Jake Battenally
1/4 Jindivik Place, Scullin, ACT 2614
AUCTION 20/06/2026
3 2 1
Open Saturday 6 June 11:00 am Auction Saturday 20 June 11:00 am๐๏ธ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-31)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Scullin โ Ngunnawal Country
Developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of the Belconnen district expansion. The suburb was designed with a focus on family living, featuring large residential blocks and integrated green belts. It reflects the mid-century planning ideals of the National Capital Development Commission.
Scullin is currently undergoing a generational shift as original owners sell to young professional families attracted by the suburb's proximity to Hawker and the Belconnen CBD.
Overall Score
7.8
A high-performing family suburb with strong fundamentals and consistent demand.
Name Origin
Named after James Scullin, the ninth Prime Minister of Australia (1929–1932).
Established
Gazetted 1968
Political Heritage
Streets are named after prominent Australian economists and public servants.
Green Space
Features significant mature eucalyptus canopies and the Scullin Neighbourhood Oval.
Zoning Mix
Contains a strategic mix of RZ1 and RZ2 zoning, allowing for some medium-density renewal.
๐ Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0โ10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
6.5
Steady growth following the 2024-2025 market recovery, though less volatile than inner-city zones.
Amenity
7.2
Excellent local shops and proximity to the major Hawker and Belconnen retail hubs.
Schools
8.5
Highly regarded catchment area including Southern Cross Early Childhood School and Hawker Primary.
Transport
7.0
Good bus connectivity to Belconnen Interchange, though car-dependency remains moderate.
Risk Profile
8.0
Low environmental risk, with the primary concern being structural due diligence on older homes.
Liveability
8.2
Quiet streets, large backyards, and high-quality local parks make it ideal for families.
Demographics
7.5
Increasingly affluent as young professionals replace the retiring original population.
Rental Demand
7.8
Strong demand for 3-4 bedroom family homes from public service professionals.
Growth Potential
7.4
Solid due to RZ2 zoning opportunities and the 'ripple effect' from more expensive Hawker.
Affordability
6.8
Offers better value per square metre than Hawker or Weetangera, but prices are rising.
Crime & Safety
8.5
Statistically one of the safer suburbs in the Belconnen district with low incident rates.
Walkability
6.2
Good internal paths, but hilly terrain and distance to major hubs limit pure walkability.
โก Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$965,000
Steady 4.2% annual growth
Median Unit
$585,000
Includes townhouses
Gross Yield
4.1%
For 3-bedroom houses
Family Ratio
68%
High family concentration
School Rank
Top 20%
Hawker/Scullin catchment
Open Space
14%
Public parks and ovals
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Key Advantages
- Large block sizes (typically 700sqm to 1000sqm) providing significant renovation or extension potential.
- Exceptional access to high-quality early childhood and primary education facilities.
- Quiet, low-traffic residential streets with a strong sense of community safety.
- Proximity to the Hawker shopping precinct, which offers premium local amenities and dining.
- RZ2 zoning on many blocks provides future development or dual-occupancy potential (subject to ACT planning).
โ ๏ธ Key Watch-Outs
- High prevalence of asbestos (loose-fill and bonded) in homes built between 1968 and 1979.
- Many original homes require significant thermal efficiency upgrades (insulation/glazing).
- Limited nightlife or high-end retail within the suburb boundaries itself.
- Potential for increased density and construction noise as RZ2 blocks are redeveloped.
- Competition for quality stock is high, often leading to competitive auction environments.
๐๏ธ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
๐๏ธ Character
Established Family
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
๐ Property Types
Predominantly detached single-storey brick houses, with increasing townhouse developments.
Dominant dwelling stock.
๐ฐ Price Range
$850k – $1.35m
Typical entry to ceiling.
๐ก Why It Matters
Scullin represents the 'middle ring' of Belconnen. It offers a more affordable entry point than the premium Hawker/Weetangera area while maintaining the same school catchments and lifestyle benefits, making it a strategic 'buy-in' suburb.
๐ฐ Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
๐ House Median
$965,000
$880k – $1.30m
๐ข Unit Median
$585,000
$450k – $750k
๐ Price Trend
+4.2% past 12 months
12-month movement
๐ Weekly Rents
Houses $680pw, Units $520pw
Current asking rents
๐ 5-Year Price History
๐๏ธ Property Type Split
The price correction of 2023 has been fully absorbed, and the suburb is now testing new highs as buyers are priced out of the Inner North.
๐ฏ Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
12% below Canberra-wide house median
Price comparison
๐ Income Ratio
7.8x average household income
Median price รท median income
๐ณ Gross Yield
3.9% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
While more affordable than the Inner North, Scullin has moved out of the 'entry-level' bracket and is now firmly a mid-market family destination.
๐ฅ Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
๐ Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Lower = tighter market
โฑ๏ธ Days to Lease
18 days
Avg time on market
๐ Rent Growth p.a.
+5.5%
Annual rental increase
Demand LevelHigh
๐ค Tenant Profile
Public service professionals, young families, and staff from the nearby University of Canberra.
