In a competitive Australian property market, you'll often find that it's the finer details that make a home stand out from the pack. Whether it's a stunning bathroom, spacious walk-in-robe or inviting outdoor area, these little luxuries will capture the hearts and imaginations of property investors and other prospective buyers at an open home.
This is why, on your Studio M selections day, your consultant will help you weigh up any optional extras that don't just appeal to you now but could increase the sale price or rental yield of your home in future. Even if it's your 'forever home', it will always pay to make sure the design details you select align with your investment goals and the amount of time owner-occupiers expect to live in the home.
Here, we speak to Metricon's Studio M manager and interior designer Marissa Bonacci on the features and details that will help your new home stand out like a diamond in the real estate rough.
Lift your kitchen game
The saying that 'kitchens sell homes' rings true for many Australian real estate agents and has encouraged homeowners across the country to improve their offering. "Stone benchtops were considered a luxury item a few years ago, now it's normal," Bonacci says.
These days, a dream kitchen doesn't just look good but is eco-friendly and durable. Beautiful tapware is one thing, but water-saving taps and other appliances are even better. Dekton stone benchtops have also trumped Caesarstone, thanks to their more durable, hygienic qualities.
Custom storage
Popularised by television shows like The Block, where the judges favour it, and thousands of entries on Pinterest, joinery and inbuilt cabinetry has gone mainstream. As Bonacci says, "Gone are the days of buying an IKEA cupboard and putting it in the corner. People don't want different bits of furniture everywhere".
Offering a win-win solution, storage gives homes a luxurious custom-made feel that buyers love, while majorly improving the functionality of your home. Think beyond linen cupboards and shelves and go for in-built furniture like TV cabinets and bay windows.
Put on a happy face
"Anything that is aesthetic is important," Bonacci says. The key features that will contribute to the overall experience of the home are the flooring, tiles and curtains. But most importantly, Bonacci suggests paying extra attention to the facade of your home if you want to maximise its market value.
"Making the right choice of brick and render colour is really critical," she says. "It's the invitation into the home, and your external materials are the hardest to change, so you will want them to appeal to the widest net of people."
Greenhouse
The cheapest time to make your home sustainable is at its conception. With utility bills staying high, the demand for eco-friendly solutions is becoming widespread, appealing even to the first home buyer crowd. Despite their initial expense, homeowners no longer see options like double glazing, solar panels and LED downlights as a luxury, but rather a cost-effective way to minimise occupancy costs in the long run.
Bonacci says if you have the cash flow, the benefits sustainable options unlock are twofold and offer a decent return on investment. "Because the category is getting so much exposure, if you can market your home as sustainable, you will attract a range of new buyers. It just helps to widen your span."
Outdoor living
For busy, working families, a backyard goes a long way when it comes to creating harmony in the home. It makes the most of your block and provides a place for kids and adults alike to blow off steam. "A good backyard is really important, and if your outdoor area shows potential for both play and entertainment, it will be a key selling point for families," Bonacci says.
A thriving outdoor area will include different zones for alfresco dining, entertaining and relaxing. To give potential buyers a powerful first impression, you may want to consider an outdoor kitchen, a water feature or pool, and ceiling fans or integrated fireplaces to embrace the indoor-outdoor lifestyle all year round.
They say the heart wants what it wants, and emotions can be a powerful thing during the selling process. It's a common reason why smart property investors will prioritise luxe details during a build. By helping your home stand out in the real estate market, you will influence the value of the property, improving your rental income and vacancy rates if you choose to lease, or the selling price if you decide to put it on the market.
Whatever you decide, Metricon is here to help guide you. For more advice on the fundamentals of home investment, head to our blog, Home Truths. You'll also find plenty more home design inspiration via our Lookbook. Metricon builds homes in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and regional hubs throughout VIC, NSW, QLD and South Australia. To find out more, get in touch with a team member today.
