In Canberra, you do not buy land "freehold" (forever) as you might in other states. Instead, all land is held under a from the Commonwealth. While this rarely affects day-to-day ownership, buyers must understand that they are essentially purchasing the right to use the land for the duration of that lease. 3. Financial Costs and Government Incentives

: Negotiate price with the agent. Includes a 5-day cooling-off period .

The Canberra market is in a phase of measured recovery following stabilization in 2024 and 2025.

: In the ACT, the seller must provide building, pest, and energy rating reports as part of the contract. Making an Offer :

The legal process in the ACT has specific requirements for sellers and buyers:

: There is no duty on off-the-plan owner-occupier purchases (like new apartments or townhouses) valued at $1,020,000 or less until June 30, 2026.

: Secure financing before searching. Pre-approvals typically last 3 months.

: If the property is not your primary residence, you will face higher annual land costs and fees than in many other states, which can significantly impact investment yields. 4. The Buying Process Step-by-Step