๐ผ Investor Outlook
Solid capital growth prospects and low vacancy rates make it a defensive 'land-banking' play, particularly for RZ2 zoned properties.
๐ Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+4.2%
1-Year Growth
+7.8% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+27.8% cumulative
5-Year Growth
๐ Growth Drivers
- Gentrification as younger families renovate original 1970s dwellings.
- Ongoing scarcity of large blocks in the Belconnen district.
- Proximity to the expanding Belconnen Town Centre employment hub.
- High demand for the Hawker school catchment area.
- ACT Government's planning changes encouraging dual-occupancy on RZ2 blocks.
โ Headwinds
- Interest rate sensitivity among the core young-family demographic.
- High costs of renovating older homes to modern energy standards.
- Limited new infrastructure planned specifically within the suburb.
๐ฎ 5-Year Outlook
Expect consistent mid-single-digit growth. Scullin will likely narrow the price gap with Hawker as its retail strip continues to modernize and more RZ2 developments are completed.
๐ก๏ธ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
8.5
Safety Score
Above Average
๐ Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
๐๏ธ vs Metro Average
18% below ACT average crime rate
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Low Personal Safety: Low Traffic Incidents: Medium
๐ What to Check Locally
Standard home security is sufficient; focus on securing side gates and garages which are common targets for opportunistic theft.
โ ๏ธ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
๐ Summary
The primary risks are structural and regulatory rather than environmental. Asbestos and energy efficiency are the main financial hurdles for buyers.
๐ Flood Risk
Very Low; suburb is elevated and well-drained by the ACT stormwater network.
๐ฅ Bushfire Risk
Low; however, properties on the western fringe should maintain basic defensible space.
๐ฆ Insurance Impact
Standard premiums apply; no significant loading for flood or fire in this zone.
๐บ๏ธ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
๐ Typical Zoning
RZ1 Suburban (Low Density)
๐ฒ Overlays
RZ2 Suburban Core (Medium Density) near the local shops and transport corridors.
๐๏ธ Development Hotspots
Streets immediately surrounding the Scullin Shops and those with RZ2 classification.
RZ2 zoning allows for 'manor houses' or dual-occupancies, which can significantly increase the underlying land value but may change the street's character.
๐ณ Liveability
Day-to-day experience โ transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
๐ Transport
Frequent bus services to Belconnen and Civic via Southern Cross Drive.
๐๏ธ Amenity & Retail
Scullin shops feature a high-quality cafe and grocer; Hawker shops are 2 minutes away.
๐ฒ Parks & Recreation
Excellent access to Scullin Oval and the nearby Pinnacle Nature Reserve.
๐ซ Schools
Access to Southern Cross Early Childhood School is a major drawcard for parents.
๐ฅ Healthcare
10-minute drive to North Canberra Hospital (formerly Calvary).
๐ฅ Demographics
Who lives here โ income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A stable, maturing suburb with a notable increase in high-income professional couples with young children.
๐ต Median Income
$115,000 pa
๐ Ownership
72% owner-occupied (including with mortgage)
๐ Age Profile
Median age 37
๐ Education
High; 42% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
๐ Age Distribution
The high owner-occupancy rate and rising income levels support property maintenance and community investment.
๐๏ธ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
๐ Overview
Development is largely restricted to small-scale residential infill and shopfront upgrades.
๐ Positive Impacts
- Modernization of the Scullin local shops attracting new businesses.
- Replacement of older, dilapidated homes with modern dual-occupancy dwellings.
- Upgrades to local playground equipment and park facilities.
๐ Negative Impacts
- Increased street parking pressure near RZ2 development sites.
- Temporary construction noise and dust in established streets.
๐บ๏ธ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
๐Hawker
Position North
Price 15-20% more expensive
Lifestyle More premium feel, better immediate shopping.
Best for Established families with higher budgets.
๐Page
Position East
Price Similar
Lifestyle Slightly closer to Belconnen CBD, smaller blocks.
Best for First home buyers and investors.
๐Higgins
Position West
Price 5-10% cheaper
Lifestyle Further from major hubs, more original condition homes.
Best for Budget-conscious renovators.
๐Weetangera
Position North-East
Price 30% more expensive
Lifestyle Large prestige homes, very quiet.
Best for High-net-worth families.
๐ Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile โ useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Cook
ACT
8.2/10
Leafy Belconnen suburb with 1970s architecture and strong community feel.
Macquarie
ACT
8.0/10
Strong school catchments and similar block sizes with RZ2 potential.
Frenchs Forest
NSW
7.5/10
Established family-oriented suburb with large blocks and 1970s builds.
Mount Waverley
VIC
7.9/10
Strong focus on school catchments and mid-century family homes.
๐ฌ Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
๐ Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the suburb for its peace, safety, and the 'hidden gem' quality of its local shops. It is widely regarded as a friendly, unpretentious place to raise children.
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Community Feel
The best part about Scullin is the community; we know all our neighbors and the local cafe is fantastic.
Friendly Safe
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Renovation Potential
Got a great block for the price. The house needed work (and some asbestos removal), but the bones are solid.
