Palmerston suburb profile
Palmerston is a well-established suburb in the Gungahlin district of Canberra, ACT, known for its family-friendly environment and convenient amenities. Situated approximately 15km north of Canberra's city centre, Palmerston offers a mix of modern homes and green spaces, making it an attractive option for families and professionals. The suburb features several parks, playgrounds, and walking trails, providing ample recreational opportunities for residents. With its proximity to the Gungahlin Town Centre, Palmerston residents enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, and public transport options, contributing to its appeal as a comfortable and connected community.
Palmerston property market performance
Property growth+0.8%Past 12 months
Palmerston's property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 9.2%. The current median house price stands at $830,000. However, the unit market remains stagnant, with no change in median value and minimal sales activity, reflecting a lack of demand in this sector.
In terms of sales activity, 31 houses were sold over the last 12 months, with houses spending a median of 37 days on the market. The unit market saw only 2 sales, indicating limited interest or availability in this segment.
The rental market for houses in Palmerston has experienced a modest increase, with average rent rising by 3.2% to $640 over the past 12 months. The unit rental market remains inactive, with no reported changes.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $830K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 9.2% | N/A |
Sold Past 3 months | 31 | 2 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 37 | N/A |
Average rent Past 12 months | $640 | N/A |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 3.2% | N/A |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Palmerston demographics
Palmerston, located in the northern suburbs of Canberra, offers a family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. With a population of 5,579 and a median age of 36, it is a suburb that appeals to both young families and established residents. The area is characterized by its spacious homes and green spaces, making it an ideal location for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of Canberra.
The suburb has a high proportion of couple families with children, accounting for 46.2% of the population, which highlights its appeal to families. Additionally, 35% of households are couple families without children, indicating a balanced demographic mix. One-parent families make up 17.2% of the community, contributing to the suburb's diverse family structures.
In terms of property ownership, Palmerston shows a strong inclination towards home ownership, with 28.7% of properties owned outright and 42.6% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable residential base, with many residents investing in their homes for the long term. The rental market is also present, with 28.7% of properties being rented, providing options for those seeking flexibility.
Overall, Palmerston offers a harmonious blend of family-oriented living and community spirit, supported by its well-maintained parks, local schools, and convenient access to Canberra's city center. Its combination of affordability, community, and lifestyle makes it a desirable suburb for many Australians looking to settle in the nation's capital.
Palmerston infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Palmerston benefits from its proximity to the growing Gungahlin town centre, giving residents access to expanding retail, dining, and employment options, which generally supports buyer demand and underpins property values.[4] The suburb is well serviced by local shops, community facilities and Palmerston Primary School, while nearby independent and public secondary schools in the wider Gungahlin area add to its appeal for families.[4] Frequent bus services link Palmerston with Gungahlin, Belconnen and the city, and ongoing investment in the broader Canberra light rail and road network continues to improve regional connectivity, indirectly enhancing Palmerston’s livability.[4][8]
There are currently no widely publicised major new infrastructure or redevelopment projects specific to Palmerston itself, so short-term market dynamics are more influenced by its established amenities, school catchments and access to nearby growth precincts.[4][8] As Gungahlin and surrounding suburbs continue to densify and attract new services and employment, Palmerston’s position as an established, family-oriented area close to these hubs is likely to remain a key driver of local property demand.[4][7]
Palmerston rental market trends
The rental market in Palmerston has experienced modest growth, with house rents increasing by 3.2% over the past year to $640 per week. Unit rents have remained stable with no change, reflecting a potential lack of available units in the area. Palmerston continues to offer a stable rental environment for families and investors seeking steady returns in the ACT region.
Suburbs near Palmerston
Some popular suburbs near Palmerston include:
How does Palmerston compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Palmerston’s median house price is 12.6% lower than Franklin’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Palmerston have grown 5.1% higher than in Franklin.
- Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Franklin have risen 3.4% more than in Palmerston over the past year.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Palmerston are selling 15.9% faster than in Franklin.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in Palmerston are selling 51.9% faster than in Franklin.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Palmerston have grown 16.0% lower than the average rate of growth across Canberra.
- Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Palmerston have grown 7.4% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Canberra.

