Spring is traditionally the busiest season in real estate, but fresh search data from Domain shows buyers are entering the market with new priorities. Affordability and flexibility are driving decision-making, while lifestyle and character still hold strong appeal.
Across the capitals, one trend is impossible to ignore: granny flats.
Once considered a niche, these secondary dwellings are now front of mind for buyers seeking both flexibility and income.
In Sydney, “granny flat” has surged into the number one search position, overtaking lifestyle staples like “pool” and “waterfront.”
The feature is also on the rise in other cities, recording a 59.8% increase in Perth and a 24.4% rise in Adelaide, where it has pushed into the top 10 most-searched keywords.
Domain points to a combination of multigenerational living, rental income potential and adaptable space as key drivers.
Affordability shapes behaviour
The market’s affordability crunch is pushing buyers to explore shared and flexible living arrangements.
Searches for “Dual” or “Dual Living” have soared, rising 166% in Melbourne, 82% in Sydney, 60.2% in Perth and 12.4% in Brisbane.
Adelaide is the standout when it comes to financial incentives.
“Stamp duty” has entered the city’s top 10 search terms, (a trend not mirrored in other capitals), with buyers looking for listings that advertise concessions or government-backed offers.
According to Domain, this highlights how upfront savings are shaping behaviour in a market that is still relatively affordable compared to the East Coast.
Lifestyle still matters
Despite financial pressures, lifestyle remains firmly on the radar.
“Pool” continues to rank in the top five search terms across every capital city, underlining Australians’ attachment to outdoor living.
In Melbourne, design and character features are back in fashion.
“Art deco” climbed 32.2% to become the city’s top search term, while “Heritage” jumped 137.7%, moving from seventh to fourth place.
Warehouse conversions and period-style properties are also attracting attention, reflecting Melbourne’s appetite for distinctive design.
Brisbane continues to be lifestyle-led, with “pool”, “waterfront” and “view” dominating the city’s wish lists.
But “dual living” and “granny flat” have also entered the top 10, marking a shift towards flexibility and multigenerational options alongside the classic Queensland dream of outdoor space.
Perth blends lifestyle with versatility. “Pool” remains number one, but “granny flat” has leapt into second place.
Searches for “shed” and “garage” also feature prominently, highlighting the city’s demand for storage, extra space and homes that can adapt to different needs.
In Adelaide, “pool” and “view” top the charts, with “new” homes also highly sought after.
But the inclusion of “stamp duty” and “granny flat” among the city’s most-searched keywords confirms that even in a comparatively accessible market, buyers are weighing both lifestyle and affordability.
Canberra is the only capital where “study” remains in the top three, reflecting the city’s professional base and demand for home office space.
“North” has claimed the number one spot, underlining the premium placed on sunlight and orientation in the ACT.
Adjusting expectations
Nationally, three-bedroom houses remain the most searched property type.
Yet the data shows more Australians are looking beyond detached homes.
Townhouses and units are becoming increasingly attractive as buyers recalibrate their expectations in the face of price pressures.
Sydney, for example, shows the strongest appetite for units, evidence that buyers are adjusting to the city’s steep price ladder.
In Melbourne, townhouse demand is exceptionally strong, capturing 38% of searches — the highest nationally.
Perth buyers are also shifting, with nearly a third now looking at townhouses, often at the same price point as houses.
The expert view
According to Domain’s Chief of Research and Economics, Dr Nicola Powell, the search data paints a clear picture of changing priorities.
“Spring is in full swing, and buyers are clearly rethinking what makes a home work for them,” she said.
“We’re seeing strong demand for flexibility and affordability, whether that’s interest in granny flats, dual living, or stamp duty savings in Adelaide.
“At the same time, lifestyle and character remain important, with pools staying popular and a clear resurgence in searches for ‘Art deco’ and ‘Heritage’ homes in places like Melbourne.
“Buyers are getting creative, making smart trade-offs, and showing they’re willing to think outside the box in a changing market.”
