Callam Offices would cost $128M to upgrade, government seeks buyer

The heritage-listed Callam Offices in Woden sits empty. Maintaining it costs $1.78 million every two years. Upgrading to modern standards would cost up to $128 million.

Why it mattersThe ACT Government is stuck with an expensive empty building. It must balance heritage conservation against the high cost of keeping or upgrading it.

AustraliaACT taxpayers cover the $1.78 million annual maintenance bill. Resolving the building's future could free up budget or yield land for Canberra's urban renewal plans.

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago

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Canberra sellers switch from auctions to private treaty as market cools

Auction-to-private treaty conversions in Canberra more than doubled from 28.1 per cent to 63.5 per cent between February and July 2026.

Why it mattersThe shift signals a swing from a seller's market to a buyer's market, giving purchasers more breathing room for the biggest financial decision most people make.