What adds most value to your home

This is what Aussie buyers want most when looking for a new home and if you can meet them there, you’re likely to get top dollar for your property.

James MacSmith and Taylor Troeth

2 min read

February 23, 2024 - 7:15AM

News Corp Australia Network

Property

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Aussies buyers put relaxation, space and comfort at the very top of their lists when searching for a new home and if you can meet them there, you’re likely to get top dollar for your property.

If you’re looking to improve your home, these wants could potentially add 100s of 1000s of dollars to your sale price.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT WORDS IN REAL ESTATE?

According to new research from real estate data firm PropTrack, a swimming pool, a garage and airconditioning are the top three things buyers are looking for in a new home.

There were the top three search terms on Australia’s leading property platform realestate.com.au for 2023.

Outdoor area and balcony rounded out the top five, while the extent to which Aussies include their pets as a vital part of their home was borne out with ‘pet friendly’ the sixth most popular search term across the country.

Hooray for pools! Picture: Richard Walker

MORE: What adds $100k to the value of a home

PropTrack economist Anne Flaherty said ‘swimming pool’ was the leading search term because Australians were willing to pay more for their homes with these kind of lifestyle amenities.

“Garage is another one that makes a lot of sense, as we are seeing less and less options for on street parking in places like Sydney so having somewhere to securely park your car is important to a lot of home buyers,” she said.

Mark McCrindle, principle social researcher at McCrindle Research, said the Aussie dream has adapted and that Australians want more than just a place to rest their head when homebuying, with the key search words proving that.

Our pets are a big part of the picture too when looking for a new home. Picture: David Crosling

MORE: What gets you top dollar for your home in Sydney

“The top search terms all show it’s about lifestyle. For Australians, the home is not only the place they live, it is their social hub and their work hub too,” he said.

Cost of living challenges and post-pandemic trends are shaping what the average Aussie homebuyer wants in their homes and backyards, according to Mr McCrindle.

“People are trying to get more out of their home rather than going out and spending money,” he said.

Granny flat is another popular term as Aussies look to multigenerational living to ensure the whole family lives comfortably despite skyrocketing house prices.