Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in City

Join the 2 million Australians* who use our services every year.

Geo Page

City suburb profile

City, ACT 2601, commonly referred to as Canberra City or Civic, is the vibrant heart of Australia's capital. As the central business district, it is a hub of government, commerce, and culture, offering a dynamic urban lifestyle. The area is known for its modern architecture, bustling shopping precincts, and diverse dining options. City is home to iconic landmarks such as the Australian National University and the National Museum of Australia, providing a rich blend of education and history. With excellent public transport and a lively arts scene, City is a thriving destination for residents and visitors alike.

City property market performance

The property market in the City suburb has demonstrated distinct trends over the past 12 months. With no activity in the housing market, the focus has been on units, which have seen a 13.1% increase in median value, reaching $581,000. Over the past three months, 42 units have been sold, but they are taking longer to sell, with a median of 92 days on the market.

The rental market for units has been stable, with an average rent increase of 1.6%, bringing the average unit rent to $650. The absence of house sales and rentals suggests the suburb is predominantly unit-focused, reflecting changing demands in this urban area.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
N/A$604K
Change in value
Past 12 months
N/A12.1%
Sold
Past 3 months
N/A34
Median days on market
Past 12 months
N/A89
Average rent
Past 12 months
N/A$650
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/AN/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

Access homes before they're listed for sale

Build a buying brief and get first access to properties that aren't yet on the market.

OpenAdvantage

City demographics

The suburb of City, located in the heart of Canberra, is a vibrant and bustling area known for its youthful energy and dynamic lifestyle. With a median age of just 27, it is a hub for young professionals and students who are drawn to its central location and the opportunities it offers. The suburb's proximity to key government institutions, educational facilities, and cultural attractions makes it an attractive place for those seeking a lively urban environment.

Housing in City is predominantly rental-based, with 62.9% of properties being rented. This high rental rate reflects the suburb's appeal to those seeking flexibility, such as students and young professionals who prefer the convenience of living close to work and study. The area is characterized by a significant proportion of couple families without children, making up 78% of the family composition, which contributes to the suburb's vibrant and social atmosphere.

The median total household income of $2232 per week indicates a relatively affluent community, with many residents employed in professional roles within the government and private sectors. The mix of property ownership, with 15.7% owned outright and 21.3% owned with a mortgage, suggests a stable yet dynamic housing market. Overall, City offers a unique blend of urban convenience, cultural richness, and youthful vibrancy, making it a sought-after location for those looking to experience the best of Canberra's city life.

City infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

City remains Canberra’s commercial and retail core, which supports strong buyer demand from people wanting walkable access to jobs, dining, and everyday services. Recent suburb profile data shows a young, highly urban population and continued apartment-led sales activity, reinforcing its appeal to owner-occupiers and investors looking for central convenience.[3][4]

The local market is also shaped by the concentration of nearby employment, government, and civic uses, which tends to underpin rental demand and resale interest. At present, there are no major new infrastructure or redevelopment announcements in the available results that materially change the outlook for City, so its property market remains driven mainly by its established CBD location and amenity.[3][4]

City rental market trends

In the City suburb, house rents remained stable, showing no change over the past year, while unit rents experienced a modest increase of 1.6% to $650 per week. The area continues to offer potential for investors with its central location and steady rental demand.

Suburbs near City

Some popular suburbs near City include:

How does City compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median unit prices: City’s median unit price is 24.5% higher than Reid’s.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in City have grown 27.7% higher than in Reid.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in City are selling 18.3% faster than in Reid.
  • Investment considerations: In City, the rental yield for house is 15.9% lower than the Canberra average, while the rental yield for units is 13.4% higher.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in City have grown 30.1% lower than the average rate of growth across Canberra.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in City have grown 9.1% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Canberra.

Common questions about City

  • Is City a nice place to live?

    City is a fantastic place to live, offering a vibrant and dynamic urban lifestyle right in the heart of Canberra. Known for its youthful energy and bustling atmosphere, this suburb is perfect for those who thrive in a lively environment. With its modern architecture and diverse dining options, City provides a rich cultural experience that appeals to both young professionals and families. The suburb's proximity to key amenities such as shopping precincts, educational institutions, and cultural attractions ensures that residents have everything they need at their fingertips.

    Families will find City to be a convenient and engaging place to live, with access to excellent public transport and a variety of recreational activities. The suburb's lively arts scene and iconic landmarks offer plenty of opportunities for cultural enrichment and family outings. Safety is generally not a major concern, making it a comfortable place for families to settle. However, the predominantly rental-based housing market may pose a challenge for those looking to purchase a home, as the area is characterized by a high demand for rental properties.

    While City offers an exciting urban lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The high rental rates and bustling environment may not suit those seeking a quieter, more suburban lifestyle. Additionally, the concentration of young professionals and students means that the suburb is always buzzing with activity, which might not appeal to everyone. Nonetheless, for those who appreciate the convenience of city living and the vibrant culture that City has to offer, it is an excellent place to call home.

    Down Pointer
  • Is it expensive to live in City?

    Living in City, ACT, presents a mixed picture when it comes to affordability. The median unit price is $581,000, which can be considered moderate compared to other parts of the ACT. Renting a unit, however, might be on the pricier side with the average rent being $650 per week. This rental cost could take a significant portion of your income, especially if you're earning closer to the older average salary of $71,000 for Canberra.

    Comparing these figures to the average wage in the ACT, which is approximately $113,000 annually, the cost of living in City might be manageable for those earning at or above this level. However, for individuals earning less, particularly closer to the older average salary, the expenses associated with renting could be a substantial financial commitment. Overall, while City offers the convenience of urban living, it's important to evaluate your income against these housing costs to ensure it aligns with your budget.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
    Down Pointer
  • Is City a good place to invest?

    City, located in the heart of Canberra, presents an intriguing investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in the unit market. Over the past 12 months, the median unit value in City has surged by 13.1%, indicating a strong demand and potential for capital growth in this segment. This is a significant contrast to the house market, which has seen no change in median value, suggesting that units are currently the more dynamic investment option in this suburb.

    The rental market in City also shows promise, especially for units, with a modest 1.6% increase in rent over the past year. While this growth isn't explosive, it does suggest a steady demand for rental properties, which can provide a reliable income stream for investors. The lack of change in house rents further highlights the current preference for units, possibly due to their affordability and the lifestyle they offer in a central location.

    Overall, City offers a unique investment landscape. The strong performance of the unit market, combined with its central location and the steady rental demand, makes it an appealing choice for investors looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of urban living. While houses may not be experiencing the same growth, the suburb's vibrant atmosphere and proximity to amenities ensure it remains a desirable place to live and invest.

    Down Pointer

Choose the right real estate agents in City

There are 83 real estate agents in City, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 19.4% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in City typically range from 2.13% to 2.56%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

Not quite ready to sell?

icon

Property report

Suburb and property report

Completed by independent professional experts not a computer.
icon

OpenEstimates

Digital estimate for your property

Compare your property to three recent sales to get a digital estimate.
icon

Navigate the market like a pro

Navigate the market

Get an understanding of the market signals you should keep an eye on.