What lifestyle property elements are people after?

Location may not be the deal breaker it once was for real estate agents. Homeowners today are prioritising other key features in favour of achieving the lifestyle they are after.

Preferences of prospective home buyers and investors have shifted post-pandemic. After spending nearly two years cooped up at home, owners have had the time to re-imagine how they want to live, and this is reflected in what buyers are asking for.

Homeowners want to be comfortable enough at home, so they never have to leave. They want to be safe and secure; they want wireless connectivity; more space for home offices and family entertainment as well as cost-saving, eco-friendly upgrades such as energy-efficient home features and appliances. These are practically the new norms. However, being at home has made buyers even more specific about their lifestyle requirements. Interior specifications are precise as well.

Keep it simple

The current buyer sentiment is largely towards a fuss-free home. Less furniture, less up-keep and, aligned to this notion, the more durable the furniture and fittings, the better. Clean spaces with strong and resilient finishes as opposed to overly high-end and exclusive. The 'less is more' movement continues to be a popular trend, especially as it serves for lock-up-and-go living.

Open lines of communication

Formal dining rooms are considered obsolete for many families who seem to prefer more casual and combined eating areas.

The modern-day preference is open-plan floor plans, with sight lines, particularly between the kitchen and family room with somewhere to eat in between and in view of family members and the flat screen TV. This leads to a more engaged lifestyle with family being able to connect with one another.

Kitted out kitchens

It's well-known that the sales of baking goods went up during lockdown, and if you didn't use your kitchen much before Covid, chances are you do now.

Kitchens are a deciding factor for many prospective buyers.

Homeowners want walk-in pantries; deep, double sinks; large islands to congregate at; even water filtration and coffee stations.

A laundry with dedicated space for ironing is also ideal.

In living colour

In terms of décor, neutral colours have become numbing for many who have been home for too long and have a strong desire for energy and personality in their homes. As opposed to the long-standing popularity of trends hinged on muted, monochromatic palettes, people are feeling adventurous and want colour in their lives. They're particularly brave with bathrooms as they tackle small spaces that allow them to express their individual tastes. Kitchen colour is also coming in, but with caution as these are big, long-term, investments.

Nature-inspired

Although there is a call for bold colour, the palette is close to nature. Popular hues are sage and forest green, as well as earthy oranges and the intense purples one might associate with exotic orchids.

Health is wealth and if you're looking to make a buyer feel at home, indoor plants are also on the list of must-haves.

In keeping with this eco-minded trend, homeowners are leaning towards cabinetry, countertops, flooring and finishes that are in natural wood or stone. To add warmth and texture these materials should have an established, handmade look to them.

Lived-in homes don't necessarily need to look perfect, in fact, matte finishes or surfaces that patina suggest comfort over class.

An element of surprise

Gardens are imperative to people, often as a happy place or an escape from life.

Homeowners want patios and porches they can retire to in the afternoon for a cup of tea or to spend time outdoors with pets and children.

They know these gardens need to be indigenously planted to ensure they are waterwise, attract local birds and butterflies and complete the idea of their own private utopia.

A garden teeming with life can't be enjoyed without adequate lighting that needs to be low maintenance enough to not add any pressure to the homeowner. Solar powered garden lights are making a name for themselves in this regard.

Edible gardens are important to those with the time to care for them. While others want an outdoor entertainment area, with an element of surprise. This could be a sunken garden with firepit, pizza oven, or beautiful water feature.

Overall, the contemporary garden is an extension of the modern home.

Our team at Devmco Realty have a solid understanding of what buyers want. It's more than just bricks and mortar, it's that undeniable feeling of 'you're home', coupled with a close-knit community and secure lifestyle. Talk to our team and let us help you find the ideal place to call home.