Robert Nepomuceno
69 Hugh McKay Crescent, Dunlop, ACT 2615
AUCTION 30/07/2026
3 2 2
Open Wednesday 15 July 4:45 pm Auction Thursday 30 July 5:00 pm🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-31)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Dunlop — Ngunnawal Country
Dunlop was developed as part of the Belconnen district's expansion in the early 1990s. The suburb was designed to incorporate the natural landscape, specifically the Ginninderra Creek corridor and West Belconnen Pond.
A quiet, low-density residential suburb dominated by detached family homes and integrated green spaces. It maintains a strong community feel with a focus on outdoor recreation.
Overall Score
7.2
A solid performer for families, balancing affordability with high-quality residential living.
Name Origin
Named after Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop, a distinguished Australian surgeon and colonel who served in WWII.
Established
Gazetted 1993
Nature Reserve
Dunlop Grasslands Nature Reserve borders the suburb.
Waterways
Home to West Belconnen Pond and Ginninderra Creek.
Street Names
Streets are named after Australian inventors, artists, and medical personnel.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
6.4
Steady demand from first-home buyers and families, though growth has moderated compared to inner-north suburbs.
Amenity
5.8
Good local parks and ponds, but residents rely on nearby Charnwood or Kippax for major retail.
Schools
7.5
Strong access to reputable public schools like Fraser Primary and Charnwood-Dunlop School.
Transport
5.2
Relies heavily on private vehicles; bus services are available but commute times to the CBD are significant.
Risk Profile
6.8
Generally safe, with the primary concern being bushfire management on the urban edge.
Liveability
8.1
High scores for quiet streets, air quality, and access to walking trails.
Demographics
8.4
Dominated by professional families and high rates of home ownership.
Rental Demand
7.2
Consistent demand for 3-4 bedroom houses from families and defense personnel.
Growth Potential
6.5
Limited by land availability, but benefits from the broader Ginninderry development nearby.
Affordability
7.9
One of the more accessible entry points for detached houses in the Belconnen district.
Crime & Safety
8.3
Low crime rates relative to the ACT average, typical of a quiet residential fringe.
Walkability
4.2
Low walkability for daily errands; most residents require a car for shopping and services.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$915,000
March 2026 estimate
Family Profile
82%
Percentage of households with children
5yr Growth
34.2%
Cumulative house price growth
Rec Space
High
Direct access to Bicentennial National Trail
CBD Distance
15km
Approx. 20-25 min drive to Canberra City
Occupancy
78%
Owner-occupied properties
✅ Key Advantages
- Abundant natural surrounds including the Dunlop Grasslands and Ginninderra Creek.
- Modern housing stock compared to older Belconnen suburbs, requiring less immediate renovation.
- Strong sense of community safety and low traffic volume on local streets.
- Excellent value for money for buyers seeking a 4-bedroom family home.
- Proximity to the expanding Ginninderry precinct and its future amenities.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Significant commute times during peak hours to the Parliamentary Triangle and CBD.
- Limited local commercial infrastructure; no major supermarket within the suburb boundaries.
- Exposure to western sun and wind on the suburb's edge can impact energy efficiency.
- Potential for future traffic congestion as the Ginninderry development grows westwards.
- Limited public transport frequency outside of peak commuter hours.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Family Sanctuary
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Predominantly detached single-storey and two-storey houses, with a small selection of townhouses.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$780k – $1.25m
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Dunlop represents the 'sweet spot' for middle-income families in Canberra who want a modern home without the price tag of the Inner North. Its position on the edge of the ACT provides a semi-rural feel while remaining within the suburban footprint.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$915,000
$820k – $1.2m
🏢 Unit Median
$625,000
$550k – $710k
📈 Price Trend
+3.8% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $680pw, Units $540pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
Prices have stabilized after the post-pandemic surge, making it a predictable market for upgraders. The high house-to-unit ratio protects land value over the long term.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
12% below Canberra house median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
7.8x average household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
3.9% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Dunlop remains one of the most affordable options in the Belconnen district for detached housing, though it is no longer considered 'cheap' by national standards.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
19 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+4.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
High
👤 Tenant Profile
Young families, public servants, and defense personnel posted to nearby bases.
