Experts predict garages will be cut to save housing costs

It evolved from a carport to a detached room to part of the house, but experts believe the garage could be on the chopping block as planners find ways to make houses more affordable.

Walls have vanished, the backyard has shrunk — and now housing ­experts predict the garage will disappear as struggling homebuyers look for ways to save on costs.

With many cash-strapped young people who are living with their parents already parking their cars in the street, HomeWorld chairman Mike Scott says garages — which cost up to 15 per cent of a property — could succumb to market pressures.

Are we about to lose the humble garage?

While many councils require homes to include off-street parking, Mr Scott said the push for more ­affordable homes in Sydney could ­result in the loss of the garage.

“When the older generation bought homes, cars were very expensive and so a garage was desirable,” he said. “Now cars are quite affordable, and younger people are asking, why do I have to pay $100,000 to house a cheap car?

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It is not only cost factors changing the face of the Sydney home, with the rise in immigrants from China and India also influencing planning and architectural decisions.

Where a north-facing home has long been ­coveted, religious and feng shui ­considerations meant some buyers preferred an east or west-facing ­aspect, he said.

A stairway opening on to a front door was bad feng shui as it encouraged the good energy in the home to flow outside, with Chinese buyers also preferring the master bedroom to be at the back or side of the house.

Many Chinese buyers also preferred a separation of “fire and ice”, with the sink and fridge kept away from a gas cooking top.

Planning Minister Rob Stokes said diversifying housing stock was necessary to cater for Sydney’s growing and changing population.

Originally published as Experts predict garages will be cut to save housing costs