The 20 words to get you top dollar for your home

These are the 20 words that can make the difference between a home everyone wants and the properties that get overlooked.

Taylor Troeth

3 min read

February 18, 2024 - 5:00AM

News Corp Australia Network

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They’re the 20 words that make the difference between a home everyone wants and the properties that get overlooked.

New research from PropTrack has revealed the top 20 words that property seekers search for when looking online for a home to purchase.

The most searched word was ‘swimming pool’, followed by garage, granny flat, waterfront, duplex and then study.

PropTrack economist Anne Flaherty said ‘swimming pool’ was the top word not just in NSW but across the country, with Australians willing to pay more for their homes with these kind of lifestyle amenities.

Pictured at their home for sale in Greenhills Beach near Cronulla, Paul and Cynthia Cavallaro with their kids Riccardo (19), and Ciera (10) and Lucas (11).

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

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“People also use them as home gyms, more storage and it gives people extra space and security.”

‘Mortgagee’ also popped up on the list, as home seekers and investors increasingly challenged by high property prices try to cash in on a good deal.

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, with the key search words proving that.

11 Cottesloe Street, Greenhills Beach also features a large double garage, the second most searched term.

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“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 Aussies want 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.

Paul and Cynthia Callavaro designed their home to capture light and air in the home. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Lifestyle used to come through the natural amenity, we would go to the park or bush or beach, now we are getting that amenity from our homes.”

Granny flat reaching the third most popular search term, which Mr McCrindle said highlighted cost of living challenges.

“People are looking to solve those issues by living under the one roof, we’ve got parents thinking how can they help out their own young adults and encourage them to live under their roof longer,” he said.

20 Bangalla Road Concord West pictured is for sale and features a granny flat, which has become increasingly popular with cost of living challenges.

“As for the garage, it’s not just for the car its often for the young adult, same as the granny flat isn’t just for the grandparents anymore.”

Other popular keyword searches included balcony, beach, airconditioning and courtyard.

Paul Cavallaro, along with his wife Cynthia and three children are selling their property, which ticks off a lot of what buyers are searching for.

The four bedroom property has a large pool, huge double garage, separate study and is minutes from the beach.

When designing the property, they wanted to get the most out of their residence with a natural minimalist design that focused on light and air in the home.

The pool was an addition which Mr Cavallaro said has been a game changer for entertaining kids, friends and family.

The Cavallaro family are selling their Greenhills Beach home to build another project with ocean views. Picture: Richard Dobson

“For us it’s been great, every time we get to school pick up, one of the kids will have friends coming over after to have a swim,” he said.

“They all take turns in having their friends over and it’s really social. It draws people to the property and really brings everyone together.”

The home, at 11 Cottesloe St in Greenhills Beach also has a large double garage which Mr Cavallaro said was great not only for cars but for storage.

Moving to build a new home, he said they would definitely put in a pool and this time they were also looking forward to water views – another popular search term.

Listing agent Jennifer Rainbow from McGrath Cronulla specialises in properties in the Shire and said about fifty per cent of properties in the area had pools in it.

Listing agent Jennifer Rainbow said around 50 per cent of the Shire’s homes had pools.

“It’s definitely a big preference, especially families with kids, it’s not surprising it’s the most popular search term – even though we are surrounded by water being near the beach,” she said.

Ms Rainbow said having a garage, the second most searched term, can make or break a sale.

“A garage for a lot of people is a deal breaker, it can make a big difference to a home.”