This community in Canberra’s far north is one of the most affordable and sustainable in the city. Photo: Ginninderry.
Can you think of a suburb in Canberra where every home enjoys a seven-star energy rating, easy access to public transport, hundreds of hectares of natural surrounds, free front landscaping, and a thriving community events calendar?
Drawing a blank? The answer is Macnamara, a growing neighbourhood just west of Strathnairn.
The second of four planned suburbs in the award-winning Ginninderry project, Macnamara has been hailed as the most affordable place to buy greenfield land in Canberra.
It’s also the first and only Six Star Green Star community in the capital, as rated by the Green Building Council of Australia.
Ginninderry’s thoughtful planning for sustainability, community and quality of life has so far attracted about 2400 residents.
Demand has remained high following each Macnamara land release, with the biggest drawcards being affordable land prices and market-leading rebates for build-ready land.
Marcus Mills-Smith is Ginninderry’s head of sales, marketing and communications. He says value for money is especially important in the current market.
“Canberra buyers, particularly families and first-timers, are very cost-conscious right now,” he says.
“Blocks of build-ready land in Macnamara are 390 to 935 square metres in size. Prices range from $477,750 to $804,000, making Ginninderry land the most affordable in the region by 6 to 43 per cent.”
Ginninderry’s Better Living Rebate offers even further value, with $20,000 to $62,000 available for home energy upgrades or site costs on eligible blocks.
Subject to availability, rebates are designed to support block topography and characteristics.
“Macnamara takes advantage of the natural rise and fall of the land, rather than flattening it,” Marcus says.
“The results are stunning views of the Brindabellas, gently undulating streets, and natural outdoor spaces throughout the suburb.”
Eligible Macnamara residents can also access free front landscaping and construction waste management alongside these market-leading rebates. Image: Region.
Design manager Amy Symonds assesses house plans for all future residents. Her team includes experienced architects, building designers and urban designers.
Amy says Ginninderry’s design requirements are comprehensive but not restrictive.
“They are quite similar to other housing estates in the region, promoting best practices in construction and sustainability,” she says.
“We also offer future residents a sit-down meeting with our design team. It’s a great opportunity to go over your house plans and provide advice on making them more cost-effective, sustainable and, of course, beautiful.”
Feedback on this initiative from buyers has been positive so far, with landowners saying it creates a smoother process from design through to final handover.
Build-ready land in Macnamara includes mid-sized blocks that allow site coverage up to 60 per cent, meaning more space dedicated to the home itself.
This is particularly effective for sloped blocks, which Amy says have brilliant design potential.
“There’s so much you can do architecturally with sloped blocks,” she says.
“They’re a really interesting canvas to work with, perfect for expressing you and your builder’s creativity through unique and innovative designs.
“Imagine a split-level home that features stunning views and loads of natural light, with a terraced alfresco surrounded by multi-level landscaping outdoors. Beautiful.”
Macnamara locals already enjoy public transport within walking distance of their homes, as well as a dedicated community manager and vibrant events calendar.
The suburb is bordered by Ginninderry’s breathtaking Conservation Corridor, which will feature almost 600 hectares of thoughtfully managed, environmentally and culturally significant land along the Murrumbidgee River, Ginninderra Creek and Ginninderra Falls.
For more information or to enquire about build-ready land, visit Ginninderry.
