The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Apartment in Canberra: Key To Secure Your Dream Home

Daniel Chadrawy on March 16, 2022

For Aussie property investors, Canberra has become one of the most sought-after cities to buy an apartment in. It’s certainly not surprising given the fact that buying an apartment in Canberra has never been more attractive to investors and home buyers alike.

Within the past 10 years alone, Canberra has been crowned the world’s most liveable city (OECD, 2014), the world’s third best city to visit (Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel, 2018), Australia’s most liveable city (realestate.com.au and Ipsos Life in Australia report, 2017-2019) and the second most hygienic city in the world (GotParts747 research, 2021), among many other raving awards and reviews from tourists and locals alike.

cityscape during daytime - buying an apartment in Canberra

If you’re reading this article, it’s highly likely that you’re considering purchasing your first house or apartment in Canberra, so let’s talk through the how, what, when, where and why of doing so, in order to make the most of your transaction.

First Home Buyers Guide to Buying an Apartment in Canberra and the ACT

Being handed the key to your first home is such a great feeling but purchasing a home can be quite the task. Whether your preference is an apartment, a house or something in between, there’s quite a lot to consider for first home buyers, especially ones with the additional job of moving interstate to the ACT as part of the process. It can be both stressful and exciting, but as long as you’ve got a basic understanding of what’s required, you’ll be fine.

Here’s a bit of a rundown of a few things to keep in mind as you’re working through the process of doing your research and eventually purchasing property in Canberra.

The ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme (formerly the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG))

As with other states in Australia, the ACT government does offer financial support for home buyers.

Previously, up until 30 June 2019, the ACT government offered the First Home Owner Grant to first home buyers looking to purchase a new home. Essentially, if the value of your apartment was less than $750,000, which is absolutely on the cards in most areas in Canberra, you could be provided a handy $10,000 to put towards what you have to pay in order to secure an apartment, house, villa or other property you plan to live in.

Now, the government has updated its offerings and provides a range of other home buyer concessions to help home buyers avoid paying costly duties on their homes.

The eligibility requirements include…

An 18+ year old age requirement for all buyers.
The total gross income of all buyers must not be greater than the income threshold.
All buyers including their partners must not have owned any property within two years prior.
At least one buyer must reside in the home for a period of at least one year on a continual basis after settlement.

More handy information about concession schemes and eligibility requirements in the ACT can be found here.

Choosing Your First Apartment in the ACT

When looking at apartments in the ACT, it’s important to research which properties are going to be best suited to your personal needs and circumstances. Make yourself aware of the property market, best suburbs to buy in, community aspects, core needs of tenants in the area, costs that may be involved and other factors that could impact your choice.

Here are a few of our recommendations…

Look into CoreLogic RP Data and Australian Property Monitor websites to help in understanding market trends and price shifts.
domain.com.au and realestate.com.au are helpful tools to see exactly what’s on the market in a broader sense, whereas liviti.com.au shows you a selection of available properties and their prices, as well as other key details, for properties in our exclusive network.
Team up with a real estate expert (agent or consultant) who has knowledge of the Canberra real estate market to help with finding a property, how to purchase and contract-related advice.

Ways to Buy Property in Canberra or the ACT

Deciding on the best way to buy (or sell) property can be one of the most stressful factors in real estate transactions, especially when it’s your first time around the block. Below you’ll find some advice surrounding the most common ways in which the purchasing of both houses and apartments tends to move forward.

Private treaty

A private treaty sale generally involves an agent, a vendor and a buyer. Essentially, the vendor will list the price of their property and, through their agent, the buyer will negotiate the purchase price, as well as terms and conditions of the sale until an agreement is found on both ends of the deal. A great point to note is that a private treaty comes with a five-day cooling-off period for property in the ACT which can be negotiated to be increased or decreased from either party.

Auction

An auction is run by an auctioneer on behalf of the seller. It involves multiple bidders making offers on the property until the fall of the hammer when a bid goes over the reserve (the minimum amount the seller wants to get for the home), bids have slowed and a final price is settled upon. There is no cooling-off period for auctions in the ACT.

Tender

The tender process is similar to a private treaty, however, there is no listed price to refer to. All prospective buyers submit their offers (usually the maximum they are willing to pay) – you may also be required to provide a deposit. The seller then has the opportunity to accept or reject these offers and is under no obligation to accept an offer made by written tender. Tenders offer no cooling-off period post-purchase in the ACT.

