Unfortunately, no one seems to have the elusive crystal ball to help us understand exactly what is around each and every ‘next corner’ in our current world. In a rapidly changing environment, it comes as no surprise that we suddenly have different priorities as to what is and isn’t included in our homes.
COVID-19 has grounded us. Not just emotionally and mentally, but quite literally, movements to and from home are still restricted. Though we do count our lucky stars in Western Australia every day, it is an unusual ‘new normal’ to get used. We are now in our homes so much more than before.
So, what are we looking for? Thanks to our friends at realestate.com.au we have a fair idea. Our search terms changed considerably between the two period of January 2020 to March 2020, and April 2020 to July 2020. Do you fit into this new pattern?
Balcony – had a 36% increase in property search terms of the above periods.
Study – had a 31% increase in property search terms of the above periods.
Granny Flat – had a -2% decrease in property search terms of the above periods.
Courtyard – had a -3% decrease in property search terms of the above periods.
Garden – had a 22% increase in property search terms of the above periods.
Gym – had a 37% increase in property search terms of the above periods.
Studio – had a -22% decrease in property search terms of the above periods.
Broadband – had a 37% increase in property search terms of the above periods.
Outdoor – had a 41% increase in property search terms of the above periods.
While in retrospect, none of these should really come at a surprise as we have all experienced navigating our new living situations. While the Instagram trend of ‘DIY Vege Gardens’ may well be an accurate representation, with outdoor space proving to be the deciding factor. It appears that the equally popular counterpart of ‘Homemade Banana Bread’ didn’t quite have enough pull to have us worrying about our kitchens. Realestate.com.au reported that West Australian searches for ‘outdoor space’ increased by more than 50% between April and June of 2020.
Home buyers in the current market are very much conscious of space. Not just the square meters of it all, but the functionality of those places. For those of us who have had to convert dining tables into a boardroom come preprimary desk by day and resuming traditional family dinner table duties by night, we now have a deeper appreciation for functional spaces. Design trends in the last two decades may be challenged with all new trends that lean towards delivering on spaces that serve multiple purposes.
Though it could be interpreted that some of these changes are simply a knee jerk reaction, much like the over-purchase of toilet paper, the telling results will be in years to come as countless new homes and renovations are undertaken.
Will these searches continue even as we leave lock down, and at some point in time, COVID-19 is a mere memory? Again, without that trusty crystal ball, it is hard to tell the whims and desires of buyers.
What is clear, is that one of the positives to come from this global shift is that homes in Western Australia are very adaptable and designed to reflect the wonderful world around us.
Click ereif you are ready to find your next place.
Source: https://www.realestate.com.au/news/the-home-buyer-must-haves-post-covid-19/?rsf=edm:nl:weekly:a1