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How has COVID-19 has changed 2021’s dream home?

The seismic shift in lifestyle created by COVID-19 and lockdowns has reshaped how Australians are choosing to build and renovate their homes. From an increased focus on hygiene, to rallying against shrinking block sizes, the story of Australian architecture has taken a new turn.

With industry data showing that over 40% of home buyers have changed their preferences for their properties, James Hardie’s experts explain some of the trends influencing the homes of 2021.

More spacious homes

“At the beginning of 2020 we were seeing increased interest in more sustainable ‘micro homes’ and an acceptance of shrinking block sizes in metro areas. However, in less than a year, our homes took on new roles from offices, gyms and other locations that we would normally go outside to visit,” said Helen Simpson, insights manager at James Hardie. 

“In fact, nearly half of homeowners that changed their home priorities are now looking for a home office or study nook, while over a quarter wanted additional living spaces.” she added.

New designs will seek to balance between shared spaces and private areas. “With families spending more time sharing the same space, there is also a greater need for areas of connection as a family and separate retreats for privacy. Floor plans that separate bedrooms and home offices with a central living-dining area work well,” said architect, Joe Snell.

Shift away from the city 

Working from home has reduced the need to be tied to a physical work location, opening up new property opportunities. “Across all age groups, data shows that 23% of Australians that have changed their home preferences during 2020 are now considering a move out of the city,” said Helen.

She added that downsizers are escaping the city in favour of smaller beachside properties. “They’ve bought or built enough homes to know what they want and have the money to get it and COVID-19 has only motivated them.”

Rise in renovations

“Home isolation has provided owners with time to reflect on potential improvements to their properties, with leading industry bodies expecting a growth in renovations such as kitchen and bathroom updates,” said Helen.

Without the ability to travel, bringing the holiday feeling to the home has become increasingly important, explained interior designer Natalee Bowen, principal of Indah Island. “The idea of creating a sanctuary at home is not new, but it has certainly become a driving force in 2021.”

Refreshing home exteriors

Homeowners want their properties to reflect their style. Many more experienced homeowners are realising that they can cost-effectively redefine their homes’ exteriors by re-cladding or with cladding features.

“Homes with little architectural shape can be enhanced by varying lines, textures and colours,” Joe explained. “By incorporating a larger range of materials, the look opens up almost endless design possibilities, perfect for people who have rediscovered their creative sides during lockdowns.”

Property and building costs

While forecasters anticipated house prices to crash across the country in response to the recession, industry data showed that they actually rose at the end of 2021. With land prices rising, there is a downward pressure on build costs. 

“No matter the property, there is normally a compromise between costs and the dream home people are trying to build and according to industry data, these decisions will be affected by growing house prices,” said Helen. She encouraged homeowners to work with their builders to realise their ideal home with cost effective materials, without compromising on quality.

To find out more about how to build or renovate your own dream home, from inspiration on the latest look to advice on modern materials, visit jameshardie.com.au.

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Design RENO ADDICT

2016 home building trends and predictions

It’s no secret that land sizes are becoming smaller to cater for the growing population. Now more than ever we need innovative, well-designed, smaller homes to suit lifestyles and budgets that don’t compromise on space. But it’s not just narrow block designs that will be dominating 2016, there are many other trends and buyers’ behaviour that are predicted for the new year. Below, residential project home builders Allworth Homes, outline industry and buyers’ behaviour changes for 2016

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  1. Knock-down rebuilds will continue to increase. Home buyers are realising re-building a brand new home on their existing property is beneficial in the long run, financially and logistically. This trend comes down to people crunching the numbers around associated costs relating to ‘moving’ compared to building ‘new’. Mixed with the fact that they are future proofing the resale of their home down the track, it’s a clear winner as to why people are choosing to go down this road.
  1. Buyers are demanding more transparency. People are now more educated about what’s involved in building a new home but are still drowning in uncertainty around costs. Buyers want transparency up front. They want to know what they’re in for.

