Future-proof: What Canberra buyers search for in a "forever home"

Buyers with growing families place a high premium on one element that can future-proof a new home: land.

Josh Morrissey of HIVE Property says buyers needing a home to accommodate a family’s evolving needs are drawn to older, established regions like Belconnen and Tuggeranong.

“Typically, original homes in these areas are on big blocks – 1000 square metres and more,” he says. “These give a buyer a lot of flexibility in remodelling to meet changing needs as children grow.”

Morrissey says tight supply in the current market has sharpened buyer priorities.

“Land content is really important and buyers are willing to accept the most liveable home they can find now,” he says.

“That gives them plenty of time to consider how to modify it to meet future family needs.”

Ryan Thomas of Blackshaw Woden says big blocks allow homes to be extended to provide, say, rumpus rooms, bigger living areas and perhaps integrated outdoor living.

“Low-interest rates and consistent price growth in the current market can help deliver a future-proofed family home without over-capitalising,” he says.

“Needs change over the years and a space that may serve as a rumpus in the early years can later become a teenager study space or even a home theatre.”

Thomas says location is another factor in changing family needs.

“Families often look to an area like the Woden Valley with its established services and amenities that can continue to meet needs as families grow up.”

• Land: A big block is the key to the development of a flexible home that can meet the needs of a family as children grow up as it can deliver more options.
• Vision: Tight supply in the current market means buyers will settle for a home that’s liveable right now, but enter the purchase with a vision as to how to customise the space.
• Location: Future-proofing a home is as much about location as it is about space. Homes close to town centres will benefit from amenities that continue to meet needs over the long-term.

Check out our top pick of homes on the market:

Forde

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A growing family needs space and flexibility to accommodate evolving needs, and this home in popular Forde is one that delivers both.

This architect-designed, north-facing residence offers 278 square metres of living on a handy 677-square-metre block. 

And there’s plenty of outdoor play space for older children at the end of the street where it meets Mulligans Flat nature reserve.

This 2015 two-storey build maximises its street appeal with a striking contemporary facade, and the modern theme continues throughout the stylish interior.

The entry leads past a formal living area and a spacious guest bedroom with en suite.

The living room is set up as a home cinema with a retractable screen, projector, bespoke curtains and sound insulation. A central hub brings together the kitchen, family and dining areas.

The gourmet kitchen features waterfall benchtops and a butler’s pantry. Appliances include an Ilve gas cooktop and rangehood, a new Bosch oven and a built-in microwave.

This area integrates with the outdoor spaces, which are highlighted by a six-seater spa. The al fresco space is surrounded by low-maintenance gardens.

Upstairs are three bedrooms, including the main, which has a custom dresser and an en suite with a bath. The other bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes and skylights

There’s a triple garage with storage space and internal access.

The home is close to Forde Hill playground, a shopping centre and the Burgmann Anglican School, and is about a 20-minute drive to the city.

Price guide: $1.6 million + 

Auction: 10am, October 30

Agent: HIVE Property, Josh Morrissey 0437 799 234

Or try these:

Conder

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Price guide: $1 million +

Auction: 10am, October 30

Agent: Jonny Warren Properties, Jonny Warren 0431 797 891

Googong

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Price guide: $900,000 – $950,000

Private sale

Agent: White Rhino Property Googong-Queanbeyan-Jerrabomberra, Gavin Van Zyl 0429 269 260

Waramanga

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Auction: 6pm, November 4

Agent: Luton Properties Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley, Tim and Justine Burke 0411 878 587