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Even with worsening housing affordability prompting many to rethink their idea of the family home, the value of personal space and comfort has persisted as an important factor, new research shows.
New findings from LJ Hooker showed that personal space has remained a priority for many home buyers, even with the increasing financial challenges of stepping onto the property ladder, which has seen many households turn to multigenerational living.
LJ Hooker Group’s head of research, Mathew Tiller, said that while family dynamics shifted in recent years, the desire for space and independence has still very much endured.
The survey conducted in December 2024 incorporated responses from 1,000 participants nationwide, revealing that only one in four surveyed were open to living with their in-laws.
Even for those who agreed to the idea, the data showed that personal space was still important, with 54 per cent ideally wanting a self-contained space such as a detached granny flat, compared to the 32 per cent content with a second master suite.
Similarly, children’s privacy and personal space were essential factors, with 60 per cent of respondents stating that they would not consider purchasing a home where siblings would have to share a room.
The report also found that parental support extended well into adulthood, with families on average not anticipating their children moving out until around age 28.
Despite agreeing to have their children live longer with them, 42 per cent of parents expected them to participate in the household and pay rent after turning 18.
Although Tiller acknowledged that multigenerational living comes with plenty of benefits that are not always just financial, he noted that the living situation still has to be a “workable model”.
“That’s why granny flats and separate homes on the same block are so popular. They let everyone enjoy the upsides of living together – like connection and support – while still having their own space,” Tiller said.
“Parents also see the value in kids having their own bedroom – even if it might be cheaper to have them share,” he added.
Generations split on home design
Across generations, the LJ Hooker’s survey found that formal living and dining spaces were deemed relevant by roughly half of the respondents, with the younger generation putting more importance on the living spaces.
While 55 per cent of Baby Boomer respondents, who grew up with formal living and dining rooms, now see them as unnecessary, a considerably greater 69 per cent of Generation Z participants valued these spaces in a property.
Tiller noted that the result was surprising, as living and dining spaces were traditionally associated with older homes.
He said that the popularity among younger buyers could stem from the novelty that the spaces offer to younger buyers.
“It could be younger generations have had to opt for smaller properties and see value in more space for entertaining. Older generations are most likely living or have lived in homes with formal areas that haven’t always been fully utilised,” Tiller said.
‘Location, location, location’ holds in 2025
When asked to define the ideal community they would pick to live in, the top priority was having a “quiet, peaceful and safe environment”, which was identified by 38 per cent of respondents.
The next highest proportion of 17 per cent valued being close to nearby cafes and shops, and was followed by the jointly ranked priorities of an area with both low crime rates and an abundance of green spaces and parks, which were identified by 15 per cent of respondents.
Among families with children, a property’s distance to nearby schools significantly influenced purchasing decisions, with 52 per cent of respondents in this segment ranking school proximity as a top priority.
Even though Tiller noted that a dream location can mean something different to every person, he stated that most prospective buyers are searching for a home where they can peacefully settle.
“Ultimately, most Australians just want a home that’s peaceful, safe, and somewhere they can truly relax,” he said.
Nevertheless, Tiller emphasised that Australia would need to focus on building various homes that cater to the diverse needs and circumstances of the nation’s 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,” he concluded.
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