The importance of feel-good living spaces amidst COVID-19
Living areas are the most prized features of modern homes, with buyers valuing more than one.
Alexander Anlezark of InStyle Estate Agents says multiple living options are a high priority.
“New builds quite often have two living areas; one as part of the kitchen-dining-family hub, and another that’s segregated,” he says.
“That could be used as a media room, a rumpus, a study or home office – whatever suits the home owner needs.”
Anlezark says titles like “formal lounge” are not used so much as the emphasis is really around the flexibility a space offers.
“And living areas are no longer confined to inside the home,” he says.
“The outdoor living area is an extension, and even the garage can be adapted as a man cave, home office or workshop.”
Brenden Blewitt of Blewitt Properties says the buyer focus is for multiple living zones that offer both separation and connection.
“Buyers favour a space that can be used as a rumpus for the children and another, like an outdoor entertaining option that flows from the kitchen-dining-family,” he says.
“Minor bedrooms are quite often located upstairs in two-storey new builds and share an open rumpus or study area.”
Blewitt says the trend toward maximising living space has coincided with many people spending more time than ever at home.
“Living area options allow people to share a space, but with room for privacy,” he says.
“That’s even more important as working from home becomes more common.”
- Multiple Buyers are favouring floor plans that offer more than one living area. Living is now centred around the kitchen-dining-family hub, but another segregated space is high on the priority list.
- Flexible Titles like “formal lounge”, “rumpus room”, and “media room” are not especially meaningful – the real importance is around the availability of another space that can be adapted to a buyer’s needs.
- Adaptable Outdoor entertaining has become an extension of the living area, with buyers adapting the space as a year-round option. Others are squeezing the living potential out of other spaces like garages.
Our top pick of homes on the market with multiple living areas:
Strathnairn
If living space and plenty of options are at the top of a buyer’s “must-haves”, then this two-storey Strathnairn beauty will tick all the boxes.
It boasts five bedrooms and three living areas – with one each of those integrated into a segregated apartment with its own private entry.
This 2020 special is over two spacious levels that deliver 266 square metres of living – perfect for family and entertaining.
The hub of the home is the open-plan kitchen, living, and dining with a soaring double-height void that captures the northern sun.
The state-of-the-art kitchen boasts quality European appliances, including an integrated double door fridge-freezer, custom joinery and extensive storage.
All bedrooms are upstairs and, of course, there’s an oversized main bedroom featuring a designer en suite and generous walk-in wardrobe.
The deluxe main bathroom features floor-to-ceiling tiling and a free-standing bath.
Comfort is delivered through ducted zoned heating and cooling throughout. There’s access to an al fresco area off the dining room with views onto low-maintenance, landscaped gardens.
The double lock-up garage also provides stairway access to a self-contained apartment with a bedroom, en suite, kitchen, living area and balcony.
It’s metred for its own electricity and water and offers an ideal passive income stream (circa $400 per week) or as a home office. There’s also a display home lease-back arrangement for the overall property until the end of September 2021 at $5500 per month.
Price guide: $1.2 million +
Auction: 6pm, September 2
Agent: Instyle Estate Agents, Alexander Anlezark 0403 221 667
Or try these:
Yarralumla
Price guide: $2.6 million +
Auction: 12:30pm, August 21
Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Gillian Thorn 0416 017 072
Gordon
Price guide: $875,000 +
Auction: Noon, August 21
Agent: Solely Properties, Andrew Thorpe 0402 017 912
Jerrabomberra
Price guide: $1.38 million-$1.43 million
Private sale
Agent: Blewitt Properties, Brendan Blewitt 0419 289 574
We recommend
How long does it really take to get a home loan these days?
How does self-storage investing work?
States
Capital Cities
Capital Cities - Rentals
Popular Areas
Allhomes
More
