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
Canberra's house market remains one of Australia's most stable yet expensive, shaped by the city's strong public sector employment and limited land supply.
We constantly update this blog post to give you the freshest data and insights on Canberra house prices.
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.
How much do houses cost in Canberra as of 2026?
What's the median and average house price in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the median house price in Canberra sits at around A$1.05 million (roughly US$680,000 or €630,000), while the average house price is higher at approximately A$1.25 million (US$810,000 or €750,000) due to the influence of prestige properties.
The typical price range that covers roughly 80% of house sales in Canberra falls between A$750,000 and A$2 million (US$485,000 to US$1.3 million, or €450,000 to €1.2 million), reflecting the city's broad mix of outer suburban homes and inner premium properties.
The gap between median and average prices in Canberra reveals a market with a significant "prestige tail," meaning suburbs like Yarralumla, Forrest, and Red Hill pull averages upward with multi-million dollar homes while most families buy closer to the median.
At the median price of A$1.05 million in Canberra, a buyer can typically expect a 3 to 4 bedroom established house in suburbs like Belconnen, Gungahlin, or Tuggeranong, usually on a standard block of 500 to 700 square metres with a garage and backyard.
What's the cheapest livable house budget in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the minimum budget for a livable house in Canberra is around A$650,000 to A$750,000 (US$420,000 to US$485,000, or €390,000 to €450,000).
At this entry-level price point in Canberra, "livable" typically means an older 2 to 3 bedroom house that may need cosmetic updates but has functional plumbing, electricity, and a weatherproof roof, often with dated kitchens and bathrooms.
These cheapest livable houses in Canberra are usually found in outer Belconnen suburbs like Charnwood, Latham, and Macgregor, or outer Tuggeranong areas such as Kambah, Chisholm, and Banks.
Wondering what you can get? We cover all the buying opportunities at different budget levels in Canberra here.
How much do 2 and 3-bedroom houses cost in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, 2-bedroom houses in Canberra typically cost A$650,000 to A$900,000 (US$420,000 to US$580,000, or €390,000 to €540,000), while 3-bedroom houses range from A$850,000 to A$1.35 million (US$550,000 to US$875,000, or €510,000 to €810,000).
A 2-bedroom house in Canberra realistically falls in the A$650,000 to A$900,000 range (US$420,000 to US$580,000, or €390,000 to €540,000), with these smaller homes more common in outer suburbs or as compact older cottages.
A 3-bedroom house in Canberra, which represents the most common house type, realistically ranges from A$850,000 to A$1.35 million (US$550,000 to US$875,000, or €510,000 to €810,000), with outer districts at the lower end and Inner North or Inner South at the higher end.
The typical price premium when moving from a 2-bedroom to a 3-bedroom house in Canberra is around A$200,000 to A$350,000, reflecting the extra bedroom's value for families and the generally larger block sizes that come with 3-bedroom homes.
How much do 4-bedroom houses cost in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a 4-bedroom house in Canberra typically costs between A$1.2 million and A$2 million (US$780,000 to US$1.3 million, or €720,000 to €1.2 million), with prices varying significantly by suburb and proximity to good schools.
A 5-bedroom house in Canberra realistically ranges from A$1.8 million to A$3.5 million (US$1.17 million to US$2.27 million, or €1.08 million to €2.1 million), as these larger family homes are often found in established suburbs with bigger blocks.
A 6-bedroom house in Canberra sits in the A$2.5 million to A$6 million range (US$1.62 million to US$3.9 million, or €1.5 million to €3.6 million), with these prestige properties concentrated in Inner South suburbs like Yarralumla and Forrest.
Please note that we give much more detailed data in our pack about the property market in Canberra.
How much do new-build houses cost in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a new-build house in Canberra typically costs between A$1.15 million and A$1.8 million (US$745,000 to US$1.17 million, or €690,000 to €1.08 million) for a modern 4-bedroom home in growth areas like Gungahlin or Molonglo Valley.
New-build houses in Canberra carry a typical premium of 10% to 20% compared to older resale houses of similar size and location, reflecting modern energy efficiency, updated layouts, and lower immediate maintenance needs.
How much do houses with land cost in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a house with a notably larger block in Canberra typically costs A$200,000 to A$600,000 more than a similar house on a standard block, with Inner South trophy blocks commanding premiums of A$1 million or more (US$650,000 or €600,000 plus).
In Canberra, a "house with land" typically means a block of 900 to 1,200 square metres or larger, compared to the standard suburban block of 450 to 700 square metres.
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Where are houses cheapest and most expensive in Canberra as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the lowest house prices in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the lowest house prices in Canberra include outer Belconnen suburbs like Charnwood, Latham, Macgregor, and Holt, plus outer Tuggeranong areas such as Kambah, Chisholm, Gordon, and Banks.
