Proximity to schools and arterial roads, an outlook with mountain vistas and plenty of entertainment space out back are high on the wish list.

Homes that hit all the hot buttons and are pitched at the right price are more than likely heading towards a competitive sale.

Dan McAlpine of Belle Property Kingston says a big factor in location is proximity to infrastructure.

"You can certainly see that in the newer, outer-north suburbs where access to arterial roads and the light rail route is a prime driver of location," he says.

"In the inner suburbs that convenience also applies, along with a good choice of schools and shopping opportunities."

McAlpine says many inner-south and inner-north areas have extra cachet, simply because of their age and their range of character homes.

"Suburbs like Forrest, Yarralumla, Red Hill and Griffith certainly have an aspirational quality to them," he says.

"And any properties that have a view or back onto a reserve can certainly demand a premium."

McAlpine says cul-de-sacs, loops and circuits are also sought after.

"People like the idea of quiet streets and a sense of privacy," he says.

Jane Kusetic of Cream Residential says Canberrans like space - inside their homes and out.

"The right location can enhance that feeling, particularly with an elevated position that offers views," she says.

"Inside the home, that sensibility can continue with an open-plan design and a floor plan that allows for separate living areas."

Kusetic says that offers options to different family members. Children can have their own play areas while parents have their own space where they entertain friends.

"Outdoor entertaining spaces are highly valued - people really love their alfresco areas - particularly during the warmer months when they really make the most of them," she says.

"The flexibility in how these areas - indoors and out - are used really add up to that sought-after ideal of lifestyle," she says.

Kusetic says a sense of privacy is also important.

"People don't want to feel overlooked by their neighbours and will likely choose a home that's either screened by tree canopies or hedging," she says.

"Homes that back onto reserve or parkland certainly enhance that feeling of privacy."

Nick Slater of McGrath Gungahlin says access to parkland and recreational facilities are big-ticket items in the outer north.

"Blocks tend to be smaller, but that's compensated by living closer to green spaces where the kids can kick a footy," he says.

"When you live close to one another, the green connection becomes even more important," he says.

Slater says another factor of location is the choice of schools for children.

"People are weighing up any number of factors when they're considering a home purchase," he says.

"They're often quite willing to compromise on their wish list if it makes a difference in enrolling their children into their preferred school."

Slater says inside the home the wish list focuses on great kitchens and the outdoor entertainment areas.

"They are the social hubs of the home and the ones that get the most attention from family and friends," he says.

"They showcase the home and that's why homeowners place so much emphasis on how they present."