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Cook suburb profile

Cook is a well-established suburb located in the Belconnen district of Canberra, ACT, offering a peaceful and family-friendly environment. Known for its leafy streets and proximity to natural reserves, Cook provides residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The suburb features a mix of older homes and modern renovations, reflecting its evolving character. Cook is conveniently situated near major amenities, including schools, shopping centres, and public transport, making it an attractive choice for families and professionals. Its community-oriented atmosphere and access to green spaces contribute to its appeal as a desirable place to live.

Cook property market performance

Property growth-2.5%Past 12 months

Cook’s property market has shown stability over the past 12 months, with the median house value remaining constant at $1.045 million. No units were sold or priced, indicating a lack of activity in that category. Over the past three months, 18 houses were sold, with properties taking an average of 38 days to sell, highlighting a moderately paced market.

The rental market in Cook has also experienced stability, with average house rents steady at $640 over the last year. No change in rental price was observed, and no activity in the unit rental market was recorded.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.04MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
-1.5%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
18N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
38N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$640N/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
-1.5%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Cook demographics

Cook, a suburb located in the Belconnen district of Canberra, offers a serene and family-friendly environment. With a population of 2,965, Cook is characterized by its mature demographic, reflected in the median age of 42. This suggests a community that is well-established, with many long-term residents enjoying the suburb's peaceful atmosphere and proximity to essential amenities.

The suburb's household composition is diverse, with a significant proportion of couple families with children (41%) and couple families without children (42.1%). This balance indicates that Cook is appealing to both growing families and those whose children have moved out, providing a supportive community for all stages of family life. One-parent families make up 15.2% of the households, adding to the suburb's inclusive nature.

In terms of property ownership, Cook shows a strong inclination towards stability, with 41% of properties owned outright and 34.9% owned with a mortgage. This high level of ownership reflects the suburb's appeal to those seeking long-term residence. Meanwhile, 24.1% of the properties are rented, offering options for those who prefer flexibility. The median total household income of $2,269 per week suggests a relatively affluent community, likely attracted by Cook's blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to Canberra's urban offerings.

Cook infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Cook benefits from its central location between Belconnen and the City, with convenient access to major arterial roads and nearby employment hubs, which underpins ongoing demand from professionals and families.[5] Proximity to Jamison Shopping Centre, the Belconnen Town Centre, and tertiary institutions such as the University of Canberra and the Australian National University adds to the suburb’s appeal for both owner-occupiers and renters.[5]

Local amenities including nearby lakes, bushland reserves, and access to Mount Painter, Black Mountain and the National Arboretum support a strong lifestyle proposition that typically translates into higher desirability and price resilience.[5] There are currently no widely reported major new infrastructure or school projects specific to Cook, so market performance is more influenced by broader Belconnen and Canberra-wide planning and transport upgrades rather than suburb-specific changes at this time.[1][5]

Cook rental market trends

The rental market in Cook has remained stable, with house rents holding steady at $640 per week over the past year. There has been no change in unit rents, which remain at $0 per week, likely indicating a lack of available units. This stability provides a consistent environment for renters and hints at a need for more unit development to meet potential demand.

Suburbs near Cook

Some popular suburbs near Cook include:

How does Cook compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Cook’s median house price is 2.7% higher than Macquarie’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Cook have grown 3.9% higher than in Weetangera.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Cook have grown 0.5% higher than in Bruce.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Cook are selling 30.9% faster than in Macquarie.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Cook have grown 3.9% lower than the average rate of growth across Canberra.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Cook have grown 48.2% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Canberra.

Common questions about Cook

  • Is Cook a nice place to live?

    Cook is a charming suburb that offers a delightful blend of tranquility and convenience, making it a lovely place to call home. Nestled in the Belconnen district, Cook is known for its peaceful, leafy streets and a welcoming community atmosphere. The suburb's proximity to natural reserves provides residents with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, whether it's a leisurely walk or a more adventurous hike. Families will find Cook particularly appealing due to its access to quality schools and essential amenities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

    The vibe in Cook is relaxed and community-oriented, with a mix of older homes and modern renovations that reflect its evolving character. The suburb's location offers easy access to shopping centres, cafes, and public transport, making daily errands and commutes a breeze. Safety is generally not a concern, contributing to the suburb's appeal for families and professionals alike. While Cook may not boast the bustling nightlife of a city centre, its serene environment and access to green spaces like Mount Painter and Black Mountain provide a perfect backdrop for a balanced lifestyle.

    For families, Cook offers a supportive environment with a diverse community that includes both young families and long-term residents. However, one trade-off to consider is the lack of major new infrastructure projects specific to Cook, which means that any significant changes in amenities or services are more likely to be influenced by broader developments in the Belconnen area. Despite this, Cook remains a desirable suburb for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle, with the added benefit of being close to Canberra's urban offerings.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Cook?

    Living in Cook, an inner suburb of Canberra, can be quite pricey, especially when it comes to housing. The current median house price is about $1,045,000, which is substantial compared to the ACT average. With no units available, those looking to buy in Cook will need to focus on houses, which are on the higher end of the market.

    For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is approximately $640 per week. When you compare this with the ACT's average full-time adult weekly earnings of about $2,030, housing costs in Cook can take up a significant portion of one's income. The median total household income in Cook is around $2,269 per week, which is slightly above the ACT average, suggesting that residents might have a bit more financial flexibility.

    Overall, while Cook offers the benefits of an inner suburb lifestyle with its proximity to Canberra's amenities, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is relatively high. If you are thinking of living in Cook, it's essential to consider your financial situation and how it aligns with the expenses associated with this desirable suburb.

    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.
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  • Is Cook a good place to invest?

    Cook might not be showing explosive growth right now, but it offers a stable and reliable investment environment. Over the past year, the median house and unit values, as well as rental prices, have remained steady. This stability can be appealing for investors who prefer a low-risk approach and are looking for consistent returns without the volatility seen in some other markets.

    Located in a well-established area, Cook benefits from its proximity to essential amenities, schools, and parks, making it a desirable place for families and long-term renters. The suburb's community vibe and accessibility to the city center add to its appeal, ensuring a steady demand for rental properties. While the current market might not show significant growth, Cook's consistent performance and strong community infrastructure make it a solid choice for those seeking a dependable investment.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Cook

Choosing the right real estate agent in Cook can have a big impact on your sale. While there are 25 real estate agents working in the suburb, but just 5 of them were responsible for 57.4% of all property sales over the past year, showing a strong footprint and track record in the area.

Commission rates typically range from 2.06% to 2.55%, depending on the agent and what’s included. Comparing both performance and fee structures can help you find someone who's well-suited to your needs, and set them up for a successful result.

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