Buying an Investment Property Off-The-Plan

Buying an investment property involves purchasing a home that is yet to be built. This usually happens through a qualified agent or consultant partnered with a developer. It might be partially constructed or still in the planning process but either way, it’s a viable investment opportunity for both first home buyers, seasoned investors and others looking to upsize or downsize their current property.

Learn everything about buying Off The Plan properties.

Where to Look for an Apartment in the ACT

Reid

Reid is a suburb that neighbours Canberra’s CBD, so it is a highly sought-after area for buyers to place their money in a high-end apartment. Reid’s central location to most of Canberra’s nightlife, entertainment venues, markets and the Australian National University attracts an array of young people including students and professionals, so investing in a unit with two or three bedrooms could offer tenants the opportunity for a spare room to be used as a home office or study. Other notable areas close to Canberra’s CBD worth looking at right now include the Kingston Foreshore and Yarralumla.

Phillip

Located in the heart of the beautiful Woden Valley, Phillip is just over a ten-minute drive southwest of Canberra’s CBD. It has all the essential amenities, stores and entertainment facilities and is right next door to Canberra Hospital. There are quite a few established apartments and off-the-plan developments under construction in Phillip, as there has been considerable growth in the region, especially in recent years, to accommodate the growth of people wanting to buy and rent in the ACT in general.

Belconnen

Belconnen, in Canberra’s northwest has become a popular place to invest as it offers high lifestyle appeal for young couples and growing families. With Lake Ginninderra, Westfield Belconnen, University of Canberra and Canberra City all within easy reach, Belconnen is the perfect combination of suburban and urban living. We have a range of beautiful Belconnen two to three bedroom apartments available.

Greenway

Situated in the ACT’s leafy southwest, Greenway was actually named after the famed architect Francis Greenway, and its streets are also named after architects – that’s just one of the signs that this region has been well designed and built. With a lower median unit price than the Australian Capital Territory’s median, now is a great time to search for and invest in an apartment in this vibrant suburb.

Gungahlin

The suburb of Gungahlin, with its beautiful Yarrabi Pond District and Mulanggari Grasslands Nature Reserve is a prime region of growth in the ACT. A majority of residents are independent youth and maturing couples and families, both suited to living in and investing in the type of apartments and lifestyle offered here. With many office workers migrating to a work-from-home environment, suburbs like Gungahlin, a little further out of the CBD with two to three bedrooms, are now prime real estate for young professionals and families. According to realestate.com.au units rent for $490 PW with a rental yield of 6.0% and, based on five years of sales, Gungahlin has seen a compound growth rate of 2.7% for units.

Get Savvy with Finance

In order to seriously consider buying property in Canberra (or anywhere, for that matter), it’s important to plan ahead with your money and account for every cent to ensure you’ve got all the costs covered before the moment comes for you to sign a contract.

Find Out How Much You Can Borrow

A key part of purchasing an apartment is finding out how much you can borrow and also how much of a deposit you can save. Generally, a deposit sits at between 5 & 20 per cent of the total cost of the property.

Consider Land Tax, Stamp Duty And other ACT Government Enforced Fees

Aside from the price of the property itself, there are a few other fees to consider including land tax (a tax that applies to properties that aren’t an owner’s principal place of residence) and stamp duty (essentially, the compulsory tax paid when purchasing a home).

Both of these additional Government enforced fees must be taken into account when planning your apartment buying budget.

Have A Budget and Stick To It

Speaking of budgets, if you have a budget for say, groceries per week, and you go over it by a few dollars, it’s not the end of the world. With bigger purchases like a home, for instance, going over budget could mean the difference between being able to easily cover your mortgage each week or not. Don’t fall into the trap of compromising your financial position – even if it might mean missing out on your dream home at auction.

What Buyers Need to Know When Buying an Apartment in Canberra’s Rising Market

With house prices further expected to increase in Canberra and a consistent surge of buyers, you need to make sure you’re fully capable of standing out from the crowd to search for and nab a quality apartment.

Be Prepared

Research the little details of the property and keep them in mind – don’t risk being caught out with issues after purchase.
Be transparent with your real estate agent or property consultant as to which apartments you like/don’t like and why.
Review the contract and clarify the deposit payment required before bidding at auction.