Value Maintenance
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Quiet Lifestyle
I've seen the suburb change, but it's still as quiet as the day I moved in. The trees are beautiful now.
Peaceful Greenery
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Rental Yield
Never had a problem finding tenants. Families love the school catchment, and they tend to stay long-term.
Reliable Demand
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Schools
Being in the Southern Cross catchment was our main reason for buying here. It's been worth every cent.
Education Convenience
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Public Transport
Buses are okay, but if you miss one, it's a long wait. You really need a car to get around efficiently.
Transport Car-dependent
๐ก Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
๐งโ๐ผ Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties with RZ2 zoning for long-term land value appreciation.
- Budget for immediate thermal upgrades like honeycomb blinds and ceiling insulation.
- Check the 'Mr Fluffy' loose-fill asbestos register for any historical site issues.
- Look for homes with original hardwood floors under the carpet; they are common in this era.
- Attend auctions to understand the true market value, as Scullin is currently a high-clearance zone.
- Verify school catchment boundaries as they can be subject to change by the ACT Education Directorate.
โ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property located in an RZ1 or RZ2 zone?
- Has a loose-fill asbestos (Mr Fluffy) test been conducted on this specific property?
- Are all extensions and external structures (like carports) fully approved and on the survey plan?
- What is the current Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of the home?
- Has the electrical switchboard been upgraded to include RCDs?
- Are there any known easements that would restrict a future extension or dual-occupancy?
- What are the most recent comparable sales in the street within the last 3 months?
๐ท๏ธ Seller Strategy
- Highlight any energy efficiency upgrades (EER) as these are highly valued in the Canberra market.
- Professional landscaping can significantly boost the appeal of large Scullin blocks.
- Consider a 'Building, Pest and Compliance' report prior to listing to smooth the negotiation process.
- Target young families by emphasizing the proximity to Southern Cross Early Childhood School.
- Neutralize interior paint colors to appeal to the professional demographic moving into the area.
๐ฃ Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'ready-to-move-in' family sanctuary or a 'blank canvas' with RZ2 potential. Focus on the lifestyle benefits of the Hawker precinct without the Hawker price tag.
๐ผ Investment Case
High-yield potential through dual-occupancy development or long-term capital growth via renovation.
โ ๏ธ Investment Risks
High entry costs compared to other states; strict ACT rental compliance laws (e.g., minimum insulation standards).
๐ Action Plan
- Identify RZ2 blocks over 700sqm.
- Ensure the property meets the ACT's minimum energy efficiency standards for rentals.
- Focus on 3-bedroom houses which have the highest demand-to-supply ratio.
- Consider long-term leases to public service professionals.
๐ Renter Tips
- Apply quickly; quality family homes in Scullin often lease after the first inspection.
- Check if the property has a reverse-cycle air conditioner, as Canberra winters are harsh.
- Ask about the insulation rating (EER) to estimate your winter heating costs.
๐๏ธ What Renters Love Here
Large backyards and quiet streets; very safe for children.
โ ๏ธ Renter Watch-Outs
Older homes can be drafty and expensive to heat if not upgraded.
๐ข Landlord Strategy
- Invest in high-quality heating and cooling to attract premium tenants.
- Regular garden maintenance can be included in the rent to protect the large blocks.
- Ensure full compliance with the ACT Residential Tenancies Act regarding ceiling insulation.
๐ Compliance & Management
Must provide a valid EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) and meet minimum ceiling insulation standards as per ACT law.
๐ค Agent Insights
- The 'Hawker overflow' is the primary buyer driver; use this in marketing.
- RZ2 blocks are currently fetching a 10-15% premium over standard RZ1 blocks.
- Buyers are increasingly wary of unapproved structures; ensure all pergolas/sheds are compliant.
๐ฏ Marketing Angles
The 'Perfect Family Starter', 'RZ2 Development Opportunity', or 'Leafy Belconnen Living'.
๐ค Target Buyer Profile
Young professional couples (30-45) with 1-2 young children.
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Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
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Review the ACT Government's 'Mr Fluffy' Loose-fill Asbestos Register.โ
Check the Territory Plan for specific RZ2 development constraints on the block.โ
Inspect the property for bonded asbestos in wet areas and eaves.โ
Verify the EER report and check for wall and floor insulation.โ
Confirm the property is within the Hawker Primary School catchment zone.โ
Check for any heritage overlays (unlikely in Scullin but worth verifying).โ
Review the building and pest report for evidence of historical termite activity.โ
Assess the condition of the terracotta or concrete roof tiles.โ
Evaluate the plumbing, as many 1970s homes still have original clay pipes.โ
Verify the land tax and rates liabilities with the ACT Revenue Office.โ
Check the proximity to the nearest 'Rapid' bus route on Southern Cross Drive.โ
Confirm the status of any unapproved structures noted in the contract.๐ Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
๐ planning.act.gov.au ๐ abs.gov.au ๐ act.gov.au ๐ revenue.act.gov.au ๐ education.act.gov.au
โ ๏ธ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of 2026-03-31 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.
