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Spence suburb profile

Spence is a peaceful suburb located in the Belconnen district of Canberra, ACT, offering a serene residential environment with a strong sense of community. Known for its spacious parks and family-friendly atmosphere, Spence is an ideal location for those seeking a quiet lifestyle while still being close to urban amenities. The suburb features a mix of established homes and newer developments, catering to a variety of housing preferences. With convenient access to local schools, shopping centres, and public transport, Spence provides a balanced lifestyle for families and professionals alike, making it a desirable place to call home.

Spence property market performance

Property growth-1.0%Past 12 months

Spence’s property market has exhibited growth primarily in the housing sector over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 5.4%, bringing the median house price to $941,000. There is no current data for unit prices in the area, as the market is predominantly focused on houses.

Sales activity has been modest, with 12 houses sold in the past 12 months. Houses are moving relatively quickly, with a median time on market of 29 days, highlighting steady interest in the suburb.

Rental prices for houses have also risen, with a 5.4% increase in the past year, bringing the average rent to $630. As with house sales, there is no data on unit rentals, reflecting Spence's strong house-centric market.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$941KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
5.4%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
12N/A
Median days on market
Past 12 months
29N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$630N/A
Change in rent
Past 12 months
5.4%N/A

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Spence demographics

Spence, located in the northern suburbs of Canberra, is a family-friendly area known for its peaceful residential environment and community-oriented lifestyle. With a population of 2,587, Spence offers a suburban charm that appeals to families and individuals seeking a quieter pace of life while still being within reach of the city’s amenities. The median age of 38 suggests a mature community, with many residents likely to be established professionals and families.

The suburb has a strong family presence, with 46.2% of households being couple families with children, and 37% being couple families without children. This indicates a balanced mix of young families and older couples who have chosen to settle in Spence for its serene atmosphere and community feel. The presence of one-parent families at 14.8% also highlights the suburb's inclusivity and support for diverse family structures.

In terms of property ownership, Spence shows a high level of stability, with 33.5% of homes owned outright and 46.2% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a community with a strong sense of investment in their homes and long-term residency. The rental market is relatively small, with only 20.3% of properties being rented, which may appeal to those looking for a more settled and less transient neighborhood.

Overall, Spence offers a harmonious blend of family life, community spirit, and residential stability, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy the benefits of suburban living while remaining connected to the broader Canberra region.

Spence infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Spence currently has no major announced redevelopments, transport upgrades, or public infrastructure projects that are likely to materially shift the local property market in the near term. Available suburb profiles describe it as a residential area within the Belconnen district, with the main appeal coming from established housing and proximity to the wider northern Canberra amenities network rather than from new large-scale change.[1][2]

Recent local information does not point to any significant school expansions, new transport links, or major council-led precinct upgrades in Spence at this time. For buyers and sellers, that suggests market conditions are being driven more by broader Canberra trends and the suburb’s established liveability than by new development momentum.[1][5]

Spence rental market trends

The rental market in Spence has shown moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 5.4% over the past year to $630 per week. However, unit rents have remained stable with no change. This indicates a steady demand for house rentals in the area, while the unit market remains inactive. Spence continues to be an attractive option for those seeking family homes in the region.

Suburbs near Spence

Some popular suburbs near Spence include:

How does Spence compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Spence’s median house price is 5.0% higher than Evatt’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Spence have grown 8.5% higher than in Evatt.
  • Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby Melba have risen 50.3% more than in Spence over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Spence are selling 45.3% faster than in Fraser.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Spence have grown 13.7% lower than the average rate of growth across Canberra.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Spence have grown 14.2% higher than the average rate of growth for units across Canberra.

Common questions about Spence

  • Is Spence a nice place to live?

    Spence is a charming suburb that offers a delightful blend of tranquility and community spirit, making it a wonderful place to live. Nestled in the Belconnen district, Spence is known for its peaceful residential environment and welcoming atmosphere. The suburb is perfect for families, with its spacious parks and green spaces providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The community vibe is strong, with residents often engaging in local events and activities that foster a sense of belonging and togetherness.

    Living in Spence means enjoying the convenience of being close to essential amenities. The suburb is well-served by local schools, shopping centers, and public transport, ensuring that families and professionals have everything they need within easy reach. Safety is generally not a concern, as Spence maintains a reputation for being a secure and family-friendly area. While it may not offer the bustling nightlife of inner-city suburbs, Spence makes up for it with its serene lifestyle and strong community connections.

    For families, Spence provides an ideal setting with its mix of established homes and newer developments, catering to various housing preferences. The suburb's quiet charm and community-oriented lifestyle are particularly appealing to those seeking a stable and nurturing environment for raising children. However, potential residents should be aware that the suburb does not currently have any major redevelopment projects or infrastructure upgrades on the horizon, which means that the local property market is more influenced by broader Canberra trends than by new development momentum.

    Overall, Spence is a delightful suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle, combining the benefits of suburban living with the convenience of urban amenities. Its strong sense of community, family-friendly atmosphere, and peaceful environment make it an attractive option for those looking to settle down in a welcoming and stable neighborhood.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Spence?

    Living in Spence, a suburb of Canberra, can be considered moderately expensive, particularly when it comes to housing costs. The current median house price in Spence is around $941,000, which is a significant investment. For those considering renting, the average rent for houses is approximately $630 per week. This is a notable expense, especially when compared to the ACT's average weekly full-time earnings of about $2,000.

    The median total household income in Spence is $2,358 per week, which is above the ACT average. This suggests that many residents in Spence have a relatively comfortable income level, which helps to offset the higher cost of housing. However, it's important to note that a substantial portion of income would still be allocated to housing expenses, whether purchasing or renting.

    Overall, while Spence offers a pleasant living environment with the benefits of being close to Canberra's amenities, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, may be challenging for those earning closer to the average wage. If you are thinking of living in Spence, it's essential to consider your financial situation to ensure it aligns with the expenses associated with this 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 Spence a good place to invest?

    Spence is showing promising signs as a stable investment suburb, particularly for those interested in houses. Over the past year, the median house value in Spence has increased by 5.4%, which indicates a healthy growth trend. This is complemented by a similar 5.4% rise in house rents, suggesting a strong rental demand that can provide consistent rental income for investors. This steady growth makes Spence an attractive option for those looking to invest in a suburb with reliable returns.

    While the unit market in Spence has remained stable with no change in median value or rent over the last 12 months, this stability can be appealing for investors seeking low-risk opportunities. The lack of change suggests that the unit market is not experiencing volatility, which can be a positive aspect for those prioritizing stability over rapid growth. Overall, Spence offers a balanced investment opportunity with its steady house market growth and stable unit market, making it a solid choice for investors looking for consistency and reliability in their property portfolio.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Spence

Currently, there are 32 real estate agents working in Spence—but not all agents deliver the same results. The right agent could make a huge difference to your final sale price.

Only 5 out of these 32 agents sold 36.7% of all properties in Spence over the past year. Choosing one of these top-performing agents means tapping into proven expertise for a better sale outcome.

Real estate agents in Spence typically charge a commission of 2.06% to 2.55%. Negotiating a fair commission rate and the right structure can motivate your agent to work even harder, helping you sell for more and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

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