The typical house price range in these cheapest Canberra neighborhoods is A$700,000 to A$950,000 (US$455,000 to US$615,000, or €420,000 to €570,000), making them the most accessible entry points for house buyers.
These Canberra neighborhoods have lower prices mainly because they sit farther from the city center with longer commutes, have older housing stock from the 1970s and 1980s, and lack the walkability and amenities found in inner suburbs.
Which neighborhoods have the highest house prices in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest house prices in Canberra are Yarralumla, Forrest, and Red Hill, all located in the prestigious Inner South near the lake and embassy belt.
The typical house price range in these most expensive Canberra neighborhoods is A$2 million to A$6 million (US$1.3 million to US$3.9 million, or €1.2 million to €3.6 million), with trophy homes on the best streets exceeding these figures.
These Canberra neighborhoods command premium prices because of their proximity to Lake Burley Griffin, large established blocks with mature trees, heritage character homes, and strict planning controls that limit new supply.
Buyers in these premium Canberra suburbs typically include senior public servants, diplomats, established professionals, and high-net-worth families seeking prestigious addresses near Parliament House and top private schools.
How much do houses cost near the city center in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, houses near Canberra's city center in areas like Braddon, Turner, Reid, and Ainslie typically cost A$1.4 million to A$2.6 million (US$910,000 to US$1.69 million, or €840,000 to €1.56 million), reflecting limited supply and renovated character homes.
Houses near major transit hubs in Canberra, particularly along the Light Rail corridor through Dickson, Braddon, and into Gungahlin suburbs like Franklin and Harrison, range from A$900,000 to A$2.2 million (US$585,000 to US$1.43 million, or €540,000 to €1.32 million).
Houses near top-rated schools in Canberra, such as Canberra Grammar School in Red Hill, Radford College in Bruce, Canberra Girls Grammar School in Deakin, and St Edmund's College in Griffith, typically cost A$1.6 million to A$3 million or more (US$1.04 million to US$1.95 million, or €960,000 to €1.8 million).
Houses in expat-popular areas of Canberra, including Yarralumla, Deakin, Forrest, Red Hill, Griffith, Kingston, and Barton, typically range from A$1.7 million to A$4 million or more (US$1.1 million to US$2.6 million, or €1.02 million to €2.4 million).
We actually have an updated expat guide for Canberra here.
How much do houses cost in the suburbs in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, houses in Canberra's main suburban districts typically cost A$750,000 to A$1.4 million (US$485,000 to US$910,000, or €450,000 to €840,000), covering family-friendly areas in Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Weston Creek, and Woden Valley.
The typical price difference between suburban houses and city-center houses in Canberra ranges from A$400,000 to A$1.2 million (roughly 30% to 50% less than inner suburbs), making the outer suburbs significantly more accessible for family budgets.
The most popular suburbs for house buyers in Canberra include Gungahlin's newer areas like Harrison and Franklin, Belconnen family suburbs like Florey and Kaleen, and Woden Valley's established suburbs like Garran and Hughes.
What areas in Canberra are improving and still affordable as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top improving yet affordable areas for house buyers in Canberra include Molonglo Valley suburbs like Denman Prospect, Coombs, Wright, and Whitlam, plus select pockets of Belconnen and Tuggeranong undergoing renewal.
The current typical house price in these improving Canberra areas ranges from A$850,000 to A$1.3 million (US$550,000 to US$845,000, or €510,000 to €780,000), offering newer builds and infrastructure at below inner-suburb prices.
The main sign of improvement driving buyer interest in Molonglo Valley is the arrival of new schools, retail centers, parks, and transport links, transforming what was recently vacant land into established communities with growing amenities.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property 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 extra costs should I budget for a house in Canberra right now?
What are typical buyer closing costs for houses in Canberra right now?
The estimated typical total closing cost for house buyers in Canberra is around 5% to 8% of the purchase price, covering all fees, duties, and inspections required to settle your purchase.
The main closing cost categories in Canberra include transfer duty (stamp duty) at A$25,000 to A$90,000 depending on price, conveyancing fees at A$1,200 to A$2,500 (US$780 to US$1,620, or €720 to €1,500), and building and pest inspections at A$500 to A$900 (US$325 to US$585, or €300 to €540).
The single largest closing cost for house buyers in Canberra is transfer duty (stamp duty), which alone can represent 3% to 5% of the purchase price and is calculated based on the property value using the ACT Revenue Office's official rates.
We cover all these costs and what are the strategies to minimize them in our property pack about Canberra.
How much are property taxes on houses in Canberra right now?
The estimated typical annual property tax (called "rates") for a house in Canberra is A$2,500 to A$5,500 per year (US$1,620 to US$3,570, or €1,500 to €3,300), with higher costs for houses in Inner South and Inner North suburbs with higher land values.
Property tax in Canberra is calculated using a combination of a fixed charge plus a valuation-based component tied to your block's unimproved land value, with additional levies like emergency services sometimes included on your rates notice.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a page with all the property taxes and fees in Canberra.