Of course, there are many other ways to ensure you’re prepared for homeownership, contact us if you’d like a comprehensive rundown.

Be Objective and Logical, Not Emotional

Recognise that you may be one of hundreds of parties interested in a specific property – try not to become attached to one single option.
For investment properties, look at apartments for their resale value, location and likelihood of high rental yield, not an emotional connection you may have formed.

Put Your Best Offer Forward, Quickly

When prices are on the rise (now), it is the best time for buyers to act, whether it be a house, land, unit or another property type of interest. Don’t sit on your offer. Chances are, there are many other buyers looking into the Canberra property market – you want to be one of the first offers a seller is handed.

Learn more about the best suburbs Canberra has to offer.

Buying an apartment in Canberra - white and gray concrete buildings in canberra

With our wide array of locations, Liviti can offer options in an apartment building that’s perfect for your investment or occupancy needs and circumstances. Chat with one of our real estate experts or call us at (02) 9056 4311 today!

What is a studio apartment?

Daniel Chadrawy on March 16, 2022

If you’re on the hunt for a new apartment, maybe even your first apartment, then you may have come across a studio apartment or two. Studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments are some of the most popular apartment options for their smaller, organised and functional space.

So say goodbye to difficult roommates! A one-room apartment is a perfect place for home buyers looking to live solo in a convenient and optimal space without breaking the bank.

Studio Apartment Meaning

#1 Studio apartment meaning & configuration

Contrary to common assumptions, a studio apartment isn’t determined by size. It is actually defined as a self-contained unit that has an open floor plan – meaning the bedroom, living room, and dining area are all in a single room space with no walls separating them.

Some floor plans of a studio apartment might have half walls or built-in bookcases to help divide the space. But don’t worry, the bathroom is an exception and will be a completely separate room.

#2 Studio apartment size?

The average size of a studio apartment generally varies between about 30 – 60 square metres, some might still include a balcony. And, the open floor plan is built effectively to utilise every part of it.

In order to create the illusion of a large room, you might find that some have higher ceilings and more or taller windows that let in lots of natural light.

#3 Common Studio apartment floorplan

There are a variety of studio apartment floor plan styles but generally, it consists of open plan living where the kitchen, living and dining areas are situated in one room. The bedroom is usually combined into the main living area with or without a partition to create privacy with the bathroom and laundry usually situated in a small enclosed space nearby.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com

#4 Studio apartment Price

The price ranges of studio apartments can vary depending on their location but regardless, they are the popular choice because of their affordability. Studios are generally less expensive than a 1 bedroom apartment although the rental income between the two property types can be quite similar.

Studio prices can start from as low as $395,000 so they offer an affordable entry point to home seekers.

Studio Apartments Vs. One-Bedroom Apartments

Often, on their apartment search, buyers get confused between a studio apartment and a 1 bedroom apartment.

You’ll likely need to pay a higher purchase or rent prices for a one-bedroom than you would for a studio. But the main difference between the two is that, unlike a studio apartment, a one-bedroom apartment will have a separate bedroom with a door and most likely more space for storage. Some one-bedroom apartments have a bathroom connected to the bedroom, which provides more privacy.

Other differences include:

Sizing – one-bedroom apartments tend to be slightly larger than studio apartments.
Extra space – the separate rooms in a one-bedroom apartment will likely allow for the opportunity to have more furniture since you’ll have more space to fill.
More privacy – rather than having everything in an open and common space like a studio apartment, each room in a one-bedroom apartment will be separate, including the kitchen.
For those who like to entertain – with the extra space and privacy, a one-bedroom apartment is the better option for those who like to host gatherings at their place.

Pros and Cons of buying a Studio apartment

Studio apartments may not be for everyone, but there are definitely several advantages to purchasing one.

We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons for you to take into consideration when looking to purchase a studio apartment.

Pros

Some of the advantages to buying a studio apartment include:

Living a minimal lifestyle free of clutter
Less property maintenance and cleaning than one bedroom apartments
Lower price point than a regular 1 bedroom apartment
Saving money on electricity bills
Central location at a lower price
Generally close to public transport
Good rental return potential

Cons

Some of the disadvantages to buying a studio apartment include:

Minimal privacy as it is one open space
Limited space and storage – would be difficult if you like to frequently entertain
Only suitable for a sole home buyer
Could have difficulty getting a home loan

Things to consider when choosing a Studio apartment

What type of home loan?

