Australia's favourite home and how the dream could change post COVID-19

Behavioural search data reveals the dream of owning the perfect home is still alive for Australians in lockdown. However, as we adapt to new ways of living during COVID-19, experts predict our aspirations too will change, reshaping the homes of the future.

Right now Australian homebuyers are predominantly looking for a house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car spaces, while the most popular unit is one with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and one car space, according to new search data from realestate.com.au.

Use our latest interactive to see what the most popular type of house/unit is in your suburb…

Chief Economist of realestate.com.au, Nerida Conisbee, said the findings show that many Australian homebuyers are “aspirational” given the average family home has three bedrooms.

“People also want an extra room to do other things with,” she said. “Four bedrooms would typically give you at least one free room for people who are looking for either a study, a spare bedroom or storage.”

Most Australians want a house with four bedrooms – which experts say will be even more desirable post COVID-19. Picture: realestate.com.au

---

Chris Heywood, Associate Professor from the Melbourne School of Design, said the popularity of a four-bedroom house, which includes space for a study, makes a lot of sense, especially given COVID-19.

“Assuming we’re going back to something where perhaps more of us are working in an office and blending that with working at home, I can see that becoming a normal thing longer term,” he said.

• RELATED: Track your home and monitor its value as the market moves. 

Inner-city versus suburban house hunters

Of course, Australia’s dream house doesn’t appeal to everyone. Take Melbourne, for example – those seeking the city life in East Melbourne mostly desire a house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car spaces.

It’s a similar situation in the bayside suburb of St Kilda. Meanwhile, about 11 kilometres away in Bentleigh East, the majority of homebuyers are searching for a house with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and three car spaces.

“Being close to the city where the majority of people work may not be as important in the future as it is now.” – Nerida Conisbee, chief economist, realestate.com.au

The trend towards smaller homes in the inner-city has a lot to do with property being more expensive in those areas, compared to the outer suburbs, Conisbee said.

But she suggests bigger homes in outer-suburban areas might become more popular post COVID-19, due to a social-distancing hangover and subsequent urge to get away from high-density living.

Conisbee suggests people could turn their backs on city living post COVID-19. Picture: realestate.com.au

---

“If you have a look at somewhere like New York, it’s very hard to do social distancing in highly cramped conditions. Whereas, if you go to the suburbs then it is quite easy to keep your distance from people,” she said.

Conisbee added that many people might have adapted to working from home when the pandemic is over, which could push them towards suburban living.

“Being close to the city where the majority of people work may not be as important in the future as it is now.”

What are buyers searching for in a home?

It appears Australians are drawn to the water, with swimming pools the number one search filter for homebuyers.

Use our latest interactive to see what home features buyers are searching for in your state…

But pools are lower on the preference list in cooler states and territories like Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT where garages take out top spot.

This obvious preference for pools could resurrect the debate about whether or not putting in a pool adds more value to your home, suggested Conisbee.

“What this seems to show is that people do love a pool and many people, when they’re looking for homes, they do look for a swimming pool.”

Heywood believes recreational spaces are an important aspect for many people in their family home, and the pandemic could emphasise this in the future.

“It’ll depend on how much we are sort of unleashed from being stuck at home, but I can certainly see recreational opportunities built into your home being even more important than they are now,” he said.

The value of recreational features like pools could become even more prominent post COVID-19. Picture: realestate.com.au

---

Home offices are also in the top 10 search filters for Australian homebuyers, particularly in Western Australia and Victoria, along with ensuites, heating, cooling, built-in-robes and outdoor spaces.

Granny flats are desirable in New South Wales, while homebuyers in Queensland are searching for dual-living arrangements in which there are two completely separate houses under the one roof. 

“I can certainly see recreational opportunities built into your home being even more important than they are now.” – Professor Chris Heywood, Melbourne School of Design

Conisbee suggests the latter two search terms could be linked to a desire to use part of a home as a short-term rental property.

Energy conscious South Australian house hunters have a preference for solar panels, while those looking for a home in the expansive Northern Territory want their properties fully fenced.

How will homebuyer preferences change post COVID-19?

One luxury afforded to buyers during the pandemic is plenty of time to dream about their next home.

While he hasn’t noticed much change in buyer particulars yet, selling agent Rick Daniel of Nelson Alexander – Fitzroy predicts homebuyer preferences could shift post COVID-19, particularly towards homes with studies.

“One could only imagine how many dining tables are currently set up as makeshift workstations,” he said.

Home offices could become a more sought-after feature in a home. Picture: Kate Hunter

---

Daniel also expects spacious homes will become more important than ever during the COVID-19 recovery.

“Children will be relying on mum and dad for a little longer while they go through uni or find stable employment,” he said.

Aside from secret tunnels between your best mate’s house and a delivery window for Uber Eats, property manager Sam Nokes of Jellis Craig – Stonnington said private space will be important in future homes.

“People have spent more time at home over the past few months than ever before. They have a much better idea of what kind of space they want and how they will use that space moving forward,” he said.

Stylish, open-plan living could go out of vogue in favour of separate living spaces once the pandemic passes, according to Heywood.

Homebuyers could turn away from popular open-plan homes and opt for more private spaces. Picture: realestate.com.au

---

“Being able to have that more discreet space where you can actually go and do several hours of work without too much interruption will be important,” he said.

Heywood also thinks quality kitchens will become a greater priority for homebuyers, as more people take up cooking as a pastime during isolation.

“One could only imagine how many dining tables are currently set up as makeshift workstations.” – Rick Daniel, Nelson Alexander

Change is inevitable, but what we value in a home post COVID-19 will depend on how long the crisis goes on for.

Heywood predicts Australians will develop a new, two-pronged appreciation for their homes.

“They will have spent more time in [their home] and they’ll actually appreciate its value and what it can give you in terms of coming together as a family,” he said.

“But also being able to be apart from the family so you’re not living in each other’s pockets.”