What Canberra buyers want when searching for the perfect lifestyle home

“Lifestyle” seems to be the ambition of everyone looking to get onto or move up the property ladder these days.

But what does it mean to the first-home buyer, family, professionals or downsizers?

Nick Purnell of Purnell Real Estate says it largely depends on who he talks to.

“Families often define lifestyle in terms of convenience to preferred schools and easy access to the workplace, recreational options and shops,” he says.

“First-home buyers definitely put more emphasis on being in the heart of activity in places like Braddon with plenty of cafes and bars and the city within walking distance.”

Purnell says he has also noticed an uptick in people who have been working from home prioritising a home office.

“These buyers now appreciate the benefit of a dedicated space within a home that offers a pleasant working environment,” he says.

“Lifestyle is as much in your home as outside of it.”

Jeremy Maher of Harcourts Brindabella says first-home buyer priorities have evolved in recent years.

“Their primary drive used to be a home with a big block and a future family in mind,” he says.

“There’s now an emphasis on apartments or other low-maintenance options. They don’t want to spend their spare time gardening.”

Maher agrees lifestyle begins from the inside out with an emphasis on what the home can offer to different family members.

“Additional living areas, butler’s pantries, automation and other high technology inclusions – they all contribute to an enhanced lifestyle,” he says.

• Onside. Different demographic groups may define lifestyle by whatever life stage they may be in. They might agree, however, it’s a combination that gives them more time to enjoy what’s really important.
• Outside. Lifestyle is often defined by whatever is beyond the front door. It means different things to different folk – perhaps proximity to preferred schools or maybe to restaurants, cafes, bars or recreational options.
• Inside. Evolving priorities in home inclusions are often driven by lifestyle aspirations. That might include multiple living areas, butler’s pantries, home offices, resort-style outdoor living, low-maintenance gardens and high levels of automation.

Allhomes’ top picks of lifestyle properties on the market:

Kingston

Price guide: $829,000 +

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If you’re looking for lifestyle, then Kingston is a tried and proven favourite with its great Inner South location and proximity to an abundance of retail and dining options.

Apartment living is also a fixture of this popular suburb with a wealth of options like this spacious second-floor, two-bedder in Kennedy Street.

This is a great floor plan that delivers nearly 100 square metres of internal living and 22 square metres of balcony space.

A nice touch is that you don’t open the front door and find yourself in the middle of the apartment as there is a distinct entry area, made flexible with the inclusion of a study nook.

This leads into a large lounge and dining area which draws in the northern light through two banks of floor-to-ceiling windows.

The modern kitchen sparkles in white with Gaggenau appliances and plenty of storage. The island bench, wrapped in contrasting stone, provides a visual highlight.

The main suite also enjoys windows on two sides with access to the wrap-around balcony. There’s a large walk-through wardrobe and an en suite that has been tastefully upgraded. It includes a tub for a relaxing wallow.

The second bedroom is also generously sized and situated alongside the main bathroom.

Home automation controls block-out roller blinds while comfort is provided by ducted airconditioning. 

There are two allocated car bays and a storage cage.

Or try these:

Theodore

Price guide: $575,000 +

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Dickson

Price guide: $855,000-$1.055 million

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Murrumbateman

Price guide: $1.35 million

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