The affordability of a studio apartment can come with stricter lending criteria. Since studios are typically smaller than a standard apartment, some lenders may not approve loans for properties under 40 square metres. However, depending on your budget and how much you plan on borrowing, some lenders can sway their guidelines for smaller properties.

What are the costs?

Studios are generally cheaper to buy and rent than a one-bedroom apartment. So if you’re looking to save money through the purchase price, rental costs and strata fees, then a studio apartment just might be the alternative for you.

Where is it located?

Location is everything so it would be beneficial for you to consider studio apartments in a convenient location for you. They are most popular amongst university students and young professionals living on their own due to their close proximity to the places that they frequent such as:

Place of employment
Universities
Public transportation
Shops
Family
Hospitals

These amenities are generally the more desirable and therefore the primary reason for choosing a studio apartment in a location that contains them or is nearby.

What apartment features are available?

Studio apartments have the prime features of :

Open plan living – to optimise living space
Floor to ceiling windows – to let in lots of natural light
Cosy intimate space in a single with easy maintenance
Minimalist interior design to avoid the smaller space from looking too busy

Making the Most of Your Space

How To Organize A Studio Apartment

A studio apartment is best suited to people who strive to live a minimal lifestyle. When organising your space you will want to declutter and make sure you aren’t holding onto items that you don’t need or that don’t work with the size of your space.

Make trades and compromises. It would be a good idea to trade some of your full-sized furniture in for space-saving options that contain inbuilt storage.

For example, you could buy:

A bed that has drawers underneath it to maximise the storage space whilst maintaining a tidy appearance
Or a Murphy bed – you can store it away vertically against the wall when you’re not using it to open up the main living space even more
A coffee table that has cupboards, drawers or even open space underneath it
Furniture items that can double as additional space for storage – a storage ottoman can also be used as a footrest or a place to set your drink.

Furniture, rugs and dividers or privacy screens are perfect opportunities to both personalise the single room and separate each of the living spaces from one another. These additional touches create distinct areas in the single room without closing up any of the space to help you make the most of your studio apartment.

It can be very easy for a studio apartment to look cluttered so, in order to keep it organised, it’s most crucial to have a designated spot for each of your items.

Your Kitchen Area

The most common kitchen design in a studio apartment is where the cabinets and full-sized appliances are lined up along one wall. In larger studio apartments, you might also find an island or an ‘L’ shaped kitchen to maximise on both bench and storage space. But overall, these layouts are both functional and provide more open space to add to allude to a large room.

Dividing It Up

Sliding doors

Sliding doors create a distinct separation between rooms, ultimately creating privacy without impeding on space like a hinged door would. They also speed up heating and cooling by reducing the size of the room. Sliding door materials vary from glass to wood and metal so they can ultimately work with any style and space.

Room divider curtains

Room divider curtains are perfect for creating separate zones within any space. They are a functional and versatile alternative to sliding doors as they are quite simple to install and remove, perfect for home buyers/renters! They can also add a visual and design element to a space to enhance colour and texture throughout the apartment. Best of all, you can personalise them however you like to make your studio apartment feel more like home.

Source: curtain-tracks.com

Bookshelves

Bookshelves are another option to divide up the room as they can double as more storage space whilst also adding to the overall aesthetic of the apartment. Talk about a triple bonus! Whether you prefer a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf or a half of one to create partial walls, they are a great option to consider adding to your studio apartment.

What do you think?

It’s no secret studio apartments are gaining lots of attention and popularity, especially for sole home buyers or single renters. Their smaller open floor configuration makes the living space one of convenience and is also overall cheaper than its alternatives.

At Liviti, our property experts are dedicated to helping you find your dream property.

If you’ve decided a studio apartment is the one for you or you would like some more information, give us a call at (02) 9056 4311 or enquire here to book an appointment.

The Best Suburbs in Sydney to Buy Property

Daniel Chadrawy on March 16, 2022

The three most important factors about buying a home are location, location & location. In fact, finding the right location for your home already decides the majority of your success!

