There’s nothing like living through a global pandemic and multiple lockdowns to make you reassess what’s important when it comes to searching for a property.
Here are some of the trends Covid has created when it comes to our property search criteria.
Let’s face it: thanks to Covid we’re all thoroughly sick of the four walls we’ve been staring at on and off for the past 2 years. And, while being trapped at home is leading many people to renovate, others are making tree or sea changes, moving to lifestyle properties, or ramping up their property search locally to find homes that are a better fit.
But Covid has also left home buyers with a whole new list of property search criteria, say researchers. Here are some of the wish list wants that real estate agents are seeing.
Outdoor space
While a generous backyard or outdoor space can sometimes be hard to find when you’re looking in Sydney’s inner East, it’s become a priority for many home buyers. This trend is no doubt driven by the fact that so many families have been cooped up at home together, playgrounds have been shut for much of the pandemic, and there’s been a need to rethink play, socialising and entertainment. In our area we’re seeing this desire for outdoor space increase demand for the typical Aussie backyard, but also properties with courtyards, balconies, or generous terraces. Any outdoor space is highly coveted.
A home office
The morning commute to the office used to be a normal part of life for most of us – until Covid forced two-thirds of Aussies to do their job from home. And working on the dining room table can get old really fast! This is why real estate agents are seeing a growing trend for properties with some kind of study nook, workspace or home office space away from the main living area – just so you can separate life from work. It may be a spare room or a sunroom, or simply space for a desk in a hidden corner.
Multiple living areas
We’ve learned in the past couple of years that any extra space is gold – especially if you’re having to wrangle kids, organise homeschooling and get work done yourself. So it’s a no-brainer that many of us are seeking that extra living space or room that can be multi-purpose (just to keep everyone sane).
Natural light
When you’ve lived through a limited exercise or recreation rule for many months on end, you start to see the positive benefits of having a home with natural light. Sunlight streaming in the kitchen window or French doors connecting you to nature and the greater outdoors may reduce the bacteria load in your home – and it can have a huge impact on our health, wellbeing and productivity. No wonder it’s a non-negotiable item on the property search criteria list for many of us!
Larger kitchens
The teenager is making two-minute noodles, your partner is hovering by the kettle, and you’re trying to marinate something for tonight’s dinner. Yep, having more people at home, more often, has definitely led many of us to one conclusion: we need bigger or more generous kitchens! A renewed interest in cooking (sourdough or baking experiments, anyone?) has also increased the demand for kitchens with better proportions or a more functional layout.
More bedrooms
That lovely little one-bedroom that suited you and your partner just fine pre-pandemic may have started to seem… well, a little too cosy once you were both home 24/7. Which is why many of us are actively looking to upgrade from one-bedroom to two or even three-bedroom homes. After all, more space equals more flexibility, more room for guests when restrictions ease, and more nooks and crannies to escape to, if you’re craving alone time.
What’s on your property buying wish list? We’d love to know! Get in touch with us so we can help you find a better fit for you and your lifestyle.
