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Watson suburb profile

Watson is a charming suburb located in the inner north of Canberra, known for its leafy streets and community-oriented atmosphere. Situated just 7km from the city centre, it offers a convenient lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a peaceful suburban feel. Watson is home to a mix of housing styles, from classic mid-century homes to modern developments, catering to a diverse population. The suburb is renowned for its vibrant local community, with popular spots like the Majura Primary School and the Watson Shops serving as central hubs. Proximity to Mount Majura Nature Reserve provides residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature exploration.

Watson property market performance

Current median dwelling price$710,500Past 3 months

Property growth+0.0%Past 12 months

Watson's property market has experienced modest growth over the past 12 months. House values have increased by 2.1%, while unit values have remained stable. The median house price over the past three months has stood at $990,000, with units averaging $455,000, indicating a consistent demand for both types of properties.

Sales activity shows 40 houses and 13 units sold, illustrating stronger demand for houses. Houses are selling in a median of 44 days, compared to 76 days for units, suggesting a slower uptake in the unit market.

In the rental sector, Watson has seen moderate increases, with house rents rising by 2.2% and units by 3.6% over the last 12 months, bringing average rents to $700 for houses and $518 for units.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$1.01M$411K
Change in value
Past 12 months
1.9%-1.9%
Sold
Past 3 months
4419
Median days on market
Past 12 months
4461
Average rent
Past 12 months
$700$520
Change in rent
Past 12 months
1.4%4.0%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Watson demographics

Watson, a charming suburb in the northern part of Canberra, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. With a population of 6,727, Watson is a community that appeals to families, professionals, and those seeking a balanced lifestyle. The median age of 34 suggests a youthful and dynamic population, with many residents drawn to the suburb's family-friendly environment and proximity to the city center.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned with a mortgage, accounting for 43.1% of the total. This indicates a strong presence of young families and professionals investing in their future within the suburb. Additionally, 23% of properties are owned outright, reflecting a stable community with long-term residents. Rental properties make up 33.9% of the housing market, providing options for those seeking flexibility or temporary accommodation.

Family life is a prominent feature of Watson, with 44.6% of households being couple families with children, and 38% being couple families without children. This highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and couples enjoying the area's amenities and lifestyle. The presence of one-parent families, making up 15.5% of the community, adds to the suburb's diverse family structure. With its welcoming atmosphere, access to parks, schools, and local shops, Watson continues to be a desirable location for those looking to enjoy the best of Canberra living.

Suburbs near Watson

Some popular suburbs near Watson include:

  • Downer: Known for its community-oriented atmosphere and green spaces, Downer is located directly south of Watson.
  • Hackett: Featuring a strong sense of community and proximity to Mount Majura, Hackett lies to the east of Watson.
  • Dickson: Renowned for its bustling dining precinct and multicultural vibe, Dickson is situated to the southwest of Watson.
  • Lyneham: Offering a blend of residential and recreational facilities, Lyneham is located to the west of Watson.
  • Ainslie: Known for its heritage homes and proximity to the city center, Ainslie is situated to the south of Watson.

How does Watson compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Watson’s median house price is 6.3% higher than Dickson’s.
  • Median unit prices: Watson’s median unit price is 24.6% lower than Dickson’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Watson have grown 9.8% higher than in Hackett.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Watson have grown 13.2% higher than in Downer.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Watson are selling 29.0% faster than in Downer.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in Watson are selling 1.6% faster than in Dickson.
  • Investment considerations: In Watson, the rental yield for house is 2.5% lower than the Canberra average, while the rental yield for units is 9.2% lower.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Watson have grown 5.4% lower than the average rate of growth across Canberra.
  • Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Watson have grown 11.9% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Canberra.

Choose the right real estate agents in Watson

Currently, there are 87 real estate agents working in Watson—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 87 agents sold 36.0% of all properties in Watson 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 Watson typically charge a commission of 2.13% to 2.56%. 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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