A national survey of 1,000 Australians, conducted by Edentify in December 2024, has revealed what families value most when it comes to purchasing a home.
The results, released by LJ Hooker this week, paint a clear picture of how personal space, financial support, and lifestyle features are guiding decisions in a shifting market.
Personal space still matters, even in a tight market
While multi-generational living is often raised as a solution to affordability pressures, most Australians remain reluctant. Only 24 per cent of respondents said they would be open to living with their in-laws.
Even among those, more than half (54 per cent) would only consider the arrangement if it included a self-contained space, such as a separate granny flat.
Privacy for children is another major priority. Sixty per cent of parents said they would not consider a home where their children would have to share a bedroom, making separate rooms a key feature for families.
“Multi-generational living comes with plenty of benefits—not just financial—but it has to be a workable model,” said LJ Hooker Group Head of Research, Mathew Tiller.
“That’s why granny flats and separate homes on the same block are so popular. They let people enjoy the upsides of living together, like connection and support, while still having their own space.
“Parents also see the value in kids having their own bedroom, even if it might be cheaper to have them share.”
The study also found that while adult children are staying at home longer—until around age 28—only 42 per cent of parents expect them to pay rent after turning 18.
Young Aussies embrace traditional layouts
Despite changing living arrangements and the rise of remote work, younger buyers are showing a surprising preference for traditional home features.
Sixty-nine per cent of Gen Z respondents believe formal living and dining rooms are still relevant; compared with just 37 per cent of Baby Boomers.
“Younger buyers are often choosing smaller homes, so they see more value in having space to entertain,” Mr Tiller said.
“Older generations have often lived in homes with formal areas that weren’t always fully used.”
This signals an opportunity for agents to reposition older properties with formal rooms as attractive to first-home buyers or young families.
What buyers want from a community
When selecting a suburb, Australians are prioritising calm, well-connected, and family-friendly environments.
The top feature cited was a “quiet, peaceful, and safe environment,” followed by proximity to shops and cafes, low crime rates, and access to green space.
School zoning remains a top consideration for families with children—52 per cent of those surveyed said it was a key factor in their homebuying decision.
“A dream location means something different to every person, and this can be influenced by various life stages,” Mr Tiller said.
“Ultimately, most Australians just want a home that’s peaceful, safe, and somewhere they can truly relax.
“We need to build more homes of all types to meet the diverse needs of our growing population. We need more people living near the services they rely on and the amenities they want to enjoy, increasing liveability and reducing transport strain.”
*The survey was commissioned by LJ Hooker conducted by independent Research firm Edentify in December 2024, who surveys 1,000 participants across Australia.
