Stella’s By The Lake — Established Belconnen Café for Sale
Lakeside location. Established team. Closes at 2 pm.
Having sold more than 300 Canberra businesses over 20 years, I’m selective about what I bring to market. I look for businesses that offer value or clear potential for improvement. Lease security matters, so I avoid major shopping centers, along with businesses whose core offering I believe is particularly vulnerable to AI and automation. Stella’s By The Lake caught my attention for its location, established team and potential for a new owner.
Located beside Lake Ginninderra, this dog-friendly café serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, trading seven days a week and closing at 2 pm each day. An established café manager, head chef and supporting team oversee daily operations, with limited owner involvement.
The FY2026 draft financial information reports sales of $1,262,846 and adjusted proprietor earnings (PEBITDA) of $184,579. The earnings calculation includes add-backs for owner remuneration and other expenses, detailed in the Business Information Package.
There are two clear approaches for a buyer: retain the team and focus on growing sales and improving efficiency, or bring your own skills into management, cooking or customer service.
The café offers approximately 280 m² of combined indoor and outdoor footprint, comprising approximately 163 m² of internal premises, 15.52 m² of permitted outdoor dining and access to an approximately 100 m² common-property piazza. This provides a generous setting for relaxed lakeside dining and the café’s dog-friendly experience. Three staff carparks are included in the lease.
The wider Belconnen district provides a substantial residential market. The 2021 Census recorded 106,061 residents and 43,206 homes, with median weekly household income equivalent to $115,804 annually before tax, above the national median. 28.7% of occupied homes were owned outright, without a mortgage. These figures suggest an attractive potential customer base for an established local café.
The lease runs until 31 January 2031, with a further three-year option. For the 2025–2026 financial year, rent equated to $76,441.20 including GST, this represents a rent of $6,370.10 per month including GST. Property outgoings remain to be confirmed separately.
Offered for sale as the director prepares for retirement.
Contact Frank Walmsley on 0400 446 605 or sales@capitalcommercial.com.au to request the confidential Business Information Package and arrange an inspection.
