The features buyers are looking for in modern ACT homes at the moment

Homes – whether they be detached, apartment or townhouses – are in a constant state of evolution, driven by ever-changing tastes and trends.

Boris Teodorowych of Boris Property says there is an increasing awareness in the value of inspired design and build quality.

“That’s a good foundation before you start looking at further inclusions,” he says.

“Beyond that, many buyers are looking for ‘wow’ factor.”

Teodorowych says the influence of an interior designer can deliver that through a creative interpretation of a space.

“A good designer will introduce a level of detail that works by itself and as part of the broader staging of the home,” he says.

“People are also really valuing extra space and function features that add value to a home and improve their living experience – like butler’s pantries and wine cellars.”

Andrew Lonsdale of Ray White Canberra says energy efficiency in home design has become increasingly important in the past few years.

“Double glazing, under-tile heating and other efficiencies make a big difference in home comfort and in reducing running costs,” he says.

“The kitchen is also a continuing focus of improvement with features like steam ovens partnering the conventional model along with built-in coffee-makers and wine fridges.”

Lonsdale says home office spaces are now moving up the priority list with, often, more than one person working from home.

“There’s got to be space for all the IT gear, a degree of privacy and perhaps a tranquil aspect over the garden,” he says.

• Team. There’s plenty of options to trick up a home but get the basics right first with a well-designed space. Select the right team including architect, builder, interior designer and landscaper.
• Be selective. Trends have a use-by date. Ensure a space can be updated economically as fashion moves on – maybe confine investment to soft furnishings. Rely on classics for enduring fixtures and fittings.
• Add value. Trends likely to stand the test of time are those that genuinely improve form or function – they equal lifestyle. Butler’s pantries, mud rooms and wine cellars are likely to be future-proof inclusions.

Allhomes’ top picks of trending properties on the market:

Kingston

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Kingston’s Mercer Building is arguably Canberra’s most exclusive apartment development. It comprises just 11 owner-occupied luxury apartments that are a mere stroll from Green Square.

Needless to say, the lucky few tend to be “forever” residents; so when one of these special apartments in this MBA award-winning building does come onto the market … well, take a number and join the queue.

And there’s bound to a long line for this one: the penthouse.

It offers 183 square metres of spacious living with another 23 square metres of balcony ripe for entertaining. Those are the raw numbers. How the apartment is finished is what sets it apart.

Entry leads into a parquetry hallway with an offset study. That leads past three spacious bedrooms and into the generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living.

The kitchen stuns with six metres of marble benchtops, a walk-in pantry, custom cabinetry, Wolf gas cooker/oven and Miele dishwasher.

There’s plenty of space for living and dining under a Venetian glass chandelier.

A feature gas fireplace provides warmth and ambience, ably supported by ducted reverse-cycle airconditioning, while you enjoy the vibe from the Sonos surround sound.

Of course, the main suite has a huge walk-in wardrobe and luxe en suite.

There’s a lock-up double garage with a 12-square-metre bunker storage room and access to a 144-bottle wine fridge in a communal cellar.

Price guide: $1.9 million

Private sale

Agent: Boris Property, Boris Teodorowych 0402 907 182

Or try these:

Red Hill

Price guide: $1.4 million+

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Googong

Price guide: $1.25 million-$1.325 million

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Kingston

Price guide: From $900,000

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