No way! What 75pc of Aussies don't want in their home

Herald Sun

13-05-2025

It's the one thing that a vast majority of Aussies just won't do when it comes to their home. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
It's the one thing that a vast majority of Aussies just won't do when it comes to their home and it's sure to upset the family.
A new study has revealed what is really taboo to Australian homeowners' today in our rough and tumble housing market.
According to LJ Hooker's third annual survey on homebuyer behaviour and attitudes – How Australian Families Are Rethinking the Family Home – only one in four Australians are open to living with their in-laws.
And of that lowly 25 per cent, more than half (50 per cent) have revealed that if they were to do so, ideally they would want a self-contained space for their in-laws such as a separate granny flat.
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Multi-generational living – no thanks. Picture: Brett Hartwig. Picture:Brett Hartwig
It is further evidence of the freshly evolving trend for Aussies in regard to their homes, the desire for personal space and for their property to be divided into different spaces for different purposes.
LJ Hooker Group Head of Research, Mathew Tiller, said that the study illustrated that 'while family dynamics have shifted in recent years, the desire for space and independence remain as important as ever'.
'Multi-generational living comes with plenty of benefits — not just financial — but it has to be a workable model,' Mr Tiller said.
'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.'
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A 7-bedroom home with panoramic views that's designed for multi-generational living. Outdoor areas include a covered barbecue area with electronic louvres, a heated pool and another space geared for outoor movie nights.
That was borne out in another revealing finding from the study. That is:
+ shared bedrooms for children are a deal-breaker for many parents, with 60 per cent saying they would not consider a home where siblings would have to share a room. And:
+ Parental support extends well into adulthood, however, 42 per of parents expect their children to pay rent after turning 18. With most parents expecting their children to move out around age 28.
As a result of Aussies' home preferences multi-generational living remains uncommon in Australia and that is unlikely to change any time soon – despite astronomical property prices sparking the conversation.
However finances might mean, that many families won't simply have a choice.
'Housing dynamics have shifted in recent years, leading more families to live with their in-laws or adult children staying at home longer,' Mr Tiller said.
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Granny flats are a fall back.
'Housing affordability challenges are undoubtedly influencing these decisions. Many families depend on dual incomes to manage their mortgage, and having in-laws live with them can be beneficial for all, including providing childcare.
'Interestingly, not everyone thinks adult children should pay rent to live in the family home. Some parents recognise how hard it can be to get a foothold on the property ladder and see this as a way of supporting their kids.'
What Aussies want in a home varies wildly due to age, according to the study:
+ Younger Australians value formal living and dining spaces more than older generations, with 69 per cent of Gen Z considering them relevant compared to 37 per cent per centof Baby Boomers.
The kids can stay until they are 28. Picture: Jonathan Ng
And:
+ A quiet, peaceful atmosphere is the most important factor in choosing a community, with 52 per cent of families prioritising the importance of a school zone when buying a home.
'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.
'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.'