The Block 2023 work-from-home space: What exactly do buyers want in a study now?

In the aftermath of the pandemic, it would be easy to assume the notion of a study would resume its place in the list of “quaint ideas of a bygone era”, alongside drawing rooms, formal dining rooms, libraries and conservatories.

But not so fast. It seems these work-from-home spaces are a revival that we’re holding onto, with “study” being the third most-searched keyword across Australia when people are searching for properties.

And yet, although it may be highly desirable, how we use that space differs vastly. A study for someone might be where they wheel and deal and ink multimillion-dollar deals, but someone else might capitalise on that “extra space” and put their eight-year-old twins in it.

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Perfect! It’s another one of those spaces that requires a bit of the Goldilocks formula: “Not too this, not too that, but just right.”

For my money, here’s what I think: Really consider the placement of this room. Right by the front door would be useful if you’re inviting clients into the space, but if you’re writing your first novel, could you bash out 10,000 words a day over the din of people going in and out the front door?

Whatever you want, think about the position of that sacred study and ensure it meets your acoustic needs.

Kyle and Leslie nailed it this week. Effectively they spent just under $14,000, and ultimately they have created a space that a new owner could leave as it is, or, just as easily, put a bunk bed in and convert it to another bedroom. Sometimes doing not much at all is, in fact, a masterstroke. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Make the spaces flexible. 

For a discerning buyer who loves the structure of beautiful cabinetry and styling, I cannot look past Steph and Gian’s clever “proper study”. If you didn’t want to work there (and why wouldn’t you?) you could just as happily loll on that sofa and watch the telly. Simple but right.

The alluring factor about both these houses is that the work-from-home spaces are relatively compact – just a slip of a room, so other areas of the house are left to shine.

There was a bit of shade put on Kristy and Brett and I think it’s unwarranted. I loved their panelling and I love all that storage. The room is light and bright (position!) and would be perfect for a buyer who wants a defined study to use on a daily basis, particularly someone who would appreciate working in beautiful natural light overlooking a garden (me!). Also, top marks for the neutral background that would work elegantly in the toughest of Zoom meetings. 

Now, when I said flexibility was important, that doesn’t mean having your feet firmly in two distinct camps. Eliza and Liberty, with their rather largish room, appeared muddled. Study or guest room, but not set up to sell as both. And also, no drawers on a desk – life is too messy for that. I know it’s hard to find affordable and stylish desks with drawers (I’ve been down that rabbit hole) but this is The Block – push yourselves!

Now it seems Leah and Ash are almost willing to die on a hill that their work-from-home space can easily be flipped into a bedroom, but the slightly awkward issue here is they spent so much money on that room –  an eye-watering $37,728. A bespoke marble fireplace will do that. Also, the house now has three bedrooms versus four bedrooms. Keeping up with neighbours would have worked much more favourably for them this week.