What Do Aussies Really Want in Their Homes?

Australian homebuyers are getting pickier about their ideal homes. They're on the hunt for places that are roomy and versatile, and where they can either accommodate extended family members or make some extra cash. That's according to data from realestate.com.au.

Additional Living Spaces

The data reveals that buyers are searching for properties with additional self-contained living spaces, like granny flats or studios. The keyword searches show a significant 27% increase in searches for 'dual living' in the past year, which is more than any other keyword. 'Granny flat' is also gaining ground, with a 13% increase in searches.

But it's not just a one-size-fits-all situation. The kind of property you're eyeing makes a big difference. House-hunters are all about swimming pools, making it the top feature they're drooling over. But if you're on the apartment hunt, you're probably daydreaming about a balcony.

The pandemic has played a part in this trend. People want more space and flexibility in their homes. Maybe it's a secluded spot to work from home or a spare area to rent out, especially when mortgage rates are climbing. Speaking of which, rates have been shooting up over the past year, and high inflation is putting the squeeze on household budgets.

As a result, some savvy buyers are looking for properties that can help pay the bills by offering rental income. Meanwhile, investors are getting in on the action, hoping to cash in on high rents and low vacancies.

Granny flats & duplexes

'Granny flat' searches have shot up by 40% in Queensland, while 'duplex' searches have increased by 37% in Western Australia. 'Granny flat' searches are up in all states, with Victoria and South Australia leading the charge.

A 'dual living' property is a bit like a two-for-one deal – you've got two separate homes under one roof. It's perfect for big families who want to be close, but not that close!? It’s also great for families who want to occupy one home themselves and rent out the other.

On the other hand, a 'granny flat' is a little self-contained home in the backyard or attached to the main house. It's often used for housing family members like grandparents or adult dependents. Some states let you rent them out to outsiders, while others insist you keep them in the family so you’ll need to check with your local council.

Pools and Parking

Despite all the buzz around extra living spaces and income potential, swimming pools are still the number one sought after house feature across the country. Well, in most places, that is. In colder areas like Victoria, Tasmania, and the ACT, 'garage' is the top search term. In fact, “garage” is the second most searched term nationwide, except in the Northern Territory, where 'air conditioning' takes the silver medal.

Air conditioning is high on the list across the board, especially in warmer states. Pools are more in-demand in places with established families, overseas buyers, or pricey neighborhoods. The cost and hassle of installing a pool often make people prefer homes that already come with one.

Parking is another hot topic, especially garages for their security and versatility. People want a spot for their camping gear, bikes, and, increasingly, electric vehicles with charging stations!

Apartments

If you're in the market for a swanky flat, 'balcony' is the magic word. It's the most searched term, and 'outdoor area' also gets some love. Air conditioning is right behind it, especially in South Australia, Western Australia, and the ACT. But if you're in sunny Queensland or the NT, an apartment with a pool tops your wish list – because, hey, who doesn't love a year-round swim?

But it's not just the big-ticket items that are grabbing attention. Australians are also giving a nod to the smaller, yet oh-so-important, features. Things like air conditioners, built-in wardrobes, and dishwashers are trending high, despite being easy and affordable to install later.

Beyond these nifty property preferences, Australians are all about quality, accessibility, and sustainability. Searches for 'brick' homes have surged by 11% nationwide, with even more significant increases in Tasmania and Victoria. Brick homes are praised for their energy efficiency, keeping the temperature steady year-round and putting up a solid defense against the elements and pesky termites.

Accessibility

Accessibility is a big deal too. Searches for single-level houses have shot up by 28% among house buyers in New South Wales, and 'lift' searches have doubled in the ACT and Western Australia. We've got an aging population, and stairs just ain't their thing.

Sustainability & Swank

Sustainability is also a hit, with Aussies going gaga for solar panels, especially in WA, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, the ACT, and the NT. In regions like NSW and Victoria, where solar panels don't make the top 10 list, buyers are still happy to think about adding them later.

Last but not least, Aussies are catching the trend for features usually associated with swanky homes. Searches for top-floor units have jumped by 27% in NSW, and penthouses are having a moment, with increases of 34% in South Australia, 24% in the ACT, and 15% in Western Australia.

Understanding what buyers are searching for can give both buyers and sellers the upper hand. It's like having a crystal ball to see what's hot in your area and what to focus on highlighting when getting your home ready for market.

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