Canberra home values increased by 3.5 per cent during 2013, despite a slump in performance in the last quarter of the year.


The ACT was the weakest performing capital city in the December quarter and was the only jurisdiction to show a fall in dwelling values.


RP Data–Rismark December home value index figures show Canberra dwellings fell 1.3 per cent during the quarter to a median price of $530,000.


The ACT finished the year the fifth strongest performer behind Sydney (14.5 per cent), Perth (9.9 per cent), Melbourne (8.5 per cent) and Brisbane (5.1 per cent).


Canberra houses increased in value by 3.7 per cent while units grew by a more moderate 1.5 per cent.


Nationally capital city markets showed the highest growth in home values over a calendar year for four years.


The eight cities' combined home values increased by 9.8 per cent during 2013 - the highest since 2009's growth of 13.7 per cent.


RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher said Sydney, Perth and Melbourne had driven the capital growth for the country.


But he said the rate of growth for the year was “not that startling” given the low interest rate environment and the previous successive years where home values fell.


In 2011 national values fell 3.8 per cent and by 0.4 per cent in 2012.


Canberra recorded falling rental rates during the year for houses and units, which each declined by 0.4 per cent.