Outdoor living spaces are top priority for renovators

Those outdoor spaces are beginning to feel a lot more inviting as the frosty weather eases and buyers and renovators alike expand their attention beyond the back door.

The entertaining deck has become as much a part of the home as the living room.

A recent survey by Houzz Australia, the world’s largest platform for home renovation and design, has found that outdoor living spaces are the top design priority among Canberra outdoor renovators.

The 2016 Houzz Australia Landscape Trends survey found that Canberra homeowners who are renovating their outdoor space are investing in outdoor furniture (44 per cent), barbecues (35 per cent), benches (25 per cent), fire pits (29 per cent), built-in seating (17 per cent) and patio heaters (15 per cent).

Outdoor renovators are also investing in structures – about 45 per cent of the ACT renovators surveyed are adding or upgrading their decking.

More than one third are adding or upgrading a gazebo or pergola, and a new or updated patio or terrace is on the cards for 30 per cent of renovators.

Once the hard work is done homeowners are keen to relax, with the vast majority placing low-maintenance spaces at the top of the agenda, according to Houzz Australia editor Jenny Drew.

“Australians have that relaxed, laid-back outdoor lifestyle down pat, so it’s no surprise that more than three-quarters (77 per cent) of homeowners in ACT who responded to our recent landscaping survey opted for a low-maintenance space as a top priority,” Drew says.

These additions have proven to be valuable add-ons for renovators – 80 per cent of those surveyed reported that they spend more time outside as a direct result of their upgrades.

Those selling their home also find that their hard work can pay off, according to Maria Selleck Properties principal Maria Selleck.

“Homes with a focus on outdoor entertaining and indoor/outdoor flow are increasingly popular amongst the Canberra market,” Selleck says.

“I’ve found homes that have quality outdoor entertaining features attract the most interest from buyers, with huge numbers through my open homes.”

Selleck says a high-quality entertaining deck, particularly if it is covered and has a north-facing orientation, is a worthwhile investment.

“Buyers are looking for enough space for family and friends to relax and entertain, with a layout versatile enough for many different occasions,” Selleck says.

“Covered alfresco dining areas, decks, pools – particularly solar-heated, salt-water, in-ground pools – full outdoor kitchens and yards with enough space for children to play are all very desired.

“A traditional lawn is becoming an increasingly rare feature as people gravitate to smaller parcels of land and lower maintenance spaces.”

Peter Blackshaw Manuka agent Nancie Lim agrees that an outdoor space that extends the internal living areas has become a popular buyer request – the flow between inside and out is just as important as the outdoor space itself.

“It helps you enjoy the outdoors better and broadens your options for entertaining,” Lim says.

Mature gardens for ambience, privacy and shade will enhance the entertaining space and buyers will also be drawn to established, easy-care grounds.

Selleck says styling the outdoor entertaining spaces for sale is also key.

“Demonstrate the kind of lifestyle that is possible in the space with an outdoor furniture setting capturing an attractive outlook to highlight the potential,” Selleck says.

“In this respect, skilled styling and presentation of the home and garden prior to marketing is imperative.”

Must-have outdoor additions

• Furniture – An outdoor living area that complements the style of the interior is one of the top priorities among renovators. Well-chosen furnishings can tie these spaces together and offer a sense of cohesion throughout the home.
• Barbecue – The humble barbecue will always have pride of place on an Aussie deck and more than a third of Canberra renovators are investing in an upgrade. A full outdoor kitchen or even a wood-fired pizza oven can take this to the next level.
• Fire pit – What better way to create some drama or ambience than an open fire? It doesn’t have to be an expensive addition either, there’s one for every style and budget. It’s not surprising that the fire pit is a must-have item for almost one third of Canberra renovators.

Home for entertaining

After 18 years at their palatial family home in Chapman, Qiumeng Mao, pictured, and Carl Ling have decided to downsize.

The children have flown the nest but the expansive balconies, outdoor entertaining area and in-ground swimming pool provided the perfect playground while they were growing up, Qiumeng says.

The 1656-square-metre block had plenty of room for them to run around, and the outdoor entertaining areas hold a lot of special memories.

As toddlers, the kids could ride laps of the wide, 29-metre balcony on their tricycles and, as they grew older, the swimming pool and surrounding spaces became a setting for large parties.

There’s plenty of room inside, too: the house and self-contained flat include nine bedrooms.

Number 35 Percy Crescent is being sold through Peter Blackshaw Manuka agent Nancie Lim with a price guide of $1,290,000+. Inspect: Saturday, 12.30pm-1.15pm.

Cover property

9 Milari Street, Ngunnawal
$949,000-plus

Even the most ambitious entertainer will find everything they’re looking for at this beautiful resort-style home in Ngunnawal.

Designed around a magnificent outdoor entertaining area, the five-bedroom home provides a peaceful setting for everything from poolside relaxation to large gatherings.

The kitchen overlooks the dining and family room and provides easy access to the alfresco area. It is well equipped with Miele and Ilve appliances and an oversized island bench.

French doors extend the living spaces onto the huge, multi-tiered deck, which is complete with a custom-built stainless steel and stone outdoor kitchen with an integrated natural gas barbecue.

The swimming pool is fully tiled and heated to a comfortable 32 degrees. It is surrounded by feature bluestone and glass fencing.

There are multiple entertaining options inside too, including a sunken living area with an Escea gas fireplace.

The main bedroom is a parents’ retreat and it offers direct access to the alfresco areas through french doors. It also has an en suite and walk-in wardrobe.

The remaining bedrooms are serviced by a stunning family bathroom and three include built-in wardrobes. 

Inspect on Saturday, from 2pm-2.45pm
Maria Selleck Properties, Maria Selleck 0417 258 803