From functional additions to smart tech, here are five home features that are attracting crowds and converting hopeful browsers into dedicated buyers.
Home office
You’d be forgiven if, like many of us, in March 2020 you assumed working from home would be a passing trend. Fast-forward almost three years, and many companies have moved to hybrid work models with flexible work arrangements and working from home now the norm.
With this new way of living and working, the demand for home offices is more profound than ever before. Buyers are now looking for a more permanent work-from-home solution – a space other than the kitchen bench or the dining table. A functional workspace within the home creates a boundary between personal and work life, and is conducive to both efficiency and creativity.
Whether it’s a spacious study or a cleverly converted nook or cranny, a dedicated workspace will increase the appeal of, and therefore the value of your home.
Fully renovated
A dramatic surge in the cost of building coupled with lengthy delays has seen the sentiment shift when it comes to buyers seeking out run-down, fixer-uppers. Material costs have doubled, and in some cases even tripled over the last two years, a direct result of pandemic-related challenges in sourcing materials and shipping and supply chain logistics. At the same time, a skilled labour shortage has put upward pressure on these already high costs and significantly impacted build timelines.
Purchasing a home with even small areas that require renovation can now end up costing far more, and taking far longer than planned. Experts predict that it’s going to take a long time for the industry to return to normal, most likely years. As such, buyers are increasingly looking for homes that are renovated and ready to live in.
Open plan living
Open plan living is almost a way of life for many Australians. Whether it’s a small apartment or a sprawling home, a seamless flow between kitchen, living and dining is as sought after now as it ever has been. Open plan living maximises space, attracts natural light and makes the home feel far bigger.
As we move into the busier months, entertainers far and wide are looking for the perfect space to do just that, entertain. The ability to be in three places at once makes not only hosting a breeze, but for families, it makes keeping an eye on the kids during those busy hours of the day far easier.
Low maintenance gardens
When it comes to selling your home, a garden does the heavy lifting when it comes to making a good first impression. However, the upkeep of a garden can often seem overwhelming. As such, buyers are increasingly looking for properties with gardens that are easy to maintain.
Swap large expanses of lawn and high-maintenance blooms for materials like paving, decking and easy-to-care-for plants such as natives. Creating a low-maintenance outdoor space means buyers can enjoy the beauty of a well-crafted, lush-looking garden, minus the ongoing hard work.
Smart home features
Smart homes are really having a (prolonged) moment. And it’s easy to see why. Automation not only simplifies day-to-day living but can dramatically help homeowners save on their power bills and that’s a big reason why buyers are seeking out properties that use smart tech.
Everything from smart lights that turn on automatically to security systems that are controlled remotely via a mobile phone are incredibly popular. Smart home features make homes safer, help save on bills and make life just a little easier – in turn attracting more buyers.