Leafy streets, walking distance to two popular shopping strips and quality apartments characterise the inner south suburb of Griffith.
However the area has previously been overlooked by its trendy Kingston sibling, but in recent years, prices have started to climb.
The median price for a Griffith apartment in June 2020 was $473,000 - nearly $80,000 less than Kingston's $553,000 median at the time, according to CoreLogic.
But the difference in June 2024 was just $53,000, with Kingston having a median apartment price of $674,200, while that of a Griffith apartment was $624,400.
Low-rise and leafy
Estate agent Kellie Chalker of Ray White Canberra sells in Griffith and said a building popular with downsizers was attracting big prices.
Most recently she sold 109/18 Austin Street, Griffith, in the Amaya complex, prior to auction in July for $920,000.
"The selling point there was a courtyard on the ground floor, which doesn't come up very often," she said.
"There is an enclosed, double-door garage which was also a [big] factor."
The south-facing apartment went for higher than the owners' asking price according to Ms Chalker.
The two-bed, two-bath ground floor property is at least the fifth apartment of its size in the prestigious block to sell for more than $900,000 during 2024.
In May, 89/18 Austin Street sold for $975,000 and in June, apartment 86 sold for $1.2 million.
That was after sunny apartment 97 sold for $960,000 and number 18 went at $1 million in April.
One-bedroom apartments in the complex have consistently sold for over $600,000 in 2024.
What is the secret?
In the heart of Griffith, the esteemed Amaya complex is clearly a drawcard.
From the outside, it does not look particularly different to other blocks in the suburb.
But the low-rise and well-established complex has large floor plans compared to many inner south abodes.
Apartments in Amaya with just one or two bedrooms are designed for open-plan living, allowing ample space for entertaining.
Old, winding trees, turning red in autumn, frame the apartments, making them cosy year-round.
The block backs onto Manuka Tennis Club, a playground, and renowned La Perouse Street which runs into Red Hill.
It is within walking distance of Griffith, Kingston and Manuka shops, and the Kingston Hotel.
Ms Chalker said while Griffith was often popular with first home owners or young families, 18 Austin Street was particularly appealing to downsizers.
"It is about price point. There are a lot of older couples looking to [move] into Austin Street," she said.
"For those who already live in the inner south, it is an [ideal] move."
