As the way we live continues to evolve, so do the expectations of Australian home buyers.
In 2024, buyers are placing increasing emphasis on convenience, sustainability, space and technology, while still valuing comfort and good looks.
Here’s a look at the modern features Australian buyers have on their priority lists this year.
What Australian home buyers want
1. Energy efficiency and sustainability
Sustainability has become a top priority for homeowners, with energy-efficient features increasingly seen as essential. Solar panels, energy-efficient appliances and double glazing are becoming the norm with new builds, which are expected to live up to nationwide energy rating and National Construction Code standards.
If you’re selling an older property, look for ways to add energy- saving touches, such as water-saving shower heads, energy- efficient lighting and insulation improvements. If you can’t invest in bigger ticket items like solar panels, you may want to have some quotes from providers ready to share with buyers.
2. Home offices and flexible spaces
A well-designed home office and strong internet connectivity are fantastic selling points now that so many Australians work from home one or two days per week.
You don’t have to have an entire home office to appeal to buyers, but look for places where you can set up a desk to showcase your floorplan’s flexibility and appeal to buyers on inspection day.
And say goodbye to the pool room or media room, which are trends from a now bygone era. The buzzword right now is a multipurpose room that can be adapted to become an office, gaming room, guest bedroom, playroom or workout space. Work with your stylist or real estate agent to present a spare bedroom or extra living area as multi-purpose.
3. Smart home technology
Buyers with healthy budgets are increasingly expecting smart home integrations. Features like automated lighting, security systems and smart doorbells that can be voice-activated with the help of home assistants from Google or Amazon are becoming more commonplace.
The ability to control key aspects of the home from a smartphone or tablet is particularly attractive to younger buyers who want efficient and seamless living experiences.
Anything you can do to have a tech-enabled home will add to its appeal. If you already have a connected home, make sure to mention this to your agent so it can be included in the marketing materials.
4. Outdoor living spaces
Once the domain of the dog and the children, outdoor areas have evolved to become a key lifestyle addition.
Buyers love homes with balconies or gardens that have room to sit down, eat and unwind. It’s all about being outside but feeling like you’re inside, with a table, shade cover and place to cook.
The ultimate outdoor area includes ceiling fans, lights and a full kitchen but if you don’t have the time or money for this kind of upgrade, at least look at presenting your outside areas so a buyer can see what’s possible. A home stylist can lend you some outdoor furniture to make the space look functional.
5. Light and fresh air
Speaking of the outdoors, large windows, skylights and bifold doors are also trending. These features deliver natural light and airflow.
If your home is relatively dark and adding a skylight or new windows is out of the question, add some floor lamps and show the property at the time of day when natural light is at its peak.
6. Storage and functionality
Storage space, including walk-in pantries, built-in or walk-in wardrobes and functional kitchen layouts are high on buyer lists. Australians are looking for homes that maximise every inch of space with clever storage solutions, from hidden cabinets to garage shelving.
Functional laundry rooms, mudrooms and linen cupboards are covetable features. If your home doesn’t have storage, at least take steps to minimise clutter so buyers aren’t left
wondering where things will go.
7. Low maintenance
The easier a home is to look after, the better, thanks to modern families’ busy lives. This is where landscaping, fresh paint and quality appliances come in.
Before you have photos taken or advertise your open home, spend time tidying, cleaning and freshening the place up. This small amount of effort can make a big difference to your final outcome.
Need help to sell your home?
Every home will sell eventually but if you want your home to sell quickly and for the best possible price, you need it to include features that appeal to modern buyers. If they can instantly see how the place will match their lifestyle needs, they will be more excited to make an offer.
Taking a forward-thinking approach and working with an experienced agent can improve those all-important buyer first impressions and tick more of the boxes on their must-have list.
Ready to sell? Need some advice? Reach out to at teresa@teresaberger.com.au today.
