Luxury apartment living may not immediately come to mind when you consider the bush capital.
But with large floorplans, sprawling views and quality finishes, an apartment may be your chance to live in premium Canberra housing.
As the city has grown, a number of well-known blocks have been developed into exclusive residential buildings.
This is your chance to see inside.
The Sapphire
Nestled on the quieter side of Kingston's foreshore, The Sapphire is one of Canberra's best-known apartments blocks.
It's just metres from some of the suburb's best restaurants and walking distance to the National Gallery.
A penthouse apartment - the diamond's eye of The Sapphire - is currently on the market for $8 million.
The Sapphire apartment complex was developed by Keggins and designed by Melbourne architecture firm Elenberg Fraser. It was completed in 2020, but the penthouse took another 18 months to finish.
Selling agent Mario Sanfrancesco of Blackshaw real estate said the location was key in making this a luxury development.
"Whilst the building may have profile, the location itself is quite a surprise to most people because it is on the other side of the foreshore to most things," he said.
He said clients are often "pleasantly surprised" by the privacy this affords.
Mr Sanfrancesco said quality development and construction was also crucial because it meant residents would be happy for years to come.
"This development was built by Bloc, a well-known local company," he said.
"The apartments themselves are very well-finished and there are a variety of layouts."
These factors often meant buyers waited for apartments to come up in The Sapphire because of its name, which added to prestige.
NewActon South
The residential apartment complex at 19 Marcus Clarke Street is one of the largest luxury buildings in Canberra.
Developed by Molonglo, the area known as NewActon South has 180 apartments in a high-rise building on the edge of the city centre.
It is within a larger precinct designed for premium living.
It has spacious communal and living areas, with views of the surrounding areas.
The apartment bathrooms have bath tubs, double vanities and tiled finishes.
A rooftop garden, theatre and gym are also parts of the development.
A penthouse spanning two storeys overlooks Lake Burley Griffin with views across the capital.
It has a rooftop terrace that includes a jacuzzi facing views of Parliament House.
New Acton South is also known for having a tight-knit community.
Clubs, residents boards and regular meet-ups have been in place since the building's 2010 development.
One-bedroom apartments in the development generally sell for upwards of $530,000.
The Landmark
Barton's Landmark Apartments are in the Parliamentary Triangle, overlooking the lake.
Located at 47 Blackall Street, these apartments are set on more than two hectares and span eight buildings.
There are 282 dwellings with common spaces and greenery between them.
Sizes range from one to three bedrooms, each with terraces overlooking a garden.
Each apartment has ducted air-conditioning and finishes throughout the apartment to add an air of luxury.
Though the apartments are beginning to show some signs of aging, they are well-enjoyed by residents.
The apartments are within walking distance of Kingston foreshore and Manuka.
The design for The Landmark was inspired by the natural environment of Canberra's south side.
The Nishi Building
The Nishi Building in the centre of Canberra is a mixed-use sustainable development, which includes residential apartments.
Completed in 2014, this complex includes a 10-storey atrium and plenty of natural light. It sits within the NewActon precinct.
The 220 apartments were, at the time of construction, considered the most sustainable in Australia.
They are solar-heated during winter and have cross-ventilation throughout the year to ensure comfort for residents.
Developed by Molonglo, the building is characterised by concrete, glass and wood with natural finishes.
This complex is within a short walk of the National Film and Sound Archive, the Australian National University and dining precincts.
A hotel and cinema are located in the building.
It also houses a number of government departments, hot-spotting offices and meeting rooms.
The Lumi Collection
When considering Canberra's best apartments, it would be unfair to exclude the outer suburbs.
The Lumi Collection in Gungahlin was developed as an alternate to city living, for people still wanting a luxurious apartment in the territory.
Agent Andy Greenberger of LJ Hooker is selling a penthouse in the complex, on the market for $2.4 million.
He said the "boutique complex with 145 apartments had an active community who looked after each other".
"They catch up for coffees and see each other regularly," he said.
The finishes in this complex were a key drawcard for Mr Greenberger.
"We haven't seen anything like this in [Gungahlin] before, and I don't think we will see anything like it again," he said.
Stone benchtops and wooden floors give a sleek look to the apartments.
The buildings at 100 Swain Street were developed by KDM group with an emphasis on space and natural light.
Two buildings sit side-by-side - the smallest of which is seven storeys.
A 300-year-old yellow box gum tree sits in the middle of the site, tying the buildings together.
Yerrabi pond is also close by and many of the apartments overlook this well-known view.
The Lumi Collection is known for having one of Canberra's best energy ratings for apartments.
11 State Circle
Up-and-coming development, 11 State Circle Forrest, is set to be one of Canberra's most exclusive apartment complexes.
The development is 500 metres from Parliament House, making it ideal for commuters.
It will join a host of sought-after apartments in Forrest due to location and finishes.
The complex is being developed by Keggins, who brought Canberra The Sapphire apartments.
Selling agent Mr Sanfrancesco said he felt the developer had broken new ground in Canberra, with unique layouts and finishes.
