Anthony McCormack
5/26 Mills Street, Hackett, ACT 2602
Auction
4 2 2
Open Saturday 24 October 10:15 am Auction Thursday 12 November 6:00 pm🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-31)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Hackett — Ngunnawal Country
Developed throughout the 1960s, Hackett was designed as a residential suburb to accommodate Canberra's growing public service. It features a mix of government-built 'ex-govie' homes and private designs from the mid-century era.
Hackett has evolved into a premium gentrifying suburb popular with academics, public servants, and young families who value its quiet streets and lack of through-traffic.
Overall Score
8.4
A high-performing Inner North suburb with exceptional lifestyle appeal and strong capital stability.
Aboriginal Name
Ngunnawal Country— "The name Ngunnawal refers to the local people; the area is part of a traditional pathway between the mountains and the plains."
Name Origin
Named after Sir John Winthrop Hackett (1848–1916), a prominent newspaper editor, politician, and university benefactor.
Established
Gazetted 1960
Nature Access
Direct access to Mt Majura
Architecture
Mid-century modern influence
Connectivity
Extensive cycle path network
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7.2
Steady demand with low stock levels keeping prices resilient despite broader interest rate pressures.
Amenity
7.8
Excellent local shops and cafes, though major retail requires a short trip to Dickson or the City.
Schools
8.5
Highly regarded local primary options and proximity to top-tier secondary colleges.
Transport
6.8
Good bus links and bike paths, though slightly further from the Light Rail than neighbouring Dickson.
Risk Profile
6.5
Impacted by bushfire overlays and historical loose-fill asbestos (Mr Fluffy) considerations.
Liveability
9.2
Exceptional due to the 'bush-capital' feel and very low noise pollution.
Demographics
8.8
High-income professional base with a growing trend of young families replacing retirees.
Rental Demand
7.5
Consistently high due to proximity to the ANU, ACU, and the city centre.
Growth Potential
7.4
Strong, driven by the scarcity of land in the Inner North and ongoing renovations.
Affordability
3.8
Low; entry-level prices for houses are significantly above the Canberra median.
Crime & Safety
8.6
One of Canberra's safer suburbs with low rates of violent crime.
Walkability
7.2
Very walkable to local parks and shops, though some streets are hilly.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$1,385,000
Reflects 2025-26 market data
12mo Growth
3.4%
Outperforming ACT average
Family Ratio
68%
High percentage of households
Green Space
42%
Suburb area dedicated to parks
Ownership
74%
High owner-occupancy rate
Top School
Rosary Primary
Highly sought-after local school
✅ Key Advantages
- Direct trail access to Mount Majura Nature Reserve for hiking and mountain biking.
- Quiet, low-traffic environment with minimal through-roads compared to Dickson or Watson.
- Strong community spirit centered around the vibrant Hackett local shops.
- Large block sizes (typically 700sqm+) allowing for significant extensions or gardens.
- Proximity to the employment hubs of Civic and the Parliamentary Triangle.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Properties backing onto the reserve face mandatory bushfire construction requirements (BAL ratings).
- Historical presence of 'Mr Fluffy' loose-fill asbestos in some demolished sites; check the register.
- Aging infrastructure in original 1960s homes may require significant electrical and plumbing upgrades.
- Limited high-density development means fewer entry-level options for first-home buyers.
- Hilly terrain in certain pockets may not suit all buyers with mobility concerns.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Leafy Residential
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Predominantly detached houses with a small selection of townhouses and dual-occupancies.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$1.15m – $2.1m
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Hackett offers a 'best of both worlds' scenario: the convenience of Inner North living without the noise and density of the urban corridor. It is a 'buy and hold' suburb where turnover is relatively low.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$1,385,000
$1.2m – $2.2m
🏢 Unit Median
$695,000
$580k – $850k
📈 Price Trend
+3.4% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $780pw, Units $540pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
The price gap between Hackett and its neighbor Ainslie has narrowed, but Hackett still offers slightly better value for similar block sizes.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
14% above Canberra median house price
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
8.4x average household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
3.1% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Hackett is considered an aspirational suburb. While expensive, it remains more accessible than the Inner South (Forrest/Red Hill).
🔥 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.
+4.2%
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
High
👤 Tenant Profile
Professional couples, ANU academics, and families seeking school catchments.
