Dikshant Dhungel
29 Vandyke Street, Crace, ACT 2911
Auction
3 2 1
Open Saturday 27 June 12:30 pm Auction Saturday 11 July 4:00 pm🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-31)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Crace — Ngunnawal Country
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.
Overall Score
8.2
A top-tier Gungahlin suburb offering a balanced lifestyle with high-end infrastructure.
Name Origin
Named after Edward Kendall Crace, a prominent 19th-century grazier who owned the nearby Gungaderra estate.
Established
Gazetted 1927; Developed 2008
Award Winning
UDIA National Award for Excellence
Green Space
Over 40 hectares of dedicated parkland
Connectivity
Extensive internal cycleway network
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7.5
Steady demand for modern stock keeps prices resilient despite broader market fluctuations.
Amenity
9.0
Exceptional local shops, medical facilities, and the popular Hilltop Reserve.
Schools
7.0
Relies on neighboring Palmerston and Gungahlin for primary and secondary schooling.
Transport
6.5
Good road access to the Barton Highway, though bus services are the only public transit option.
Risk Profile
8.5
Low environmental risk with modern infrastructure mitigating flood and fire concerns.
Liveability
9.0
High quality of life driven by community events, parks, and a safe atmosphere.
Demographics
8.8
High-income professional demographic with a strong sense of community pride.
Rental Demand
8.2
Consistently low vacancy rates due to proximity to the Gungahlin Town Centre and Belconnen.
Growth Potential
7.2
Limited new land supply within the suburb supports long-term value retention.
Affordability
4.5
Premium pricing compared to older surrounding suburbs like Palmerston or Ngunnawal.
Crime & Safety
8.5
Statistically one of the safer suburbs in the Gungahlin district.
Walkability
8.0
Designed with a '10-minute neighborhood' philosophy, making the local shops highly accessible.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$1,085,000
Reflecting premium modern stock
Median Unit
$645,000
Includes townhouses and apartments
Vacancy Rate
1.1%
Extremely tight rental market
Family Ratio
72%
Dominant household type
5Yr Growth
34%
Strong historical performance
Healthcare
Excellent
Local GP and specialist clinics
✅ Key Advantages
- 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.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- 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.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Modern Professional
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Mix of detached houses, terrace homes, and low-rise apartments.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$550k (units) – $1.6m+ (premium houses)
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
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.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$1,085,000
$950,000 – $1,750,000
🏢 Unit Median
$645,000
$520,000 – $880,000
📈 Price Trend
+4.2% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $750pw, Units $580pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
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.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
5% above Canberra median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
8.4x annual income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
3.9% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
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.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
1.1%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
18 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+5.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
👤 Tenant Profile
Young professional couples, public servants, and small families.
💼 Investor Outlook
Strong. The suburb's modern stock attracts high-quality tenants and requires lower maintenance. Capital growth is steady, though yields are moderate.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+4.2%
1-Year Growth
+9.1% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+34% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- 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.
⛔ Headwinds
- Interest rate sensitivity among high-LVR young buyers.
- Competition from newer developments in Taylor and Jacka.
- Infrastructure limits on local road capacity.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
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.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
8
Safety Score
Above Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
12% below ACT average crime rate
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Low
Personal Safety: Low
Traffic/Parking Issues: Medium
📋 What to Check Locally
Check ACT Policing crime maps for specific street-level data, though Crace consistently ranks as a safe, low-crime area.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Low environmental risk profile. The primary concerns are urban planning related, specifically density and parking.
🌊 Flood Risk
Very Low. Modern stormwater management systems are designed for 1-in-100-year events.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Low-Medium. Some properties on the western edge near the nature reserve have Asset Protection Zone requirements.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Standard premiums apply; no significant 'high-risk' loading observed for this postcode.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
RZ1 (Suburban) and RZ4 (Medium Density)
🔲 Overlays
Precinct Code requirements for solar orientation and setbacks.
🏗️ Development Hotspots
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'.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Relies on the R10 bus rapid route; easy driving access to Gungahlin Drive.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Exceptional. The local Supabarn and 'The District' pub are regional draws.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Outstanding. Hilltop Reserve offers 360-degree views and high-quality play equipment.