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  1. Buyers are future proofing their homes for multigenerational living. A lot of new home buyers are now following the trend toward ‘future-proofing’ their new home design. For example that is designs that allow, with a small amount of renovation work, a former living area to be converted into sleeping accommodation with bathroom access. Homes with versatile spaces that can be used in different ways and accommodate multi-generational living will continue to be in high demand in the coming years.
  1. High land prices in Sydney will make it tougher for first home buyers entering the market. This is an unfortunate reality that doesn’t need much explanation. We are seeing a decrease in the amount of sites for first home buyers can afford in Sydney and with the reduction in the First Home Owners Grant, we expect those numbers to keep dropping. Good news is this may be short-lived. With major land releases planned and lot sizes decreasing, competition amongst developers should see land priced within reach of first home buyers in Sydney late 2016-to-2017.

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  1. A tighter market and major developers focussing on ‘Mum and Dad’ buyers will see the return of the discerning traditional buyer, pushing solid long-term contract home builders to the fore. Newer, speculative builders once reliant on a burgeoning market will have to re-invent themselves to survive.
  1. The shortage of bricklayers and subsequent increased labour costs has seen many builders turning to alternate materials. These alternates — do they pass conservative NSW buyers ‘knock test’? Do they provide adequate termite protection? Do they have long-term maintenance issues? All questions buyers will consider in their decision.

For more information.

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

6 home building trends and predictions for 2015

With the end of the year fast approaching, the building industry has already started reflecting on yearly sales and evaluating new design strategies for the year ahead. Stephen Thompson, managing director of Allworth Homes, predicts significant changes to the building industry in 2015; citing lower prices on land, energy-efficient construction and affordable open plan living designs as main focuses. Here are his top 6 trends and predictions for 2015.

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  1. Competition amongst land developers will drive prices down. Together with smaller lot sizes (i.e. cheaper), this should bring a swathe of new buyers to the market who previously would not have considered building.
  1. Home designs will be small to suit a new market. Clever layouts incorporating things like computer nooks and great storage will be a top priority. Separate zones for family living are still important and of course the indoor-outdoor living/kitchen/dining transition must be seamless.eMeK0M4tiXjLxlyvuAXZ6ngyWgxBdlVGpcs4vAKXc1w,VKC1J3cNfqiCYBAshnKXvfole6gAMIjeOwg759alWls
  1. House and land packages vs. split contracts. Whilst the market is hot, buyers will pay a premium for a package as they’re being sold the repayments as much as the house. However, plenty will still source their own land and select a contract builder – by doing this they save tens of thousands up front, not to mention long-term interest repayments. When the market inevitably cools, some of the newer exclusive package builders will withdraw – most either don’t want to do contract work or are incapable.
  1. Land availability will be strong in 2015. There’s a lot of land coming to the market late 2014 and into 2015. A lot at affordable prices, particularly in the Hunter and Illawarra regions. There is pent-up demand for affordable housing which should see contract building companies well placed for the next three-to-four years. Lot sizes in Sydney will be markedly smaller; in the regions where 600 square metres was once the minimum the market found acceptable, now 450 will be deemed the norm.
  1. Volume home builders will be assessing some alternative materials to bricks. Bricklayer availability is a serious issue that will have to be dealt with in the near future. People are warming to the idea of alternatives to brick, as long as the alternative maintains all the benefits of traditional brick veneer. Looks, insulation properties and the ‘knock test’ have to be passed. Rendered and painted requires less frequent maintenance than it once did with modern materials.HPe2yFJqO3yFAlsukZuUZQf-aPg3Yjyt2__3MMB-7dM
  1. Multigenerational living is on the rise. A lot of home buyers are now following the trend towards future-proofing their new home design. That is for example, designs that allow, with a small amount of renovation work, a former living area to be converted into sleeping accommodation with bathroom access. Homes with versatile spaces that can be used in different ways and accommodate multi-generational living will continue to be in high demand in the coming years.

– Allworth Homes specialise in residential project home building in NSW.