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Macarthur suburb profile

Macarthur is a serene suburb located in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra, offering a peaceful residential environment with a strong sense of community. Known for its spacious homes and leafy streets, Macarthur is ideal for families and those seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities. The suburb is surrounded by natural beauty, with nearby parks and walking trails providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Its proximity to major roads ensures convenient connectivity to the Canberra CBD and other parts of the city, making Macarthur a desirable location for residents who value tranquility and accessibility.

Macarthur property market performance

Macarthur’s property market has shown a notable increase in house values over the past 12 months, with an 11.5% rise, bringing the current median house price to $1.14 million. However, the unit market remains inactive, with no sales or value changes reported. Over the last three months, 11 houses were sold, with properties spending a median of 47 days on the market, indicating a moderate demand for houses.

The rental market in Macarthur appears stagnant, with no reported changes in average rent for both houses and units over the past year. This suggests a lack of rental activity or data in the area, which could be due to various factors affecting the local rental market dynamics.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.14MN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
11.5%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
11N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
47N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
N/AN/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
N/AN/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Macarthur demographics

Macarthur, located in the southern suburbs of Canberra, is a family-friendly area known for its peaceful environment and strong sense of community. With a population of 1,405, it offers a suburban lifestyle that appeals to families and individuals seeking a quieter pace of life. The median age of 39 suggests a mature community, with many residents likely to be established professionals and families.

The suburb is characterized by a high proportion of couple families with children, making up 52.5% of the households. This indicates a strong family presence, supported by local amenities such as parks and schools. Additionally, 36.4% of households are couple families without children, reflecting a mix of young couples and empty nesters who appreciate the suburb's tranquility and community feel.

Property ownership in Macarthur is predominantly owner-occupied, with 42.9% of homes owned outright and 47.1% owned with a mortgage. This high level of home ownership underscores the suburb's appeal to those seeking long-term stability and investment in their living arrangements. The rental market is relatively small, with only 10% of properties being rented, which further highlights the suburb's focus on home ownership and community roots.

Macarthur infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Macarthur benefits from established infrastructure within the Tuggeranong district, with convenient access to nearby town centres offering retail, dining, and employment, which supports steady local property demand.[4] The suburb is primarily residential and bordered by green space and nature reserves, enhancing its appeal for families and buyers seeking a quieter environment while remaining within commuting distance of major employment hubs in Canberra.[4]

There are no widely reported major new infrastructure projects, transport upgrades, or large-scale redevelopments specific to Macarthur at this time that would significantly alter its property market trajectory. In the absence of major change, Macarthur’s desirability is likely to continue to be driven by its existing amenities, school catchments in surrounding suburbs, and access to arterial roads connecting to central Canberra, which underpin stable buyer interest.

Macarthur rental market trends

The rental market in Macarthur has remained stable over the past year, with no change in both house and unit rents, which stand at $0 per week. This indicates a period of stagnation in rental demand or supply, making it a unique scenario in the local market.

Suburbs near Macarthur

Some popular suburbs near Macarthur include:

How does Macarthur compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Macarthur’s median house price is 19.1% higher than Chisholm’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Macarthur have grown 4.1% higher than in Chisholm.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Chisholm are selling 34.0% faster than in Macarthur.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Macarthur have grown 7.3% higher than the average rate of growth across Canberra.

Common questions about Macarthur

  • Is Macarthur a nice place to live?

    Macarthur is a delightful suburb that offers a serene and family-friendly environment, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled in the Tuggeranong district, Macarthur is known for its charming leafy streets and spacious homes, providing a tranquil suburban lifestyle. The suburb exudes a welcoming vibe, with a strong sense of community that is perfect for families looking to settle down in a peaceful setting. Its proximity to natural beauty, with parks and walking trails nearby, offers residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

    Living in Macarthur means enjoying the convenience of being close to urban amenities while still relishing the quiet and calm of suburban life. The suburb's location ensures easy access to major roads, making commuting to Canberra's CBD and other parts of the city straightforward. This accessibility is a significant advantage for those who work in the city but prefer to return home to a more relaxed environment. Safety is generally not a concern, adding to the suburb's appeal for families and individuals seeking a secure place to live.

    While Macarthur offers a peaceful lifestyle, it does come with some trade-offs. The suburb lacks the bustling nightlife and entertainment options found in more central areas, which might be a consideration for those who enjoy a vibrant social scene. However, this is balanced by the suburb's strong community feel and the availability of essential amenities such as schools and shops in nearby town centres. For families, Macarthur provides an ideal setting with its spacious homes and community-oriented atmosphere, making it a desirable choice for those prioritizing tranquility and family life.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Macarthur?

    Living in Macarthur can be considered expensive, especially when you take into account the current median house price of $1,140,000. This figure is quite high, particularly when compared to other areas within Canberra. Interestingly, there are no recent rental data available for houses or units, which might indicate a scarcity in rental properties or a preference for home ownership in the suburb.

    The average household income in Macarthur is $3,037 per week, which is quite robust and significantly higher than the ACT average. Individually, residents earn a median weekly income of $1,334, translating to about $69,000 annually. This is also above the ACT average of $62,000 per year. While the income levels in Macarthur are higher than the ACT average, the substantial house prices mean that a significant portion of income would need to be allocated to housing costs, making it a pricier suburb to settle in.

    Overall, if you're thinking of living in Macarthur, it's important to weigh the high property prices against the higher-than-average income levels. The suburb offers a premium living experience, but this comes with a cost that reflects its desirability and the financial commitment required to live there.

    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 Macarthur a good place to invest?

    Macarthur presents an interesting investment opportunity, particularly for those focused on capital growth. Over the past year, the suburb has experienced a notable 11.5% increase in median house values, indicating strong demand and potential for further appreciation. This growth suggests that Macarthur is becoming increasingly desirable, possibly due to its appealing lifestyle and proximity to essential amenities.

    However, it's important to note that rental values for both houses and units have remained stable, with no change over the past 12 months. This stability in rental prices might appeal to investors seeking a steady rental income, although it doesn't indicate rapid rental growth. The unchanged median unit value also suggests that the unit market is currently more subdued compared to houses.

    Overall, Macarthur offers a promising opportunity for those looking to invest in houses, given the recent surge in property values. While the rental market remains stable, the potential for capital growth in house investments makes Macarthur a suburb worth considering for investors aiming to benefit from property appreciation.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Macarthur

There are 13 real estate agents in Macarthur, 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 60.0% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Macarthur typically range from 2.17% to 2.58%. 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.

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