The 5 Major Shifts In How Australians Live

While recent decades saw change across architectural trends, property investment and community-oriented planning, the pandemic created a seismic shift in the way Australians view real estate.

“Lifestyle has become a more important priority than ever,” says realestate.com.au senior economist Eleanor Creagh.

In today’s world, your home is more than a place to rest your head. The impact of Covid led to heightened awareness around housing that prioritises a balanced life.

Here are five major shifts in how Australians live and what modern home buyers want.

 

1. Wellbeing focus

 

Frasers Property Australia General Manager Brand & Customer Emily Wood says lifestyle is a long-term trend in property decisions but was accelerated by the effects of the pandemic.

Popular considerations include style and spaciousness, proximity to health and wellness facilities and green spaces, scope for social connection and commuting times for work-life balance.

 

2. Age of the seachange and treechange

Staying at home led to increased consciousness of a property’s surrounds, prompting many Australians to retreat to idyllic coastal communities and country escapes.

Home buyers are still searching for their dream property through a lifestyle lens, seeking the appeal of peace, nature and a relaxed pace.

 

3. Intentional living

 

The pandemic triggered a period of introspection, says Stancombe Research and Planning CEO Susan Stancombe, which prompted individuals to question their life’s trajectory and make intentional changes.

“One of the benefits of the pandemic era was that it gave people an opportunity for reflection,” says Stancombe. “People thought deeply, and continue to think deeply, about how they want to live their lives.

An interesting trend emerged from this introspection: a growing affinity for outer suburban and regional properties, with home buyers seeking more space, better value and a break from busy, densely populated areas.

 

4. Flexibility and functionality

The normalisation of working from home, and ongoing hybrid work arrangements, transformed the function of housing as more than just a home.

Homes had to become multifunctional spaces during lockdowns, accommodating work, learning and leisure, so adaptability has become “very desirable and important” in home design.

 

5. Reconnecting with community

 

The pursuit of an ideal lifestyle transcends the boundaries of property itself – it’s also about connection with the neighbourhood and access to shared community interests.

The value of belonging drives every decision , with people-centric designs including walkable neighbourhoods, public open spaces and connectivity to local schools, shops and transport.

 

Source: Realestate.com.au