Home buyers rate multiple bathrooms over lawns and peace and quiet

Multiple bathrooms are the most essential feature that buyers are seeking in their house purchases, according to a recent survey.

The survey found 42% seek more than one bathroom – followed by 41% who desire a quiet street.

A decent-sized backyard – with grass – was next most sought by about 34% of buyer, according to a survey of 114 estate agents.

The survey was commissioned by Turf Australia, the representative body of the turf industry, comprising more than 200 turf producers.

It concluded that home buyers are paying up to $75,668 for their backyard lawns.

The survey found Victorian lawns offer the highest value (19%) to a home, ahead of New South Wales (16%), Queensland and South Australia (12%), and Western Australia (9%).

It concluded in Sydney a lawn could add $83,600 to a $440,000 price, while Melbourne buyers could pay $79,800 more on a home of $420,000.

It found it wasn’t just the look the lawn added to the feel of a home, but more that buyers wanted a safe playing area for their children.

The Turf Australia report noted while Australians had changing ideals of a backyard – to incorporate strata living – that buyers nonetheless preferred real grass over pavers, synthetic grass, decking and concrete.

Apparently the turf industry felt the need to undertake the survey following recent media attention towards “nationwide community concern regarding the potential dangers of rubber, lead and other carcinogenic toxins often found in synthetic turf”.

It also wanted to point out that new types of grass are “not as thirsty as many believe,” and, of course, all have great environmental benefits.

The estate agents were asked to give rankings to the importance of just five chartacteristics: decent-sized backyard, quiet street, close to bus route/shops, off-street parking; and more than one bathroom.

Value of turf national real estate agent survey - summary of statistics:

Source: Turf Australia