Originally part of the Gungaderra pastoral lease, the area remained rural until the late 2000s. It was developed as a joint venture between the ACT Land Development Agency and CIC Australia to showcase modern sustainable urbanism. The suburb was designed to be a 'compact' community with a focus on walkability and shared green spaces.
A vibrant, family-oriented suburb characterized by contemporary architecture, manicured parklands, and a bustling central shopping precinct. It attracts young professionals and families seeking a 'turn-key' lifestyle with minimal maintenance.
- Exceptional local amenities including Supabarn, cafes, and a popular local pub.
- High-quality public realm with the Hilltop Reserve and multiple fitness stations.
- Modern housing stock with high energy efficiency ratings (EER).
- Strong community engagement and active local residents' association.
- Strategic location with easy access to the Barton Highway for commuting to the City or Belconnen.
- Small block sizes (often 300-450sqm) compared to older Canberra suburbs.
- Significant street parking congestion due to narrow road designs.
- Lack of a dedicated primary school within the suburb boundaries.
- Higher entry price point compared to neighboring Gungahlin suburbs.
- Limited potential for further subdivision due to existing high-density zoning.
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
Dominant dwelling stock.
Typical entry to ceiling.
Crace represents the 'new Canberra' model: smaller blocks but higher quality shared amenities. It is a 'lifestyle' suburb where the value is found in the community infrastructure rather than just the land size.
$950,000 – $1,750,000
$520,000 – $880,000
12-month movement
Current asking rents
Prices have stabilized after the 2022 peak and are now showing moderate growth driven by the scarcity of high-quality, low-maintenance homes in the Gungahlin region.
Price comparison
Median price รท median income
Estimated rental yield
Crace is a premium entry point for the Gungahlin district. While more expensive than Ngunnawal, it offers better long-term value through superior master-planning.
Lower = tighter market
Avg time on market
Annual rental increase
Young professional couples, public servants, and small families.
Strong. The suburb's modern stock attracts high-quality tenants and requires lower maintenance. Capital growth is steady, though yields are moderate.
- Proximity to the expanding Gungahlin Town Centre.
- High desirability of the 'Crace Central' shopping precinct.
- Limited remaining greenfield land in the immediate vicinity.
- Strong appeal to the 'lock-up-and-leave' professional demographic.
- Interest rate sensitivity among high-LVR young buyers.
- Competition from newer developments in Taylor and Jacka.
- Infrastructure limits on local road capacity.
Expect steady capital appreciation of 3-5% per annum. Crace will likely transition into a 'mature' premium suburb, similar to the trajectory of Nicholls but with higher density.
vs last 12 months
Relative comparison
Check ACT Policing crime maps for specific street-level data, though Crace consistently ranks as a safe, low-crime area.
Low environmental risk profile. The primary concerns are urban planning related, specifically density and parking.
Very Low. Modern stormwater management systems are designed for 1-in-100-year events.
Low-Medium. Some properties on the western edge near the nature reserve have Asset Protection Zone requirements.
Standard premiums apply; no significant 'high-risk' loading observed for this postcode.
Precinct Code requirements for solar orientation and setbacks.
The precinct surrounding Crace Central is fully developed; minimal new large-scale projects expected.
Strict design guidelines have maintained a cohesive aesthetic, protecting property values from 'architectural mismatch'.
Relies on the R10 bus rapid route; easy driving access to Gungahlin Drive.
Exceptional. The local Supabarn and 'The District' pub are regional draws.
Outstanding. Hilltop Reserve offers 360-degree views and high-quality play equipment.
Zoned for Palmerston District Primary and Gungahlin College. No school in-suburb.
Crace Medical Centre provides comprehensive local GP services.
A highly educated, high-income population dominated by professionals and young families.
The young, professional demographic ensures strong support for local businesses and high standards of property maintenance.
The suburb is largely built-out, with focus shifting to infrastructure maintenance and nearby regional upgrades.
- Ongoing upgrades to the Barton Highway duplication improving commute times.
- Expansion of retail services in the nearby Gungahlin Town Centre.
