fees (2025-26) | Official schedule showing FIRB application fees for the current year. | We priced the FIRB application fee foreign buyers must budget. We ensured real costs include government fees, not just property price. |
| ACT Revenue Office - Rates | Official source for ACT general rates and related charges. | We explained that apartments face general rates even in a strata context. We built a realistic ongoing-cost budget. |
| ACT Revenue Office - Foreign Ownership Surcharge | Official rule for the ACT's foreign-owner land tax surcharge. | We flagged a Canberra-specific ongoing cost risk for foreigners. We kept ongoing costs honest for non-resident buyers. |
| Insurance Council of Australia - Strata Factsheet | National industry body explaining strata insurance issues. | We clarified what strata insurance does and why it matters for apartment owners. We supported guidance on insurance budgeting. |
| ASIC MoneySmart - Contents Insurance | Run by Australia's financial regulator for everyday consumers. | We explained that building cover is handled differently in strata but you need contents cover. We kept the insurance section simple and correct. |
| Westpac - Home Loan Deposit Guide | Major Australian bank providing consumer-facing deposit guidance. | We referenced the standard 20% deposit benchmark for Australian buyers. We explained stricter requirements for non-resident foreign purchasers. |
| ICRC ACT - Energy Pricing | ACT's independent regulator for utility pricing. | We based electricity cost estimates on ACT-specific pricing context. We scaled down to typical apartment usage levels. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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