Lorna Wang
Dubbo, NSW+27
Canberra · North Canberra
Ainslie is one of Canberra's most coveted inner-north suburbs, blending heritage charm with a vibrant, progressive community. Characterised by its leafy streets, heritage-listed 1920s cottages, and proximity to the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, it offers an idyllic balance of city convenience and natural beauty. The suburb has a strong community feel, centred around local shops, parks, and schools.
Market snapshot
Price register · May 2026
Median house
$1.20M - $1.65M
Mid-band $1.43Mspread 32%
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Median unit
$925,000 - $1.25M
Mid-band $1.09Mspread 30%
Days on market
~36-84 days
Median listing-to-sold window. Shorter = tighter buyer field.
Auction clearance
Private-treaty market
Share of auctions sold. Brisbane skews private-treaty.
Rental yield
2.5% to 3.5%
Gross yield on house stock. Premium suburbs compress.
5-year house-price growth
+25% to +45%
cumulative since 2021Who buys here
Established professionals · High-income families · Downsizers
5-year trend
Modelled trajectory anchored on aggregated 5-year median figures. Indicative; not month-by-month observed data.
Market analysis
As one of Canberra's premier blue-chip suburbs, the Ainslie property market is defined by consistently high demand and a resilient price floor. The median house price currently sits at $1.42M, with high-end properties regularly achieving well above this mark. After a significant price surge during the post-pandemic boom, the market has undergone a modest correction, with values declining by approximately 5.3% over the past twelve months. This adjustment is largely attributable to broader economic factors, including interest rate rises, rather than a decline in the suburb's fundamental appeal.
Supply in Ainslie is perpetually tight. The suburb is dominated by established, detached homes on generously sized blocks, many of which are subject to heritage overlays that limit redevelopment potential. This scarcity of stock, coupled with a highly engaged and affluent buyer pool primarily composed of established professionals and senior public servants, ensures that quality listings continue to attract strong competition. Properties typically sell within 60 days, indicating a well-paced but not frantic market. The unit market, while smaller, is also aimed at a premium buyer, with a median price of $1.09M reflecting the high quality of townhouse and boutique apartment developments in the area.
Future growth is underpinned by the suburb's unbeatable location, nestled between the CBD and the Mount Ainslie nature reserve. Its proximity to major employment hubs in Civic and the parliamentary triangle, combined with its established amenity, insulates it from the volatility seen in less-established areas. While the rapid capital growth of 2020-2022 is unlikely to be repeated in the short term, Ainslie is poised for stable, long-term appreciation, making it a quintessential 'buy and hold' market for discerning purchasers.
Ainslie's blend of heritage charm, tight supply, and unbeatable proximity to the city centre creates a resilient market prized by Canberra's professional elite.
Why a buyers agent
In a market as established and tightly held as Ainslie, the best opportunities are often discovered off-market or sold before they are widely advertised. An expert buyer's agent brings a network of local selling agents, providing access to these pre-market listings. Furthermore, Ainslie has significant heritage considerations; several precincts, such as the Corroboree Park and Alt Crescent areas, have heritage-listed homes with strict renovation guidelines. A knowledgeable agent can navigate these complexities, distinguishing between a charming fixer-upper and a potential money pit. They also possess a deep understanding of value, able to advise on which streets command a premium and where potential value lies, ensuring you don't overpay in a competitive negotiation.
Nestled between the CBD and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, the suburb offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and outdoor lifestyle. Walk to work in the city, then hike the trails after hours.
With its leafy streets, established gardens, and historic 1920s cottages, Ainslie has a unique and timeless appeal that sets it apart from newer suburbs. It's a suburb with a real sense of history and place.
Ainslie boasts a vibrant local shopping village, excellent schools, and numerous parks. This, combined with a highly engaged local community, makes it an ideal suburb for families and those seeking a neighbourhood feel.
As a blue-chip suburb with perpetually tight housing supply, Ainslie's property market has proven to be resilient. It represents a stable, long-term investment in a high-demand area.
Compare
| Metric | This suburbAinslie | NearbyBraddon | NearbyDickson | NearbyLyneham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median house | $1.20M - $1.65M | $1.00M - $1.40M | $1,000,000 - $1.35M | $1.10M - $1.45M |
| Median unit | $925,000 - $1.25M | $475,000 - $650,000 | $500,000 - $700,000 | $425,000 - $575,000 |
| Auction clearance | — | 22% to 32% | — | — |
| Days on market | ~36-84 days | ~31-71 days | ~32-76 days | ~14-32 days |
| Year-on-year growth | -10% to +0% | -15% to -5% | -4% to +6% | +11% to +21% |
| 5-year growth | +25% to +45% | +7% to +27% | +20% to +40% | -4% to +16% |
| Rental yield | 2.5% to 3.5% | 5.4% to 6.4% | 2.6% to 3.6% | 2.6% to 3.6% |
| Postcode | 2602 | 2612 | 2602 | 2602 |
Snapshot date varies by suburb; see individual suburb pages for figures.
The place
Located just three kilometres from Canberra's CBD, Ainslie is a picturesque suburb where city life and nature converge. Its history dates back to the 1920s, with many of its original cottages built for the workers constructing the new capital, lending the area a rich architectural character. The leafy streets are a defining feature, with many homes set within the heritage-listed Wakefield Gardens or Corroboree Park precincts.
The suburb is well-serviced by amenities. The local Ainslie Shops on Edgar Street offers a charming precinct with an IGA, a bakery, popular cafes like Edgar's Inn, and specialty stores. For more extensive options, the bustling Dickson shopping and dining precinct is a short walk away.
Families are drawn to the area for its excellent schools. North Ainslie Primary School is located within the suburb, while the highly-regarded Ainslie School is situated just across the road in neighbouring Braddon. Daramalan College is also within the suburb's boundaries.
Recreation is a key part of the Ainslie lifestyle. The suburb backs onto the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, offering numerous walking and cycling trails with panoramic city views. It is also home to 19 parks, including the historic Corroboree Park. Public transport is excellent, with multiple bus routes including the R9 and 53 providing quick access to the City and Belconnen, and the Dickson Light Rail stop is also nearby.
Frequently asked
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The 5-year trajectory is a modelled curve anchored on the documented cumulative growth rate. Editorial review: 13 May 2026. Updated quarterly.
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