How much is home insurance for a house in Canberra right now?
The estimated typical annual home insurance cost for a house in Canberra is A$1,800 to A$3,200 per year (US$1,170 to US$2,080, or €1,080 to €1,920), though premiums can be higher for properties in bushfire-prone fringe areas.
The main factors affecting home insurance premiums for houses in Canberra include the property's rebuild value, location and exposure to bushfire or storm risk, security features, claims history, and the level of coverage you choose.
What are typical utility costs for a house in Canberra right now?
The estimated typical total monthly utility cost for a house in Canberra is A$400 to A$600 per month (US$260 to US$390, or €240 to €360), covering electricity, gas (if connected), water, and internet.
The breakdown of main utility costs for houses in Canberra includes electricity at A$160 to A$230 per month, gas at A$75 to A$130 per month (seasonal), water and sewerage at A$100 to A$135 per month, and internet at A$70 to A$100 per month.
What are common hidden costs when buying a house in Canberra right now?
The estimated total of common hidden costs that house buyers in Canberra often overlook ranges from A$5,000 to A$20,000 or more (US$3,250 to US$13,000, or €3,000 to €12,000), depending on the property's age and condition.
Typical inspection fees buyers should expect when purchasing a house in Canberra include A$500 to A$900 (US$325 to US$585, or €300 to €540) for combined building and pest inspections, with specialist checks like asbestos surveys adding to this for older homes.
Other common hidden costs beyond inspections when buying a house in Canberra include immediate repairs discovered after moving in (hot water systems, roof issues, heating), connection and utility setup fees, and moving costs.
The hidden cost that tends to surprise first-time house buyers the most in Canberra is heating and cooling upgrades, because Canberra's cold winters make insulation improvements, double glazing, and efficient heating systems a real priority that can cost A$5,000 to A$15,000.
You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Canberra.
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What do locals and expats say about the market in Canberra as of 2026?
Do people think houses are overpriced in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the general sentiment among locals and expats is that Canberra houses feel expensive, particularly in Inner South and Inner North suburbs, though outer areas are seen as more reasonably priced compared to Sydney.
Houses in Canberra typically stay on the market for around 49 days before selling, which indicates a steady but not frenzied market where buyers still need to act reasonably quickly on good listings.
The main reason locals and expats give for feeling house prices are high in Canberra is that the median sits above A$1 million while incomes, even with strong public sector salaries, haven't kept pace, making homeownership feel stretched for many families.
Current sentiment on Canberra house prices compared to one or two years ago is slightly more relaxed, as the price growth has moderated from the rapid rises seen during the pandemic years, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about Canberra here.
Are prices still rising or cooling in Canberra as of 2026?
As of early 2026, house prices in Canberra are still rising modestly but at a slower pace than in previous years, with the market showing signs of stabilization rather than either rapid growth or decline.
The estimated year-over-year house price change in Canberra is around 2% to 4% growth, a significant cooldown from the double-digit increases seen during the 2020 to 2022 boom period.
Experts and locals expect Canberra house prices over the next 6 to 12 months to continue growing slowly, supported by stable public sector employment and limited inner-suburb supply, though no major price surges are anticipated.
Finally, please note that we have covered property price trends and forecasts for Canberra here.
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.
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 | Major Australian bank citing official Cotality data | We used it to anchor the Canberra house median at A$1,035,338 in November 2025. We also referenced their days-on-market and suburb data. |
| Cotality Home Value Index | Australia's leading housing analytics provider with transparent methodology | We used it to track market-level value movements into early 2026. We relied on their hedonic index approach for attribute-based pricing. |
| PropTrack Home Price Index | REA Group's major housing data platform with clear methodology | We used it as an independent cross-check on price direction. We verified late 2025 trends were moderating rather than spiking. |
| ACT Revenue Office | Official ACT government tax authority | We used their calculator to estimate transfer duty at realistic price points. We also referenced their rates calculation methodology. |
| Allhomes ACT Market Reports | Canberra-focused property portal with local transaction data | We used it to validate local suburb segmentation. We sense-checked house versus unit pricing across different areas. |
| Domain House Price Reports | Established Australian property research publisher | We used Domain's reporting to triangulate Canberra house medians. We cross-checked typical price ranges across suburbs. |
| ACT ICRC | ACT's independent economic regulator | We used their price determinations for electricity and water costs. We translated regulatory figures into household budgets. |
| Actuaries Institute | Australia's peak actuarial body with formal research | We used their insurance affordability report for premium estimates. We applied national trends to Canberra's risk profile. |
| ACT Law Society | Professional body for ACT solicitors | We used their buying guide to explain conveyancing processes. We framed legal costs accurately for non-professional buyers. |
| Icon Water | ACT's water utility referencing regulator decisions | We used their pricing update to confirm annual water costs. We applied their typical household usage assumptions. |
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