Dheveen Ratnayake
18/173 Sutherland Crescent, Taylor, ACT 2913
$739,000 - $799,000
3 2 2
Open Saturday 24 October 10:00 am🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-05)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Taylor — Ngunnawal Country
Taylor was designed as a key residential expansion of the Gungahlin district to alleviate housing pressure in the ACT. Construction began in 2017 on former grazing land, following a strict master plan focused on sustainability and community connectivity.
The suburb is defined by its contemporary housing stock, wide streets, and significant investment in public open spaces and schools.
Overall Score
8.2
A top-tier choice for families due to new infrastructure and high safety ratings.
Aboriginal Name
Ngunnawal Country— "The Ngunnawal people are the traditional custodians of the Canberra region."
Name Origin
Named after Florence Mary Taylor (1879–1969), Australia's first female architect, structural engineer, and civil engineer.
Established
Gazetted 2014
Planned Growth
Final stages of residential development nearing completion in 2026.
Education Hub
Home to the state-of-the-art Margaret Hendry School and Taylor High School.
Green Space
Over 30% of the suburb is dedicated to open space and nature reserves.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7.5
Steady demand for modern, energy-efficient homes keeps prices resilient.
Amenity
7.0
Excellent playgrounds and parks, though retail is currently reliant on nearby Casey and Amaroo.
Schools
9.5
Exceptional access to brand-new, highly-regarded public education facilities.
Transport
5.5
Heavily car-dependent with limited bus frequency compared to inner-north suburbs.
Risk Profile
8.5
Low risk of environmental hazards, though construction noise remains a factor.
Liveability
8.8
High quality of life with modern housing and abundant outdoor recreation options.
Demographics
8.2
Dominated by young, high-income professional families and dual-income households.
Rental Demand
7.8
Strong demand from families wanting to be in the Margaret Hendry catchment zone.
Growth Potential
7.2
Stable growth expected as the suburb matures and landscaping establishes.
Affordability
6.5
Mid-to-high range for Gungahlin, reflecting the 'newness' premium of the area.
Crime & Safety
9.2
One of the safest suburbs in the ACT with very low reported incident rates.
Walkability
6.0
Good internal paths for recreation, but poor walkability to major commercial hubs.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$1,085,000
Reflecting 2025-26 market data
Median Unit
$695,000
Includes modern townhouses
Family Ratio
78%
Significantly higher than ACT average
Avg. EER
6.5 Stars
High energy efficiency standards
Cycle Paths
12km+
Extensive internal network
Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Tight rental market for houses
✅ Key Advantages
- Exceptional modern schooling infrastructure within walking distance.
- High Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) across almost all housing stock.
- Safe, quiet streets with minimal through-traffic in residential pockets.
- Proximity to the Taylor Adventure Playground and One Tree Hill nature trails.
- Modern NBN (FTTP) connectivity throughout the suburb.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Ongoing construction in northern sections causing dust and heavy vehicle traffic.
- Lack of a major internal shopping center (residents use Casey Market Town).
- Limited public transport options; commute to Civic can exceed 40 minutes in peak.
- Relatively small block sizes compared to older Gungahlin suburbs.
- Limited established tree canopy in newer sections, leading to higher summer heat.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Family Suburban
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Predominantly detached 4-bedroom houses and modern 3-bedroom townhouses.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$750k – $1.6m
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Taylor represents the final frontier of the Gungahlin development, offering the most modern building standards in the region. It is the primary target for families prioritizing education and a 'move-in ready' lifestyle without the renovation risks of older suburbs.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$1,085,000
$920k – $1.55m
🏢 Unit Median
$695,000
$620k – $850k
📈 Price Trend
+4.2% over the last 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $720pw, Townhouses $630pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
Prices have stabilized after the post-COVID surge, with the 'school catchment' effect providing a solid floor for property values even during broader market downturns.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
5% above Canberra median house price
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
7.8x average household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
3.6% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
While more expensive than some southern Canberra suburbs, Taylor offers superior energy efficiency which reduces long-term holding costs for owners.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
18 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+5.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
High
👤 Tenant Profile
Professional families and public servants working in the Gungahlin or Belconnen districts.