💼 Investor Outlook
Capital growth is the primary play here rather than yield. Low vacancy rates provide security, but high entry costs limit immediate cash flow.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+3.4%
1-Year Growth
+6.2% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+28.2% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Limited supply of detached housing in the Inner North.
- Ongoing gentrification and high-end renovations of original 1960s stock.
- Proximity to the expanding Dickson precinct and Light Rail corridor.
- High demand for nature-adjacent living post-pandemic.
⛔ Headwinds
- Higher interest rates impacting the $1.5m+ buyer segment.
- Increasing insurance costs for bushfire-prone zones.
- Strict RZ1 zoning limiting medium-density development upside.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect steady capital appreciation. As Ainslie becomes unaffordable for many, Hackett will continue to capture the spillover demand from high-income families.
🛡️ 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
18% below ACT average crime rate
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Low
Personal Safety: Very Low
Traffic Incidents: Low
📋 What to Check Locally
Standard residential security is sufficient. Most incidents are opportunistic theft from unlocked vehicles.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Environmental risks are the primary concern, specifically bushfire proximity and historical soil/building contaminants.
🌊 Flood Risk
Very low risk due to elevation and natural drainage towards the valley.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
High risk for properties on the eastern fringe (Antill St and backing streets).
🏦 Insurance Impact
Standard, but ensure bushfire coverage is adequate for properties near the reserve.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
RZ1 - Suburban (Low Density)
🔲 Overlays
Bushfire Prone Area, Loose-fill Asbestos (affected sites)
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Knockdown-rebuilds on larger blocks; minimal commercial development.
The RZ1 zoning protects the suburb's character but limits the ability to build townhouses or subdivide, preserving long-term value for detached homes.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Reliable bus services to Dickson interchange; excellent cycling infrastructure to Civic.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Hackett shops offer a popular cafe (Siam Twist) and a local supermarket; Dickson provides full retail.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Unbeatable access to Mt Majura and several well-maintained local playgrounds.
🏫 Schools
Strong catchment for Rosary Primary and Majura Primary; Dickson College nearby for years 11-12.
🏥 Healthcare
Close to Calvary Private and North Canberra Hospital (formerly Calvary Public).
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A highly educated, professional demographic with a significant proportion of public service employees.
💵 Median Income
$115,000 pa (Individual)
🏠 Ownership
74% owner-occupied (including with mortgage)
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 41
🎓 Education
62% hold a Bachelor degree or higher
📊 Age Distribution
The high owner-occupancy and income levels suggest a stable community with high pride of ownership and maintenance.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Development is largely restricted to individual residential renewals rather than large-scale projects.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Modernization of housing stock through high-quality renovations.
- Upgrades to the Mount Majura nature trails and signage.
- Incremental improvements to the Hackett local shopping precinct.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Construction noise from frequent knockdown-rebuild projects.
- Loss of some original mid-century character as older homes are replaced.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Ainslie
Position
South
Price
20% more expensive
Lifestyle
More heritage character, closer to Civic.
Best for
High-budget heritage lovers.
📍Watson
Position
North
Price
10% cheaper
Lifestyle
More apartments and newer townhouses.
Best for
First home buyers and investors.
📍Dickson
Position
West
Price
Similar for houses
Lifestyle
Urban hub, noisy, high-density focus.
Best for
Those wanting walkability to dining/light rail.
📍Downer
Position
North-West
Price
Slightly cheaper
Lifestyle
Flat terrain, very family-centric.
Best for
Families seeking a quiet, flat suburb.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Aranda
ACT
8.5/10
Bush-adjacent, mid-century homes, highly educated demographic.
Cook
ACT
8.2/10
Strong local shops, gentrifying 1960s stock, hilly terrain.
Eltham
VIC
8.0/10
Strong connection to nature, hilly, community-focused.
Beecroft
NSW
8.6/10
Leafy, high-income, prestigious but quiet residential feel.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents are fiercely protective of Hackett's quiet character and appreciate the immediate access to nature trails.
★★★★★
Nature Access
Walking out my back gate directly onto Mount Majura is a privilege I never take for granted.
Nature
Peace
★★★★★
Community
The local shops are the heart of the suburb; everyone knows each other at the cafe.
Community
Safety
★★★★☆
Housing Stock
The 60s builds have great bones but be prepared to spend a lot on insulation and double glazing.
