Territory-owned Tharwa blocks for sale priced at $350,000 and under but buyers required to maintain village's 'unique character'

The buyers of the blocks must follow building guidelines to maintain the village's "unique character and charm".

Only single dwellings are permitted on each of the blocks, which range in size from 1635 square metres to 2023 square metres. The two smallest blocks are priced at $320,000 and the other two are priced at $350,000.

Five blocks were slated for release in Tharwa this year according to the territory's indicative land release program. The five residential blocks are on Tidbinbilla Road, Bridge Street and three blocks are on Clarrie Lane.

The blocks were earmarked in the ACT government's Tharwa Village Plan, which was released in 2018. Development on the blocks would have to follow a set of design guidelines set out in the plan.

According to the plan, the guidelines would help to keep the blocks within the rural character of the village.

Guidelines include that a front facade should be aligned with other houses with a "predominant setback", any houses built on the blocks must not exceed 25 per cent of the block area, buildings can only be one-storey and must not exceed six metres in height and all houses must incorporate a verandah that is at least 50 per cent of the front facade.

There are also design requirements for fences, roofs, garages or carports and sheds.

"New buildings and associated utility buildings shall reflect the existing rural character and scale of traditional houses within the streetscape," the plan said.

"New buildings shall complement the historic features of Tharwa's traditional houses, heritage places and community buildings, and the village's rural landscape setting."

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The Tharwa Village Plan was set out to inform the future for planning in the village. A territory plan variation was made to allow for the recommendations of the village plan, as well as changes to the Tharwa precinct code.

Tharwa pre-dated the establishment of Canberra as a city, with the village being proclaimed as a township in 1862.

The Suburban Land Agency marketed the four blocks for sale as "some of the largest blocks in Canberra's market". The blocks were sold "over the counter".

None of the blocks are connected to services and some maintain a "natural landscaping" and include mature trees. On its website, the Suburban Land Agency has advised buyers to undertake their own block investigation reports.