💼 Investor Outlook
Strong capital preservation prospects due to school demand. Yields are moderate, but the low maintenance requirements of new builds appeal to 'set and forget' investors.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+4.2%
1-Year Growth
+14.5% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+29.2% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Completion of the Taylor High School and community facilities.
- Maturation of landscaping and streetscapes increasing curb appeal.
- Limited future land releases in the immediate Gungahlin area.
- High demand for EER-rated homes as energy costs rise.
⛔ Headwinds
- Rising interest rates impacting the borrowing capacity of young families.
- Competition from newer developments in the Molonglo Valley.
- Potential for oversupply in the townhouse segment.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect steady, moderate growth. Taylor will transition from a 'construction zone' to an 'established premium' suburb, likely outperforming the broader ACT average as its reputation for safety and education solidifies.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
9.2
Safety Score
Excellent
📉 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 home security is sufficient; the community is active on social media groups which acts as a natural deterrent for opportunistic crime.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Environmental risks are low, with the primary concerns being man-made (construction) or related to the suburb's fringe location.
🌊 Flood Risk
Very low risk; modern stormwater management systems designed for 1-in-100-year events.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Moderate risk at the northern edge bordering the One Tree Hill reserve; Asset Protection Zones are in place.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Standard premiums apply; no significant loading for flood or crime.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
RZ1 Suburban and RZ3 Medium Density Residential
🔲 Overlays
Precinct Code requirements for specific building envelopes and EER minimums.
🏗️ Development Hotspots
The future Taylor Local Centre site and mixed-use zones near the school.
Strict planning controls ensure that the suburb maintains a cohesive look and feel, preventing the 'haphazard' development seen in older areas.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Bus routes connect to Gungahlin Place light rail; car is essential for most.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Excellent local parks and playgrounds; retail is a 5-minute drive away.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Taylor Adventure Playground is a regional highlight; numerous pocket parks.
🏫 Schools
The primary driver for the suburb; Margaret Hendry is a flagship school.
🏥 Healthcare
Gungahlin Walk-in Centre and private GPs are within 10 minutes drive.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A highly educated, multicultural population consisting mostly of young families and professionals.
💵 Median Income
$135,000 per household
🏠 Ownership
35% owner-occupied, 40% with a mortgage, 25% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 31
🎓 Education
High - over 45% hold a bachelor degree or higher
📊 Age Distribution
The young demographic ensures long-term demand for schools and childcare, supporting property values in the family-home segment.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
The focus has shifted from residential land release to community infrastructure completion.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Opening of Taylor High School providing local secondary education.
- Completion of the Taylor Local Centre (retail/cafe).
- Finalization of the northern playing fields.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Short-term traffic disruptions during road finishing works.
- Noise from final-stage residential builds.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Casey
Position
South-West
Price
Similar to slightly higher
Lifestyle
More established retail (Casey Market Town) but older housing.
Best for
Buyers wanting immediate access to shops.
📍Amaroo
Position
South
Price
Higher
Lifestyle
Larger blocks and very established gardens.
Best for
Second or third home buyers.
📍Jacka
Position
East
Price
Slightly lower
Lifestyle
Newer development, currently in early construction phase.
Best for
Budget-conscious buyers willing to wait for infrastructure.
📍Moncrieff
Position
South-East
Price
Similar
Lifestyle
Higher density with more townhouses and apartments.
Best for
First home buyers and investors.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Denman Prospect
ACT
8.5/10
Premium master-planned feel with a strong focus on views and modern design.
Throsby
ACT
8.4/10
Newer Gungahlin suburb with high EER homes and proximity to nature.
Oran Park
NSW
7.8/10
Large-scale master-planned community with integrated schools and parks.
Lightsview
SA
8.0/10
Focus on modern architecture and high-quality public open spaces.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents are overwhelmingly positive about the suburb's safety and the quality of the parks, though some frustration exists regarding the speed of retail development.
★★★★★
Family Life
The playground is the best in Canberra and my kids can walk to school without crossing any major roads.
Safety
Schools
★★★★☆
House Quality
Love the energy efficiency of our home; our heating bills are half what they were in our old rental.
Efficiency
Cost
★★★☆☆
Transport
The commute to the city is a bit of a grind if you don't leave early. We need more frequent buses.