Potential
Maintenance
★★★★☆
Transport
The bike paths into the city are fantastic, though the bus can be a bit slow during peak hour.
Cycling
Public Transport
★★★★★
Quietude
It is much quieter than Dickson; we don't get the sirens or the traffic noise here.
Quiet
★★★☆☆
Affordability
I love it here but it's getting so expensive that my friends can't afford to buy nearby.
Lifestyle
Price
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties with north-facing living areas to maximize solar gain in Canberra winters.
- Check the ACT Loose-fill Asbestos (Mr Fluffy) register for any history on the specific block.
- Inquire about the BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating if the property is within 100m of the reserve.
- Look for homes where the heavy lifting of electrical and plumbing upgrades has already been done.
- Attend a few weekend auctions to gauge the true 'Inner North' premium currently being paid.
- Verify school catchment boundaries as they can shift slightly between Hackett and Watson.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Has this property ever been tested for loose-fill asbestos or was it a remediated Mr Fluffy site?
- What is the current EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) and what improvements have been made?
- Is the property located within the Bushfire Prone Area overlay?
- Are there any active heritage overlays or tree protection orders on this specific block?
- What are the specific school catchment zones for this street this year?
- Have the original galvanized pipes and fuse box been replaced?
- What is the history of the property's boundary fencing, especially if backing onto the reserve?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight energy efficiency ratings (EER), as Canberra buyers are highly sensitive to heating costs.
- Showcase any direct views or proximity to Mount Majura in marketing photography.
- Ensure gardens are tidy but 'bush-friendly' to appeal to the local aesthetic.
- Consider a professional building and pest report prior to listing to smooth the auction process.
- Position the property as a quiet alternative to the high-density development in Dickson.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the home as a 'Nature-Connected Sanctuary.' Emphasize the lifestyle of weekend hikes and morning coffees at the Hackett shops, targeting families and professionals seeking a peaceful retreat.
💼 Investment Case
Hackett is a capital growth play. The high land-to-asset ratio and Inner North location ensure long-term desirability.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Low rental yields compared to apartments and high maintenance costs for older detached dwellings.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 3-bedroom houses on 700sqm+ blocks.
- Focus on properties with modern EER improvements (insulation, glazing).
- Consider a long-term hold strategy (10+ years).
- Budget for higher-than-average garden maintenance to manage bushfire fuel loads.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Be ready to move fast; family homes in Hackett are rare on the rental market.
- Check the heating systems; older Hackett homes can be very cold without ducted gas or reverse cycle.
- Ask about garden maintenance responsibilities given the large block sizes.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Quiet, safe, and close to nature trails.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Older homes may have high utility bills if not recently insulated.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Invest in high-quality heating and cooling to attract long-term professional tenants.
- Regularly clear gutters and manage vegetation to comply with bushfire safety.
- Consider allowing pets, as the proximity to Mt Majura attracts many dog owners.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure compliance with ACT's minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties (ceiling insulation requirements).
🤝 Agent Insights
- The 'Hackett Premium' is driven by the lack of through-traffic compared to Watson.
- Buyers are often locals moving within the Inner North rather than out-of-area.
- Mid-century original features are currently seeing a resurgence in buyer interest.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The 'Bush Capital' lifestyle; Mid-century modern potential; Inner North convenience without the noise.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Professional families (35-50), ANU academics, and 'empty nesters' from larger Southside blocks.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Search the ACT Loose-Fill Asbestos Disease Eradication Scheme register.
✓
Review the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) file for unapproved structures.
✓
Check the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) if near Mount Majura.
✓
Verify the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) statement.
✓
Inspect for structural integrity of 1960s brickwork and foundations.
✓
Confirm the presence of wall and ceiling insulation.
✓
Check for protected trees under the Urban Forest Act 2023.
✓
Review the Crown Lease conditions and any variations.
✓
Assess the condition of the sewer and stormwater lines (often original clay).
✓
Evaluate the property's orientation for winter sun access.
✓
Check for any planned upgrades to the Hackett local shops or nearby parks.
✓
Verify the land tax and rates liabilities for the current financial year.
📚 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 contains estimates for property values and market trends. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct independent inspections and consult with qualified professionals regarding asbestos, bushfire risk, and planning regulations.
