The new classic: Design trends in Canberra's new-build homes

Home buyers influenced by practical needs and ever-evolving options are demanding more in newly built homes.

Albert Stavaruk of Peter Blackshaw City & Inner North says buyers are asking for features that make homes even easier to live in and enjoy.

“Blocks are generally getting smaller and people want to get the most out of them,” he says.

“That can mean two-storey buildings and that has seen demand for internal lifts, particularly for downsizers. Prices to incorporate them into new builds are becoming more affordable, from around $50,000.”

Butler’s pantries are another increasingly common request as a space to hide away appliances and meal preparation activity.

“There’s also a trend toward the incorporation of en suites into guest bedrooms,” Stavaruk says.

Sonja McAuliffe of Archertec Interiors says she is noticing a buyer shift in fit-out detail.

“A kind of industrial chic has dominated over the past few years, but I’m now responding to buyer requests for a return to glamour with more luxurious finishes in golds and silvers,” she says.

“Kitchens and bathrooms are often the focus of this extra bling.”

McAuliffe says buyers are also looking for practical inclusions like mud rooms.

“They’re demanding a space where gear can be dropped off rather than taken into the main core of the house,” she says.

McAuliffe says new ideas also extend to outside entertaining with features like pizza ovens that can double as open fireplaces.

“Multi-purposing of space and features is a definite trend,” she says.

• Practicality. New-build inclusions like lifts in two-storey buildings open up the market to downsizers. Mud rooms deliver convenient drop zones off the garage and laundry to quarantine wet clothes, shoes, and other gear.
• Multi-purposing. Internal rooms that can be configured for a variety of purposes like a theatre room, home office, rumpus room hobby room – or another bedroom – help maximise the use of space.
• Automation. Buyers are demanding pre-wiring that enables increasing levels of app-controlled home automation. Devices that can raise and lower blinds, activate lights and other appliances or water the garden are all labour-savers.

Allhomes’ top pick of new builds on the market:

2/258 La Perouse Street, Red Hill

Price guide: $2.3 million +

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

This free-standing villa home in prestigious Red Hill will surprise with some 287 square metres of floor space and another welcome feature for downsizers who have become wary of two-storey dwellings.

A key feature is an internal lift that services both levels and the triple vehicle basement garage.

Behind its distinctive facade, light, space, accessibility and low maintenance are highlights of this exceptional architect-designed contemporary home that’s just a stroll from the Red Hill nature reserve.

The formal living areas at the front of the home showcase a stunning floating timber staircase while magnificent double-glazed panels – which soar toward the 5.4-metre high ceilings – establish a strong relationship with the outdoors.

Wide sliding doors provide separation from the sun-drenched casual living areas and the huge ultra-modern black and timber kitchen that all flow seamlessly onto a large covered private entertainment area complete with outdoor kitchen.

The secluded main bedroom opens onto its own courtyard and boasts extensive, beautifully crafted custom-designed wardrobes and a luxurious en suite complete with bath.

Upstairs, the luxury narrative continues with a segregated guest bedroom and en suite and two further double bedrooms serviced by a deluxe bathroom.

Comfort is assured through a high energy rating, ducted heating and cooling and plenty of natural ventilation.

Of course, the prime location on leafy La Perouse Street is close to everything: schools, shops, transport, the parliamentary triangle and the city.

Auction: 1pm, November 16

Agent: Peter Blackshaw City & Inner North, Albert Stavaruk 0418 628 641