Originally Posted by googy (Post 4717327)

Legally, there is a big difference between buying land in ACT (Canberra) and NSW. In NSW (& other states), you "buy" your land thus you can own it and do what you want with it (subject to the local planning laws etc). In ACT, you get a 99 year lease from the Govt, thus at the end of the 99 years the govt can technically take it back from you. It is a big issue here recently in Canberra, as you will be aware that ACT was settled approx 96 years ago (or around that mark), thus alot of leases are coming up for renewal in the next few years. There was talk a few yrs ago of going like NSW but nothing happened. I think from what I have read the government will offer the people the lease again for another 99 years. I think they will get it for "free" or pay a token amount of $1.00.

However, in reality this system means "nothing" to most normal people. if you asked the average "joe" on the street they problery wouldn't even know. It doesn't really effect anything in the day to day running of the property.


I have found some info that u may like

http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/__data/...3Leasehold.pdf

It explains the lot...


Cheers

Casey
Canberra, Aust.

Originally Posted by killamarsh (Post 4719849)

Googy you aren't related to two other people on here are you? I am planning on moving to Belconnen. However, really can't make much of the suburbs and more importantly the schools there. My son will be 9 soon so will be in primary. Please be honest - are there any suburbs in Belconnen that are best avoided or aren't the best? I have asked this question on several people and get a no, and I guess I am sceptical - perhaps it's true and everywhere is ok. If you know anyone who has younger kids, or perhaps you do, and knows primary schools - can they recommend any or advise me to steer clear at all?

Originally Posted by Tiggs+Graz (Post 4719944)

not sure how true it is but i did read somewhere that there are not really any 'bad' areas in canberra (not in comparison with 'bad' areas of the uk anyway :ohmy: )

maybe you would be better asking where the really nice parts of Belconnen are? :D

Adele

Originally Posted by killamarsh (Post 4720179)

Hi Sas thanks for that as my concerns about Charnwood have been confirmed. However, something is drawing me to Evatt and I am unsure what that is - sorry to sound strange, but just a gut instict type thing. Sorry I missed you at the meet in Chesterfield but little one ended up having a party that day.

And just to confirm Sasbear will assist if you ask.

Originally Posted by Vicky88 (Post 4720875)

I think a lot depends on how much money you have to spend. My in-laws live in Ainslie, and if I had the money I would probably be looking at the inner north as well. I also like Aranda, some parts of Cook, Macquarie. I am not a big fan of Gungahlin and the newer areas as the blocks are much smaller.

Originally Posted by sasbear (Post 4720207)

Thanks Killamarsh - yes it would have been great to meet you.

We rented at Evatt when we arrived. Nice area and quite, but stay away from the shop area as there are quite a lot of government housing there.

Originally Posted by killamarsh (Post 4720112)

Already done that and all I get is that everywhere is ok and there aren't any 'bad' areas. I thought people were being polite but I think they were actually telling the truth. I thought if I ask what are the awful areas that I could takes some off my list. No chance. Hey I'm not complaining. What city in the world can truly say that there aren't any areas to really avoid? Not many. Iv'e been looking at flights and it is making my stomach turn. Can't believe I will be back with my family within a year - hopefully.AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HH

Originally Posted by Tiggs+Graz (Post 4721730)

Would government housing be the same as council housing in the uk?