Sydney, as big as it is, is full of diversity meaning no two suburbs are the same. It can be helpful to have an idea of what you’re looking for in a suburb or criteria it must meet in order for you to live there. For some people, it’s all about affordability and for others, the final decider could be quality schools in the area or good and reliable transportation options.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best Sydney suburbs to live in by region to make this decision a little easier for you.

But first, let’s ask the big question:

What makes a suburb desirable?

Sydney suburbs that are convenient in terms of location, amenities and facilities like shopping, dining and transportation as well as visually appealing, are more popular amongst property buyers and investors. However, liveability is heavily dependent on the life stage of a buyer or investor, and greatly influences your reasons for moving to a specific area.

Some factors include:

#1 A high sense of neighbourhood safety

Suburbs with a high sense of neighbourhood safety and low crime rate are significant drawcards for young families.

By global standards, Sydney is an extremely safe city to live in. In fact, it was ranked the fifth safest city in the world in 2019 by The Economist Intelligence Unit, beating out ongoing rival Melbourne, which took 10th spot.

But within the city, some suburbs might be at lower risk than some when it comes to crime statistics.

So, it’s important to have some research on the suburb’s crime rate before deciding to move into your new home. For example, the northwest and southwest suburbs tend to have a lower rate of recorded criminal incidents by population, while the inner city suburbs have higher crime rates due to their central locations, according to ABS data.

#2 Well-regarded local schools

For those with children or intending on having children in the future, you might look to live close to education.

Normally, a suburb that is in close proximity to schools or universities’ catchments tends to be more livable, bonus points if it’s zoned for a well-regarded public school.

With My School website, you can find the list of all high-performing schools in your target suburb, see their rank nationally and make the best decision for your children’s education.

#3 Exciting entertainment, dining & shopping options

When looking for a property to buy, most people tend to gravitate towards areas with local amenities nearby. Things like shopping centres, especially those with a wide range of retail and grocery stores, as well as a high density of cafes and restaurants make a suburb incredibly liveable.

Entertainment facilities are another thing to take note of. Exciting places to visit or bring the kids to can be a great break from your daily routine.

Is there a movie cinema nearby to unwind
Is there a fun karaoke bar to belt out your favourite song?
Is there any playground, swimming pool or kid cafe in the neighbourhood?

#4 Nearby health facilities

A popular phrase homeowners use often when deciding on a location are “just in case”. Therefore, the presence of hospitals, GP clinics and other medical facilities are essential for all stages of life.

These local health facilities can also include:

General practitioners and medical centres
Dentists
Chiropractors
Nursing homes
Psychologists
Pathologists

#5 Suitable for your age group & lifestyle

Younger people tend to navigate towards Sydney suburbs with a lower median house price. A place with a short commute to their work or study and plenty of urban restaurants and nightlife are big factors for young people when suburb hunting.

On the other hand, the older generation will be more inclined to purchase a property in calmer areas like the Illawarra region, where they can settle down, maybe retire in and live comfortably with their smaller family.

#6 Easy access to employment hub

Let’s face it! You normally spend most of your time at your workplace of employment, and all you want is to reduce the travel time to and from your work.

Imagine living in a suburb that is located only 10 minutes from your employment, you can get those few extra minutes of sleep in the morning or squeeze in a quick morning exercise, all to improve your quality of living.

For that reason, suburbs with places of employment nearby tend to be more liveable than others. The inner city and suburbs with a short commute to Sydney’s CBD often attract more homeowners for their desired convenience.

#7 Public Transport and Walkability

The most liveable suburbs are found to be the ones with a good walk score and lots of transportation options.

Walkability

Sydney’s inner-city suburbs have the highest walk score meaning most of your daily errands or activities can be completed on foot. This is a desirable trait of a suburb as it promotes healthy living through exercise and can save you lots of money on fuel and public transport.

Trains and Light Rails

Most suburbs have a train station but only a few have a light rail. Popular suburbs tend to be the ones that are near Sydney city and make it easy to get to. A good train or light tail line is crucial in this instance.

The most desirable one would have a short commute, without too many stops and without having to change trains or light rails. This makes sure that you get to your desired location quickly and stress-free.

Buses

One thing to be aware of is the close proximity of your home to the nearby bus stop. Often, properties with a bus stop on the same street are more desirable as it shortens the duration of your commute.