Transport
Commute
★★★★☆
Rental Yield
Never had a problem finding tenants. The school catchment does all the marketing for me.
Demand
Vacancy
★★★★☆
Community
Great sense of community here. The local Facebook group is actually helpful rather than just complaining.
Community
★★★☆☆
Amenities
The parks are great but I'm tired of driving to Casey just to get a decent coffee or a loaf of bread.
Convenience
Retail
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize homes within a 500m radius of Margaret Hendry School for maximum resale value.
- Check the specific EER certificate; aim for 6.5 stars or higher to future-proof the asset.
- Inspect the quality of retaining walls on sloping blocks, as these are common in Taylor.
- Verify if the property is under a builder's warranty (usually 90-day maintenance + 6-year structural).
- Look for north-facing living areas to take advantage of the ACT's solar orientation benefits.
- Negotiate on landscaping; many newer homes have basic yards that require significant investment.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Who was the builder and what is their reputation in the ACT?
- Is the property still within the statutory warranty period?
- Are there any planned developments for the vacant land nearby?
- What are the average utility costs for this home in winter?
- Has the property had any issues with soil settlement or drainage?
- What is the specific school priority enrollment area for this address?
- Are there any restrictive covenants on the title regarding future extensions?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight the 'walk to school' factor in all marketing materials.
- Showcase low energy bills with actual data if possible to appeal to cost-conscious buyers.
- Ensure the front landscaping is immaculate to stand out from ongoing construction nearby.
- Target young families specifically through social media advertising.
- Provide a recent building and pest inspection report upfront to speed up the exchange process.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'turn-key family sanctuary' that avoids the stress of building from scratch. Emphasize the community safety and the high-tech school facilities nearby.
💼 Investment Case
Taylor is a 'low-risk, moderate-yield' investment suitable for long-term capital growth.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Potential for temporary rental price plateaus if a large number of townhouses are released simultaneously.
📈 Action Plan
- Focus on 4-bedroom detached houses which are in highest demand for families.
- Ensure the property is pet-friendly to appeal to the local demographic.
- Consider a property manager with specific experience in the Gungahlin region.
- Monitor the progress of the Taylor Local Centre as a catalyst for rent increases.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Apply early for properties in the school catchment; they move very fast.
- Check for double glazing, which is standard in Taylor and essential for Canberra winters.
- Ask about the NBN connection type (most are FTTP).
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Modern, clean, and energy-efficient homes with great parks.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Can feel isolated without a car; limited nightlife or dining options.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Maintain the garden to a high standard to attract long-term family tenants.
- Install a split-system AC if the house doesn't have ducted air, as Taylor can get hot.
- Offer a long-term lease (24 months) to attract stable families.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure all smoke alarms and electrical safety checks are up to date as per ACT 2024 regulations.
🤝 Agent Insights
- The 'school run' is the primary lifestyle driver for 80% of buyers here.
- Buyers are increasingly wary of 'cheap' builds; highlight quality finishes.
- Stock levels are currently tight as families tend to hold for 7-10 years.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The '15-Minute Suburb'—where school, play, and nature are all within a short walk.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Young professional couples with 1-2 children, often working in the public service.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Verify the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) statement.
✓
Check the ACT Planning 'Territory Plan' for nearby zoning changes.
✓
Review the building file for any unapproved structures.
✓
Inspect for any signs of 'settlement cracks' common in new builds.
✓
Confirm the NBN connection type and speed.
✓
Check the bushfire attack level (BAL) rating if near the reserve.
✓
Assess the quality of the insulation in the roof cavity.
✓
Verify the school catchment via the ACT Education Directorate website.
✓
Check for any outstanding land rent if the property is a land-rent lease.
✓
Inspect the driveway and external concrete for significant cracking.
✓
Review the 'Notice of Decision' for the original build.
✓
Confirm the orientation of the house for solar gain.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
🔗 planning.act.gov.au
🔗 education.act.gov.au
🔗 suburbanland.act.gov.au
🔗 abs.gov.au
🔗 police.act.gov.au
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of March 2026. While all care is taken, this does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent inspections and consult with qualified professionals before purchasing.