💼 Investor Outlook
Stable yields and low vacancy rates make it a 'safe' defensive investment. Capital growth is likely to track with the broader Canberra market rather than outperform it significantly.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+3.8%
1-Year Growth
+11.5% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+34.2% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Ongoing development of the nearby Ginninderry sustainable community.
- Upgrades to William Hovell Drive improving CBD access.
- Limited supply of new detached housing in the immediate Belconnen area.
- High appeal for work-from-home professionals seeking quiet environments.
⛔ Headwinds
- Rising interest rates impacting the borrowing capacity of its core young-family demographic.
- Competition from newer builds in the adjacent Macnamara and Strathnairn.
- Distance from major employment hubs.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Moderate, steady growth expected. As Ginninderry matures, Dunlop will benefit from improved local services and infrastructure, cementing its status as a premium fringe suburb.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
8.5
Safety Score
Above Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
22% below ACT average crime rate
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Low
Personal Safety: Very Low
Traffic Incidents: Medium
📋 What to Check Locally
Standard residential security is sufficient. Check the ACT Crime Statistics Map for specific street-level data, though incidents are rare.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
The primary risks are environmental and logistical rather than social or economic.
🌊 Flood Risk
Low risk; however, properties adjacent to West Belconnen Pond should review the ACT Strategic Flood Risk Management Plan.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Significant for the western edge. The suburb is bordered by grasslands that require active management by the ACT Government.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Standard for most, but check for 'Bushfire Prone Area' declarations which may affect premiums on the fringe.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
RZ1 - Suburban
🔲 Overlays
Bushfire Prone Area (western fringe)
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Limited within Dunlop; focus is on the adjacent Ginninderry development.
RZ1 zoning limits high-density development, preserving the suburb's low-density character and backyard sizes.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Car-dependent; bus routes 40, 44, and 46 provide links to Kippax and Belconnen interchanges.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Excellent local playgrounds and walking tracks; Woolworths Dunlop serves daily needs.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
High access to Dunlop Grasslands Nature Reserve and several local neighborhood parks.
🏫 Schools
Zoned for Charnwood-Dunlop School and Melba Copland Secondary School.
🏥 Healthcare
Relies on medical centers in Charnwood and Kippax; Calvary Hospital is approx. 12 mins away.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A professional, family-heavy demographic with higher-than-average household incomes and high rates of home ownership.
💵 Median Income
$115,000 pa (Household)
🏠 Ownership
78% owner-occupied, 22% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 35
🎓 Education
High percentage of tertiary-educated residents working in public administration and healthcare.
📊 Age Distribution
The high owner-occupancy rate suggests long-term community stability and pride in property maintenance.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
The Ginninderry cross-border development is the most significant influence on the area.
📈 Positive Impacts
- New schools and commercial centers in nearby Strathnairn.
- Improved road infrastructure connecting West Belconnen to the city.
- Increased ecological conservation efforts in the Ginninderra corridor.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Increased construction traffic on main arterial roads.
- Potential for Dunlop to feel 'older' compared to the ultra-modern Ginninderry amenities.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Fraser
Position
East
Price
Slightly higher
Lifestyle
Older, more established trees and larger blocks.
Best for
Buyers seeking 1970s/80s character and larger gardens.
📍Charnwood
Position
South-East
Price
Lower
Lifestyle
More central shopping but older housing stock and higher crime perception.
Best for
Budget-conscious buyers and renovators.
📍Macgregor
Position
South
Price
Comparable
Lifestyle
Similar 1990s/2000s feel but closer to Kippax Fair.
Best for
Families wanting a similar vibe with slightly better walkability.
📍Strathnairn
Position
West
Price
Higher (for new builds)
Lifestyle
Brand new, high-sustainability focus, smaller blocks.
Best for
Buyers wanting the latest energy-efficient tech and new infrastructure.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Amaroo
ACT
7.5/10
Family-centric, modern housing, and strong school catchments.
Banks
ACT
6.8/10
Fringe location, nature access, and similar price point.
Kellyville Ridge
NSW
7.1/10
Master-planned feel, professional family demographic, fringe location.
Point Cook
VIC
6.9/10
Commuter suburb, modern builds, popular with first-home buyers.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the peace and quiet, safety for children, and the 'edge of the world' feeling with nature at their doorstep.