- Maturation of street trees and parklands enhancing streetscape appeal.
- Increased traffic through-flow from newer northern suburbs.
- Construction noise from nearby developments in Gold Creek/Nicholls.
Residents are fiercely loyal to the suburb, often citing the 'village feel' and the quality of the local shops as the primary reasons for staying.
I love that I can walk to the shops and see five people I know. The community events at the park are fantastic for the kids.
The house is great and energy efficient, but visitor parking is a nightmare. If we have friends over, they have to park two streets away.
Hilltop Reserve is the best park in Canberra. We spend every weekend there. It's safe and always full of families.
Low maintenance and zero vacancy time. It's a 'set and forget' investment because the suburb is so desirable.
Moving from a large block in Nicholls to a terrace here was the best move. Everything I need is at Crace Central.
The bus service is okay, but I really wish the light rail came through here. Driving to the city is getting slower.
- Prioritize properties with north-facing living areas; Canberra winters make solar gain essential.
- Check the specific parking entitlements for townhouses; some have very restrictive visitor rules.
- Look for homes within a 500m radius of Crace Central for maximum capital growth potential.
- Inspect the 'Asset Protection Zone' requirements if buying on the western edge near the reserve.
- Verify school priority enrollment areas as they can change annually in the ACT.
- Act quickly on detached houses; they are the most sought-after and scarcest stock in the suburb.
- What is the EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) of this property?
- Are there any active disputes or major works planned for the Body Corporate (if applicable)?
- How many off-street parking spaces are legally allocated to this title?
- Has the property been subject to any 'Mr Fluffy' loose-fill asbestos testing (though unlikely for this age)?
- What are the specific boundary setbacks required by the Crace Precinct Code?
- Is the property within the current priority enrollment area for Palmerston District Primary?
- Are there any easements on the block that restrict future extensions or pools?
- Highlight energy efficiency ratings (EER) in marketing, as Crace buyers are typically eco-conscious.
- Professional styling is highly recommended to showcase how to use smaller living spaces effectively.
- Emphasize the 'lifestyle' aspect—proximity to the pub, gym, and Supabarn is a major selling point.
- Ensure all unapproved structures (pergolas, etc.) are rectified before listing, as ACT building files are strictly checked.
- Target young professional couples through social media marketing campaigns.
Position the property as a 'low-maintenance lifestyle choice' rather than just a home. Focus on the community infrastructure and the '10-minute neighborhood' benefits.
High-income tenants and low maintenance make this an ideal 'equity play' suburb.
Lower rental yields compared to cheaper northern suburbs; high density may limit rapid price spikes.
- Target 3-bedroom townhouses which offer the best balance of yield and growth.
- Ensure the property has high-speed NBN (FTTP) as many residents work from home.
- Consider properties with existing long-term professional tenants.
- Review the sinking fund and strata minutes carefully for apartment/townhouse complexes.
- Be ready to apply immediately; properties often lease after the first inspection.
- Check for reverse-cycle air conditioning—essential for Canberra's climate extremes.
- Verify if the property is 'pet friendly' as many Crace residents have dogs for the local parks.
Walkable access to great food, coffee, and fitness facilities.
Street parking for guests is very difficult on weekends.
- Maintain the garden to a high standard to match the suburb's 'manicured' aesthetic.
- Consider allowing pets to tap into the largest segment of the local rental market.
- Install high-quality window treatments to improve thermal efficiency.
Ensure compliance with ACT's minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties (ceiling insulation).
- The 'Crace premium' is real; buyers will pay more for this postcode than for Ngunnawal or Casey.
- Community sentiment is a huge driver; mention the local residents' association in pitches.
- Stock turnover is relatively low as people tend to stay in the suburb and trade up/down.
The 'Award-Winning Sustainable Suburb' and 'Canberra's Most Convenient Lifestyle'.
Young professional families and 'empty-nester' downsizers from larger Gungahlin blocks.
This report is based on data available as of March 2026 and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent investigations and consult with qualified professionals before making any property purchase.
