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Seven essentials for a family home - February Market Update 2025

February 3, 2025 / Written by Rich Harvey

 

By Rich Harvey, CEO & Founder, propertybuyer.com.au

 

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There are all different types of families from single parents with two children through to multigenerational incorporating grandparents and young adult kids. It’s a diverse demographic where a range of age groups and personality types co-exist in the same living space.

Interestingly, however, is that despite all these variations, there remains fundamental must-haves that most families require in their home. These basic elements not only create a more harmonious living environment but also improve the chance of a premium result come resale time.

Here are the seven family-home essentials that should be on your tick list in today’s market.

 

Separated spaces

Yes, of course – we love our families… but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to get away from each other occasionally.

There’s no doubt both parents and kids want the option of having their own space in the family home. An area where they can pursue their own interests or entertain friends without getting in the way of their other household members.

A family will often require at least two well-separated living spaces. They could be on different levels or be well away from each other in the separate “wings” of a home. They might even include a studio shed in the yard, or large workshop off the garage.

Family homes in today’s market must provide options for isolation when it’s needed to all family members regardless of their age and stage.

 

Central hub

Along with separation spaces, there is still a desire for a central hub in a family home.

This often centres around the kitchen and dining/lounge area. It will be the zone where communication takes place, whether it’s over dinner, or during the morning rush. You’ll find the hub area is where mail is left, keys are stored and where there’s a note with instructions on how to reheat dinner.

The central hub is a way for families to come together and share important information and stories, along with love and laughter.

 

Future proofing

Future proofing is especially important for young families with small children.

As many of us know, families grow fast. In the blink of an eye, that toddler with outstretched arms looking for a hug will suddenly become a teenager who needs their own bedroom well away from everyone else. It’s just a fact of life.

So, prepare for this by looking at how you can adapt a home to meet your needs. Properties that have additional land area for a house extension are always extremely popular. If that’s a stretch, then perhaps you should seek a home with a flexible floor plan. Could you easily create an extra bedroom, or even bathroom, from the existing layout?

It’s important not to buy a home that you might outgrow quickly. Instead, think about how a property might flex and adapt to meet your changing needs.

 

Essential rooms

House design is always evolving. What might have been a must-have space just a few years ago will have all but disappeared in recent times.

One recent example is the way office space has become an essential inclusion since the pandemic. Having a room where you can do work away from the hubbub of family life is now critical. In fact, the search term “study” was the fifth most popular keyword on Domain for those filtering through listings last year.

While multiple bathrooms have always been a bonus, they’re now viewed by many as vital to any home. The morning rush is made easier when more than one person at a time can get privately prepped for the day. Linked to that is powder rooms with easy access for guests. No one wants their visitors traipsing through their regular bathroom in the middle of a dinner party.

Another essential is adequate car accommodation. There must be at least two lock-up spaces, with potential to expand to another as the kids reach driving age.

 

Outdoor amenity

We Aussies are an outdoors people, so the ability to escape the inside and enjoy fresh air beyond the walls is key.

Outdoor space needs to flow as seamlessly as possible from the home – there should be pretty much no barrier to using it regularly. So, if it’s a long walk downstairs to get outside, that’s not ideal.

Homes with outdoor areas that allow for meals and social gatherings are also in high demand. The outdoor needs to be practical and comfortable. Will it fit a good size table and a barbeque? Is it an inviting place where friends and family will want to spend time?

 

Pools

Some people may have thought pools had fallen out of favour – but they’d be wrong.

Domain’s research showed that “pool” was the top keyword search among Sydney buyers filtering listings on their site.

Pools are high on the family priority list now, but they must be easy to maintain and inviting. It’s no good have a mini-plunge pool in the dark, vegetation-filled corner of your allotment. It will need constant cleaning and will be rarely used.

Instead, look for a pool that complements the yard layout. It should have easy access, and a sun deck or “summer house” pergola is always welcome. Oh, and don’t forget easy access to bathroom facilities that won’t see kids in dripping wet swimmers trudging through your house.

Just quietly too – most dads love looking after pool maintenance. From what I’ve seen, they revel in the process of having pristine blue water in their backyard pride and joy.

 

Locational amenity

While this has little to do with house design, the modern family demands easy access to key services and facilities.

We all know school zones can drive property prices, and this hasn’t faded in recent years. Homes in appealing school catchments, or with easy access to highly regarded private schools, still achieve price premiums.

Being close to public transport options is also essential. As the kids get older, they’ll want the freedom to jump on a bus or train and head to destinations on their own.

Local retail and entertainment options go a long way with family buyers too. Look for a café hub with bars and restaurants within an easy stroll of the home. It’ll be a great spot for the family to meet up and have some fun on a Friday evening.

Family buyers are a steadfast demographic in real estate, and they know what they want from their homes. Securing the right property means having a home that you and your family can enjoy for decades to come, and achieving a great result come resale time.

To improve your chances of unearthing this gem property, rely on guidance from an experienced, independent buyers’ agent. We have the necessary skill and experience to spot an exceptional family home with winning elements. We’re also the first to hear about off-market properties, thanks to our wide-reaching and well-established network of selling agents.

If you’re in the market for a family home, don’t hesitate in this competitive space. Instead, contact one of our trained professionals and soon you and yours will be enjoying all the fantastic lifestyle benefits of a great family home.

 

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The Propertybuyer
Podcast

 
Fri 7 Feb '25
with Rich Harvey
How to Retire on $250k p.a.
 
 
Fri 24 Jan '25
with Rich Harvey
Brisbane Property Market – Trends and Predictions for 2025
 
 
Fri 10 Jan '25
with Rich Harvey
Melbourne Property Market Outlook 2025
 
 
Fri 27 Dec '24
with Rich Harvey
How to Finance your Future with Property
 
 
Fri 13 Dec '24
with Rich Harvey
Property Market Outlook 2025
 
 
Fri 29 Nov '24
with Rich Harvey
How to Make Better Financial Decisions
 

 

Listen to many more
podcasts on our
Podcasts page.