Ferrys

Some suburbs in Sydney like Manly and Parramatta are easier to get to via Ferry. Not only is it a quicker and more convenient mode of transport, but it can also guarantee you a gorgeous view of Sydney Harbour on the journey.

#8 Green Space & the Outdoors

Green, open spaces like parks and reserves are common factors in Sydney’s most liveable suburbs, providing fresh air and higher oxygen levels.

The convenience in terms of location offers a great opportunity to stay fit or to take a break from technology by immersing yourself in nature and is perfect for young families who need to release energy.

A green suburb can gain lots of popularity due to the amount of tree coverage it has as it provides shade, reduces air pollution and can increase property value. The best suburbs with the greatest percentage of tree coverage can be found in Sydney’s outer west.

#9 Area developments

When hunting for a location to live in Sydney, suburbs undergoing development or having plans to are the most attractive ones. This means that the location you are looking into is getting a lot of attention from the governments and investors alike, and have the potential to become a livable suburb in the future.

Often, people will migrate to these areas for their newer and more modern buildings, amenities and lifestyle. For example, Hurstville is currently evolving to become a more urban, innovative, accessible and green suburb, attracting an influx of homeowners to reside in the area.

So, do more expensive mean better?

The median house prices in Sydney are sitting at $1.6 million, according to the latest Domain figure. However, these house prices can vary significantly from suburb to suburb.

Surrounding amenities, features and landmarks can be major contributors to a pricier area like the Northern and Eastern suburbs, where they are more likely to sell for over $1.6 million.

But that’s not to mean that cheaper locations can’t be rich in amenities either. In fact, the south and west suburbs of Sydney can contain much more affordable housing options, below $1 million whilst still containing all the convenient facilities you need in your life.

Not to mention, if you can secure a property in the suburbs that are undergoing great development in infrastructure and amenities, congratulation, you’re on your way to building great wealth through property.

So, when it comes to choosing a suburb that is desirable and livable, everyone might have a different definition and a different budget. It depends entirely on your personal financial situation, your desires and how they align.

Best suburbs to live in Sydney

Now that we understand what makes a suburb in Sydney desirable, we can look further into which areas and more specifically which suburbs in those areas are the best to live in.

Eastern suburbs

Home to some of the safest and most desirable suburbs in Sydney, this area is home to some of the priciest suburbs in Sydney. You can easily find spectacular water views, peaceful parks and schools, not to mention easy access to the Sydney harbour and the biggest employment hub.

Some of the top eastern suburbs include:

Double Bay

Ideal for Families, professionals and retirees
Under 30 minutes to Sydney CBD – via car, bus or ferry!
One of the most scenic commutes – passing Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
Pet friendly AND family friendly – lots of schools and parks
Lots of high-end boutiques and dining options

Zetland

Ideal for University students, young professionals and families
New age modern suburb – new modern apartment blocks, new shopping centres
Within walking distance to Green Square Station which is just a short ride away from Central and Wynyard
Despite the apartments and high-rises, there is plenty of green and open spaces
Short trip to UNSW and Sydney children’s hospital

Inner West Sydney suburbs

Sydney’s inner west has undergone transformations and clean ups that have made it the trendy and welcoming area it is today. With tightknit communities, a wide range of cuisines and convenient public transport it is quickly becoming a central location to invest in.

Some of the best inner west suburbs include:

Dulwich Hill

Ideal for professionals, small families and retirees
Large public spaces – promotes a sense of community and welcoming environment
Dulwich hill train and light rail station
Suburb with one of the most diverse backgrounds in the inner west
Friendly dining and drinking options

Croydon

Ideal for families and retirees
One of the most family friendly and therefore safest suburbs in the inner west
A good mix of well-kept homes of character and modern apartments
More affordable than its nearby suburbs
Home to Centenary Park – big open space with sporting fields, a playground and off-leash dog area
Lots of churches of various faiths and religions and high quality schools

Newtown

Ideal for university students and young professionals
Strong international influence – variety of people, restaurants and overall atmosphere
Buzzing nightlife – rustic and urban restaurants, pubs, bars and live music!
Train station, bus stops and King St main road running right through it and nearby all the surrounding amenities
Under 20 minutes to Sydney CBD

Source: Escape.com.au

Western Sydney

West Sydney suburbs has seen major improvements lately in terms of liveability. Containing some of the most affordable suburbs, it is increasingly becoming more populated with people being drawn to the shopping opportunities, entertainment facilities, dining options and schooling offered.

