How Australian Families Are Rethinking the Family Home

Sharing a bedroom was once a rite of passage for many Australian youngsters, but today’s parents prefer to avoid sibling squabbles by ensuring each child has their own space when buying a family home.

A new survey by LJ Hooker has highlighted what features make a property more attractive and some major turn-offs.  

Respondents revealed that shared bedrooms for children are a deal-breaker for many parents, with 60 per cent revealing they would not consider a home where siblings have to share a room. 

The report, conducted by Edentify, revealed people's aspirations, barriers to entry, and what they value most in a home. 
It found that Australian families are redefining their ideal living arrangements, factoring in budgets, relationships and personal lifestyle when house-hunting. 

Multi-Generational Living: A Practical Choice

While rising property prices have sparked conversation around multi-generational living, the research shows it remains a less-preferred option for most.

About one in four respondents said they would be open to living with their in-laws. Even among those agreeable to the idea, personal space remains a priority, with 54 per cent preferring self-contained accommodation to house extended family members.

LJ Hooker Group Head of Research, Mathew Tiller, said while family dynamics have shifted in recent years, the desire for space and independence remain as important as ever.

“Multi-generational living has plenty of benefits—financial and emotional—but it needs to be a manageable setup,” Mr Tiller said.

“This is why granny flats and separate residences on the same allotment are so popular. It allows people to enjoy all the positive aspects of living together, such as combating loneliness and providing support, but everyone can retreat to their own space.

“Parents can also see the benefits of children having their own bedroom, even when, economically, it may be better for them to buy a smaller property and have youngsters share.”

There are some ways to create a sense of independent living, even when extended families are living under the one roof. This includes making a separate entrance, making a second master suite with a bathroom, or providing a courtyard for entertaining. It is important to factor in the needs of older people who may require single-level living rather than a loft bedroom that requires staircase access. 

Helping young people step onto the property ladder

Rising property prices, a high cost of living and intense competition from investors have made saving for a deposit a major hurdle for young Australians.

Parents are exploring options to help their adult children get onto the property market, such as gifting money, paying off HECS debt, or going guarantor on a home loan.

The survey found that while some mums and dads are comfortable with their adult children staying at the family residence longer, expectations around financial independence are changing.

The survey found less than half (42 per cent) of parents believe their offspring should begin paying rent after they turn 18, yet they don’t expect them to move out until around age 28.

Young Australians embrace traditional home design

Homebuyers were split on the relevance of formal living and dining spaces. However, surprisingly, younger people placed renewed value on such features often associated with older, more traditional homes.

While 69 per cent of Gen Z respondents said formal spaces are still relevant, only 37 per cent of Baby Boomers agreed. Overall, extra living and dining spaces were seen as important by around half of the respondents.

“Younger generations often buy smaller homes, so they see real value in having extra space to entertain,” Mr Tiller said.

“Older generations are most likely living or have lived in homes with formal areas that haven’t always been fully utilised.”

Even a small living room can be styled to make it feel larger and more homely. This often comes down to choosing the right furniture and avoiding cluttering the space with bulky items. Forget heavy drapes on the curtain. Instead, opt for something sheer and breezy, allowing for plenty of natural light.

Community matters – especially quiet ones

Australians may picture their perfect community in different ways, but shared priorities often shape their decision about where to call home.

The top priority for most people when choosing where to live is a suburb that has a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, followed by proximity to cafes/shops and a low crime rate.

Common themes also included transport accessibility, while being close to nature, such as parklands or having a good-sized yard, are also highly valued.

For families with children, school zoning remains a key factor when looking for a new home, with 52 per cent of respondents ranking it as a top priority.

“A dream location means something different to every person, and this can be influenced by various life stages,” Mr Tiller said.

“At the end of the day, 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.”

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