★★★★★
Family Life
It's the perfect place to raise kids; they can ride their bikes to the pond and the neighbors all know each other.
Safety
Community
★★★☆☆
Transport
The drive to the city is getting longer every year, and the buses are a bit of a mission if you miss the express.
Commute
Peace
★★★★☆
Affordability
We could actually afford a 4-bedroom house here with a proper yard, which was impossible in O'Connor or Lyneham.
Value
Distance
★★★★★
Nature
Walking the dog through the grasslands every morning is the highlight of my day. Very peaceful.
Lifestyle
Quiet
★★★★☆
Investment
I've never had a vacancy longer than two weeks. Families love the school catchments here.
Demand
Yield
★★☆☆☆
Amenities
I wish there was a nice cafe or a better pub closer by. You have to drive for everything.
Amenities
Walkability
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties with north-facing living areas to mitigate Canberra's cold winters.
- Check the specific bushfire attack level (BAL) rating if buying on the western edge.
- Look for homes with updated energy efficiency ratings (EER) as older 90s builds can be leaky.
- Negotiate harder on properties that haven't updated their original 1990s kitchens and bathrooms.
- Verify school catchment boundaries as they can shift with the new Ginninderry developments.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- What is the EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) of this property?
- Has the property been identified in a bushfire prone area overlay?
- Are there any planned infrastructure changes to the nearby arterial roads?
- What are the current school catchment zones for this specific street?
- When was the heating/cooling system last serviced or replaced?
- Is there any remaining builder's warranty on any recent renovations?
- What is the internet connectivity like (NBN technology type)?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight outdoor entertaining areas and proximity to walking trails in marketing.
- Ensure the EER is as high as possible; Canberra buyers are very sensitive to heating costs.
- Stage the home to appeal to young families—convert a spare room into a nursery or home office.
- Address any minor maintenance issues in the garden to emphasize the 'move-in ready' appeal.
- Use professional dusk photography to capture the sunset views over the Brindabellas.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'turn-key family sanctuary' that offers a lifestyle upgrade from apartment living or older, high-maintenance suburbs.
💼 Investment Case
Strong defensive play for long-term hold.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Lower capital growth compared to inner-city gentrification hotspots; sensitive to interest rate hikes.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom configurations.
- Ensure the property has ducted gas heating or reverse cycle air conditioning.
- Focus on the 'Dunlop Ponds' pocket for higher tenant retention.
- Consider a long-term lease for defense personnel.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Be ready with your application; family homes here move quickly.
- Check the proximity to the nearest bus stop if you don't drive.
- Ask about the heating system—it's the biggest winter expense.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Quiet streets, plenty of space, and great for pets.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
High heating bills in winter and limited nightlife.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Maintain the garden to a high standard to attract premium tenants.
- Install solar panels to increase the property's appeal and EER.
- Regularly service the heating and cooling systems.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure compliance with ACT's minimum ceiling insulation standards and smoke alarm legislation.
🤝 Agent Insights
- The market is driven by local upgraders and first-home buyers from the Belconnen area.
- Stock levels are typically low, creating competitive tension for well-presented homes.
- Buyers are increasingly asking about the impact of the Ginninderry development.
🎯 Marketing Angles
Nature at your doorstep, modern family comfort, and the best value in Belconnen.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Young professional couples with 1-2 children or planning a family.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Review the ACTmapi for flood and bushfire overlays.
✓
Order a building and pest inspection report (standard in ACT contracts).
✓
Check the Crown Lease for any restrictive covenants.
✓
Verify the EER statement provided in the contract.
✓
Assess the orientation of the house for solar gain.
✓
Check for any unapproved structures (pergolas, sheds).
✓
Review the Land Tax and Rates obligations.
✓
Inspect the condition of the fencing, especially on the rural interface.
✓
Test all heating and cooling units during the inspection.
✓
Walk the local neighborhood at night to assess noise and lighting.
✓
Confirm the nearest public transport stops and frequency.
✓
Check for any planned developments in the immediate street via the ACT Planning portal.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on simulated data for 2026 and historical trends. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent research and consult with professionals before making a purchase.