Some of our favourite western suburbs include:

Granville

Ideal for indepent youth, mature and established individuals, couples and families
One of the more affordable suburbs in Sydney
Family friendly
Quiet and convenient – many local amenities like shops and restaurants within walking distance
Easily accessible train station with frequent trains to the Sydney CBD

Parramatta

Ideal for young couples, young professionals, university students
Incredibly multicultural – ethnically diverse people and cuisines
Home to Western Sydney University Parramatta campus
Local Westfield with retail and grocery stores
No surprise that Parramatta park in this western Sydney suburb – large open spaces perfect for exercise and relaxation, has several historical buildings and hosts many events all year round

Liverpool

Ideal for families, professionals, university students
Lower median house price – property and dining
Incredible diverse – over 140 different languages spoken
Liverpool Westfield has retail and grocery shopping covered
Home to Western Sydney University Liverpool campus
4 connected parks – sporting fields, paths for walking and running and a leisure centre
Under 30 minutes to Western Sydney airport

North Sydney

North Sydney could be classified as one of the most liveable suburbs in Sydney. The stunning views, beaches, amenities and overall vibe make this area of Sydney very popular amongst property owners and tourists.

Some of the best northern suburbs include:

Hornsby

Ideal for families, retirees, professionals
An upper north shore suburb
One of the highest all-round rated suburbs – affordable housing, safe, green, well kept
Most complete suburb in terms of amenities – rich in entertainment, dining, drinking and shopping options
Large amount of public green spaces
Numerous high quality schools

Manly

Ideal for professionals, families, surfers and retirees
Beachside suburb in northern sydney
Short and scenic ferry ride to and from Circular Quay
A wide choice of quality restaurants, bars, cafes and retail outlets

South Sydney

Sydney’s south is perfect for families due to its number of open spaces, schools, affordability, convenience and accessibility to Sydney CBD, beaches and other suburbs. It’s constant improvements and upgrades see it gaining traction due to both its visible aesthetic, community and overall ambience

Our best suburbs in the Sydney’s south include:

Kogarah

Ideal for professionals, young professionals and families
Under 30 minutes from the Sydney CBD by car, train or bus
Large portions of greenery – Scarborough Park and Civic Avenue Reserve
One of the highest population : school ratios in Sydney – many quality primary, secondary schools and TAFE
A good mix of suburban houses and modern apartments

Hurstville

Ideal for families, professionals and young professionals
Follows “correct” suburb design – high-density apartments near public transport and lower-density residential areas further out
A southern suburb home to Hurstville Westfield and Hurstville Central – incredibly convenient amenities
Great for families – low crime rate
Placed in a physically ideal location – The Sydney CBD, other suburbs and many beaches are easily accessible by car, train or bus
Not shy of parks and reserves

Illawarra

Illawarra – probably the most laidback region in Sydney. Consisting of multicultural communities, this region is incredibly welcoming and accepting to all visitors and residents. With stunning coastal views and attractions, as well as great education options and entertainment, dining and shopping, the Illawara region is the perfect escape from the busy city life.

Some of the best suburbs in Illawarra include:

Wollongong

Ideal for retirees, families and university students
Home to Wollongong University as well as many other schools
It has many great beaches and views – Wollongong City Beach, Beach Cove, and Wattamolla Beach to name a few
Lower median house price
Home to Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, Crown Street Mall and many cinemas

Kiama

Ideal for retirees, families and established coupled
High demand market
Scenic seaside village – safe and peaceful area
Home to Kiama Blowhole – the largest in the world
Numerous shopping boutiques, restaurants and cafes – also live music at the annual festival and by the beach

Whether you’re looking to live in an inner west suburb, eastern suburb, north shore suburb, west Sydney, Illawara or south Sydney, each area consists of some of the best suburbs containing a multitude of convenient facilities and benefits that will make it the perfect location for you.

For more information feel free to contact us at 9056 4311 or get in touch here. At Liviti we’re more than happy to give you the guidance you need to get your foot in the door figuratively and literally!