🏫 Schools
Zoned for Palmerston District Primary and Gungahlin College. No school in-suburb.
🏥 Healthcare
Crace Medical Centre provides comprehensive local GP services.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A highly educated, high-income population dominated by professionals and young families.
💵 Median Income
$135,000 per household
🏠 Ownership
68% owner-occupied, 32% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 34
🎓 Education
High proportion of Bachelor degrees and above (45%+)
📊 Age Distribution
The young, professional demographic ensures strong support for local businesses and high standards of property maintenance.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
The suburb is largely built-out, with focus shifting to infrastructure maintenance and nearby regional upgrades.
📈 Positive Impacts
- 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.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Increased traffic through-flow from newer northern suburbs.
- Construction noise from nearby developments in Gold Creek/Nicholls.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Palmerston
Position
South
Price
Slightly cheaper
Lifestyle
Older homes, much larger blocks, more established trees.
Best for
Families wanting big backyards and renovation potential.
📍Nicholls
Position
West
Price
More expensive
Lifestyle
Golf course estate, larger executive homes.
Best for
High-end buyers and established families.
📍Casey
Position
North-West
Price
Comparable
Lifestyle
Similar modern feel but with a larger commercial hub.
Best for
Buyers seeking convenience and modern housing.
📍Ngunnawal
Position
North
Price
Cheaper
Lifestyle
Mix of 90s and 2000s housing, less 'planned' feel.
Best for
First home buyers and budget-conscious families.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Lawson
ACT
8.0/10
Modern, high-density master-planned suburb near major employment hubs.
Forde
ACT
8.5/10
Premium Gungahlin suburb with a strong focus on nature and community.
Lightsview
SA
7.8/10
Award-winning urban design with high-density terrace housing and parks.
Oran Park
NSW
7.5/10
Large-scale master-planned community with integrated retail and parks.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
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.
★★★★★
Community Spirit
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.
Community
Walkability
★★★★☆
Parking Issues
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.
House Quality
Parking
★★★★★
Parks and Rec
Hilltop Reserve is the best park in Canberra. We spend every weekend there. It's safe and always full of families.
Parks
Safety
★★★★☆
Rental Returns
Low maintenance and zero vacancy time. It's a 'set and forget' investment because the suburb is so desirable.
Maintenance
Yield
★★★★★
Convenience
Moving from a large block in Nicholls to a terrace here was the best move. Everything I need is at Crace Central.
Lifestyle
Convenience
★★★☆☆
Public Transport
The bus service is okay, but I really wish the light rail came through here. Driving to the city is getting slower.
Transport
Traffic
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- 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.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- 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?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- 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.
📣 Positioning Tips
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.
💼 Investment Case
High-income tenants and low maintenance make this an ideal 'equity play' suburb.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Lower rental yields compared to cheaper northern suburbs; high density may limit rapid price spikes.
📈 Action Plan
- 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.
🔑 Renter Tips
- 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.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Walkable access to great food, coffee, and fitness facilities.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Street parking for guests is very difficult on weekends.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- 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.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure compliance with ACT's minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties (ceiling insulation).
🤝 Agent Insights
- 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.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The 'Award-Winning Sustainable Suburb' and 'Canberra's Most Convenient Lifestyle'.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Young professional families and 'empty-nester' downsizers from larger Gungahlin blocks.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Review the ACT Building File for any unapproved structures.
✓
Check the Crown Lease for any restrictive covenants or land use constraints.
✓
Verify the EER certificate is current and accurate.
✓
Inspect the property for any signs of settlement or cracking (common in some newer builds).
✓
Test all heating and cooling systems (essential for ACT climate).
✓
Confirm the NBN connection type (FTTP is preferred).
✓
Check the ACTmapi for any nearby future development applications.
✓
Review the Body Corporate minutes for the last 3 years (if applicable).
✓
Assess the solar orientation of the main living areas.
✓
Walk the street at 6:00 PM to assess the actual parking situation.
✓
Check the proximity to the nearest bus stop for the R10 route.
✓
Verify the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating if near the reserve.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
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.
