How will Australians live over the next decade, Stockland Research
Today, Stockland Research reveals that, as we enter the new decade, purchasing property is top of mind for Australians. The results also show that there is a strong desire for more social connectivity and sustainable home features becoming standard.
Stockland's 2020 property survey has shown that Australians are heading into the new decade with a positive outlook on home ownership with over 40 per cent planning to buy their own property in the next five to ten years. 93 per cent of purchases are expected to be made by those under 35 years old.
People are willing to look further afield with 36 per cent of those surveyed considering moving interstate, and 44 per cent respondents in New South Wales specifically entertaining the idea of crossing borders. Amongst these respondents, the main reason for considering this move include for better lifestyle, 57 per cent; better job opportunities, 42 per cent; and to buy the home you want for less, 32 per cent.
"It's great to see that home ownership remains a key goal for Australians with many starting 2020 with increasing optimism around achieving this" says Stephanie Vainin, general manager residential sales at Stockland. "Purchasing your own home is still seen as a sense of security for many Australians and this won't change anytime soon.
"The way in which Australians want to live will continue to evolve in 2020 and beyond with many considering that interstate move now more than ever, and an increased demand for features that encourage personal connectivity to communities and improved health and wellbeing."
Over 60 per cent of Australians would forgo a traditional backyard for a small home with less outdoor space if it meant they were more connected to neighbours and close to community parks and green spaces.
Survey respondents top features for a dream community of the future also included more walking paths community gardens and recreation spaces and fewer roads.
Ms Vanin explains, "With 24/7 technological connectivity and busy lives, people and increasingly looking for low-maintenance homes located within communities that offer great amenity, social connectivity and physical closeness with their neighbours and wide community.
"The actual home is still important, however, features that allow for more community living are shifting higher and higher on homeowners' priority lists. That old sense of belonging and knowing your neighbours is more important than ever before."
Results show that Australians will be even more environmentally conscious this decade with over half, 54 per cent, of the survey respondents stating sustainable and environmental home features are more important to them than they were ten years ago, and 22 per cent stating the purchase of ethical and sustainable items for their home are important.
A quarter of the respondents also stated they would specifically like automated recycling in their future home, with those over 55 years old the most excited about the prospect.
"Buyers are much more attuned to the benefits of sustainable home design today than they were a decade ago. The costs of many features such as LED lighting and solar panels are also much more affordable today and buyers now understand the long terms cost benefits of these features for future energy savings to them and the broader benefits to the environment," notes Ms Vanin
This week, Stockland has launched its 2020 residential summer campaign. The campaign is built upon the idea that "A day can change a decade" and by taking a step into the home buying journey today, you can set yourself up for the whole decade ahead.