As the spring selling season kicks off across Australia, there's an undeniable shift in buyer preferences.
With auction volumes soaring and new listings at their highest level since 2022, Aussie homebuyers are making their wish lists more specific than ever.
So, what are buyers craving in the homes they’re inspecting this spring?
According to new data from Domain, buyers are increasingly prioritising comfort and lifestyle over traditional "luxury" features.
Essentials like ensuites, walk-in robes, and bathtubs are now taking precedence over flashy additions like pools and wine cellars.
As Dr Nicola Powell, Domain's Chief of Research and Economics points out:
"Aussie homebuyers are focusing on practical, everyday features that enhance their living experience, rather than purely aspirational items."
The "must-have" comforts
Ensuites top the list of non-negotiables this spring, with 62% of Australians ranking them as a must-have.
Walk-in wardrobes follow closely behind, with 50% of buyers prioritizing these spacious storage solutions.
And when it comes to relaxing at home, 36% of Australians still want a bathtub.
These features, while not new to the real estate scene, are proving their staying power as essential components of modern living.
With more supply on the market and a larger pool of properties to choose from, buyers are feeling more confident about ticking off these high-priority features.
As Dr Powell notes:
"The surge in supply gives homebuyers more choice and more time to make decisions, meaning they can afford to be a bit pickier with their must-haves."
Design preferences reflecting lifestyle shifts
While comfort is king, the data also reveals some interesting lifestyle trends among Aussie buyers.
Energy efficiency is now a significant consideration for half of homebuyers, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability.
Whether it's solar panels, water-efficient fittings, or energy-saving designs, buyers are thinking long-term about their environmental impact—and their energy bills.
Single-storey living is also gaining traction, with 43% of buyers now seeking homes without stairs.
This trend highlights a desire for accessibility, convenience, and ease of movement—especially for families with young children or older residents.
The desire for indoor-outdoor living hasn’t waned either.
Almost half of all buyers (45%) are prioritizing homes with plenty of natural light, and 50% are on the lookout for outdoor entertaining spaces.
The Australians' love for a good backyard barbecue or a sun-filled patio remains strong, as lifestyle-centric features continue to rank highly on buyers' checklists.
Interestingly, gardens are proving more popular than tech-driven home features.
Data shows that 51% of buyers prefer having a garden over high-tech security systems, suggesting that Aussies are still seeking that connection to nature and outdoor space, even in the midst of our tech-savvy world.
A strong start to Spring
Spring 2024 is shaping up to be a dynamic season for the property market.
The combination of increased supply and a surge in auction activity suggests that both buyers and sellers are eager to capitalize on the current market conditions.
With 1,596 auctions taking place across the country this past weekend, it's clear that momentum is building.
Buyers are feeling empowered to find homes that align with their specific needs—without compromising on the features that matter most to them.
From comfort-focused amenities to sustainability features and lifestyle-enhancing designs, the Australian property market is increasingly reflecting the evolving priorities of modern buyers.
