Upgrading your backyard? Here are the 4 things home owners want most

When it comes to the features house-hunters and home owners love about backyards, some things never change. Flat, north-facing spaces, for instance, will always be in demand, according to Woodards chief executive Nigel O’Neill.

In other ways, however, the things we want from a backyard reflect our evolving lifestyles.

Landscape architect Emily Simpson says that today, “Home owners are reimagining their backyards as multifunctional spaces that provide sanctuary, sustainability and seamless extensions of their homes.”

Here are the backyard features we’re seeking in 2025.

1. Generational living

The current housing market is leading to many young adults staying at home longer, which means parents are creating (or seeking) homes with backyards that offer breakout zones and entertainment areas for all ages.

Think Outside Gardens landscape architect Sophie Greive says while parents with little ones are interested in flat lawns, trampolines and cubby houses, those with older children are requesting half basketball courts and poolhouses.

“Usually in the cabana or poolhouse, they might want to put a pool table or a table tennis table, and a kitchen,” she says. “They want to attract [their kids] to stay at the house.”

O’Neill says half-tennis courts and fire pits are popular, too. Extra rooms, such as poolhouses or bungalows, also allow home owners to accommodate elder family members or short-term renters.

“[It’s about] generational living, and the opportunity for some to make more money,” he says.

2. Wellness facilities

For many home owners, the backyard has become the place to live their wellness dreams.

“The dads are really into their infrared saunas – some of them even want an ice bath,” Greive says. “You might want a hot shower [to go] with the poolhouse – that’s really popular now. Plunge pools and spas are popular as well. Often they’ll put in a spa and sauna, and it’s all incorporated.”

O’Neill says that in Victoria, plunge pools are replacing larger pools, and spas are increasing in popularity.

This is partly because backyard sizes are decreasing due to property prices (and because people are favouring more indoor space), and partly because larger pools can be harder to maintain.

“[We’re seeing] a shift away from your bigger pool with the big entertainment area around it to smaller pools, [which are] easier and cheaper to heat,” O’Neill says.

Simpson adds that “water features such as small ponds and trickling water walls for frogs and native fish species” provide a feeling of tranquillity and are rising in popularity, as are natural swimming pools that use regeneration planting zones instead of chemicals.

3. Privacy and security

O’Neill says a priority for house hunters in Victoria is good security.

“Generally, this means a well-fenced backyard, preferably with a high fence so the property is difficult to access,” he adds. ”

Greive says opting for screening plants, such as hedges or bamboo, is another easy way to create a secure yard.

“I’m using a lot of lilly pilly hedges, and viburnum hedges are my staples,” she says. “Then you can put more of your feature plants in front if you’re wanting a bit of colour and texture against your green backdrop.”

4. Indoor-outdoor living

Whether it’s to embrace warm-weather activities or create an inviting outdoor atmosphere despite the cold, Australians value indoor-outdoor living.

“What’s always popular with families of all ages is an undercover al fresco area,” Greive says. “If you’ve got enough space, you might have your dining table, your outdoor lounge for more casual seating, and your classic built-in outdoor kitchen.”

Outdoor kitchens often include many of the same features and appliances as indoor kitchens, with additions such as pizza ovens and barbecue smokers.

“What they’re looking for in the yard these days is more around entertainment, so the indoor-outdoor flow of the back of the house into the backyard,” O’Neill says.

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