With renovations and retrofitting becoming more costly and complicated, new builds are giving buyers the chance to create their dream home from scratch.
With a strong push from both the government and industry to build new homes as a solution to the housing crisis, many buyers are now shifting their focus away from existing properties.
When you consider the improved technology, usability, and amenities on offer, it’s easy to see why almost one in three buyers end up building new.
REA Group senior economist, Paul Ryan, notes that compared to a decade ago, today’s new build market shows a significant shift towards owner-occupier buyers rather than investors.
“Today, much more than in the past, buyers are concerned with build quality and sustainability from both a social responsibility perspective and as a long-term value add for their home, given the ability of sustainability measures to reduce running costs,” he explained.
“It’s very easy to see how solar panels pay for themselves, and the same goes for improving insulation.
“Buyers in the new-build market can really see the benefits of these improved quality and value measures.”
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Homes with the latest features aren’t just more comfortable to live in – they also fetch higher resale values, making them better investments. Picture: Fairmont Homes Palazzo 42 design/HomeWorld
Keeping up with the latest home building trends is important for buyers for many reasons.
Homes with the latest features aren’t just more comfortable to live in; they also fetch higher resale values, making them better investments.
In addition to this, by aligning with current market demands, your home will be liveable for the long haul, whether you plan to stay for two years or 20.
4 of the hottest trends in new home builds
We’ve chatted with the experts at HomeWorld display villages – where builders showcase their latest and best new home designs – to find out the emerging trends buyers are seeking when building new homes.
Here’s what to keep an eye on in the new build space.
1. Cost-effective ways to create the best house on a sloping block
Amid the affordability crisis, buyers are looking for ways to get more value for their money, and that includes considering every piece of land within their budget.
Sloping blocks are often more affordable than flat ones because they’re seen as more difficult to build on.
That lower price tag can be a big win for budget-conscious buyers – not to mention, sloping blocks often come with stunning views.
Thanks to modern construction techniques, building on a slope is now more achievable and cost-effective than ever.
Innovations like advanced footing systems and prefabricated construction help keep costs down while still allowing you to create the home of your dreams.
However, it goes without saying that it’s crucial to have the right builder for the job.
Teaming up with one who specialises in sloping blocks will help you make the most of your land while ensuring high design specifications and construction quality.
With this expertise, your home design can perfectly fit the land, incorporating features like multi-level homes, split-level floors, tiered retaining walls, and big windows to capture those amazing views.
There are sloping block display homes at HomeWorld, which is a great way to give you tangible insight into what your future abode could look and feel like. You’ll also have access to a range of builders at HomeWorld who can provide inspiration and expertise with cutting-edge designs for sloping blocks.
This means you can skip the stress of researching by yourself and get right to enjoying the views over your morning coffee.
2. Granny flats
Granny flats are becoming a popular trend among home buyers for many reasons – the space can be a source of income, a crash pad for family and friends, or double as a separate study or workspace.
Granny flats can be a potential income stream, but are also an excellent addition for owners wanting an extra flex space or for multigenerational households. Picture: Wisdom Homes Atelier 2 standalone granny flat/ HomeWorld
Another reason is for accommodating multigenerational families, where granny flats or secondary dwellings offer a practical living solution. The private, comfortable space is ideal for aging parents or adult children, fostering family bonding and support with the ability to retreat to a separate area.
At a time where vacancy rates are at record lows, many local councils have given a green light to residents wanting to house extra people on their properties by relaxing certain conditions around them. Coupled with local government incentives, it’s become even more appealing to add a granny flat.
When done right, granny flats can provide a steady revenue stream as a rental, while significantly boosting property value, making homes more attractive to potential buyers and enhancing resale value when it comes time to sell.
HomeWorld can help buyers looking to add a second dwelling to their property by connecting them with builders who specialise in designing and building new homes that can include granny flats. Whether you want an external unit or one integrated into your new home, they’ll ensure you make the most of your land.
Some of these builders also showcase various granny flat designs on site, giving you plenty of ideas on how to maximise both space and functionality.
3. Duplexes
Duplexes involve constructing two homes either on an empty block or by demolishing an existing house and creating two homes in its place.
Highlighted as a key solution to the current housing crisis and increasingly popular among property seekers, this approach can maximise the potential and value of a single lot, offering numerous benefits to homeowners.
Investing in a duplex can be a future-proofing plan for families, similarly to a granny flat with the difference being the main dwelling is replaced with two homes of a similar size.
Duplexes efficiently accommodate more people in urban areas, addressing property price hikes and housing shortages without expanding urban sprawl.
In this way, duplexes contribute to sustainable, community-focused urban planning by optimising land use, reducing infrastructure expansion, and promoting walkable neighbourhoods.
The benefits of duplexes are many: they help provide housing in established areas, can be rented out as an investment property, or allow owners to age in place. Picture: Zac Homes Gemini 25/19 Duplex / HomeWorld
Despite the many positives, it can sometimes be hard to see the duplex vision, especially if it first involves knocking down an existing property.
Due to the rise in popularity of duplexes, you can now find these designs on display at HomeWorld – where you can step inside, explore designs, and see how a duplex could work for both your land and lifestyle.
There are a variety of builders at HomeWorld who can design and construct a duplex tailored to your block and needs.
4. Pet laundries
Modern home designs are all about meeting the needs of every family member – even furry ones.
Over 60% of Australian households own pets, and “pets” was the most-searched term on realestate.com.au over the past six months, showing we have a clear desire to cater to their needs.
Once seen as a luxury, our love of pets means features like pet laundries are becoming a normalised trend in new homes, offering a convenient and hygienic way to wash and groom man’s best friend.
These spaces, equipped with features like walk-in doggy showers and storage for pet supplies, make pet care easier and more organised. They can also serve as a cosy spot for pets to relax.
Examples of pet laundries can be found at HomeWorld showcasing how you can incorporate these pet-friendly features seamlessly into your own brand-new space.
“Visiting a HomeWorld display village is a great way to explore all your options and see what is possible,” says Trudi Busch, Chief Marketing Officer of HomeWorld Group of Companies.
“When you step inside the builders’ display homes, you get a true sense of what it would feel like to live in a brand-new home.”
Want to learn more about HomeWorld display villages?
