Mirvac research highlights walkability, sustainability and technology trends for new homes in 2025

The bi-annual research of more than 2,000 Australiansⁱ investigates key insights on buyer preferences and intentions when it comes to purchasing new homes, including apartments, houses (masterplanned communities) and townhomes.

According to Mirvac’s CEO, Development, Stuart Penklis, the research highlights the increasing importance of walkability and trend towards hyperlocal when it comes to planning communities to meet purchaser needs and demands.

“We are seeing customers place increasing importance on their immediate local area and community – they want key features and facilities that are important to them to be walking distance away -  as the research highlights, with parks and gardens, convenience shopping, casual dining and healthcare among the top responses when it comes to location.

“It’s no surprise that public transport was number one across masterplanned and apartment communities – reinforcing the desire to rely less on a car,” said Mr Penklis.

Half of all respondents (50%) indicated a preference for an all-electric home; one in five (21%) were unsure. More respondents than not have a sustainability feature installed in their current home (63%), with solar panels the most popular (33%) but solar batteries the least (5%). Almost a third of respondents (28%) said they would pay extra for the installation of solar panels; less than seven per cent said they would not pay extra for any sustainability features – compared to 17 per cent in 2022.

“We are seeing real momentum globally, as well as locally, towards all-electric homes and buildings and a major shift in customer sentiment, which we are responding to by ensuring all-electric is ubiquitous across all our developments.

“Recent analysisⁱⁱ estimates customers stand to reduce energy bills by more than $1,800 a year with an all-electric home with solar panels,” he said.

Two bedroom apartments, four bedroom houses and three bedroom townhouses were the most popular home configuration choices- all with two bathrooms and two car spacesⁱⁱⁱ. The majority of houses should have a second living space (56%) -  but this is less desirable for apartments or townhomes.

Study nooks are in (45%), and separate offices are out across all typologies – with one in five respondents (20%) preferring no study space at all. Workshop/hobby spaces are out according to two-thirds of respondents (64%).

“We are also seeing growing interest in smart home capabilities -  from security to comfort systems (heating and cooling) - highlighting increased demand for the use of technology to simplify living,” said Mr Penklis.

“But classic home features and inclusions such as high ceilings and quality kitchen appliances continue to rate highly as must-haves across apartments and masterplanned communities.”

In terms of onsite resident facilities, recreational swimming pools, BBQ areas, community gardens and shared gym spaces had universal appeal.

“At Mirvac we prioritise the early delivery of shared community spaces such as gardens, parks, and other spaces for people to gather with friends and family or meet new neighbours. It is the careful planning and design of these areas that underpins the success of creating a brand new community,” said Mr Penklis.

Respondents were also asked to indicate their sentiment towards buying a home, with almost one third (30%) indicating they believe it is currently a good time to buy (with the majority of respondents uncertain). Interest rates, price fluctuation/affordability and supply issues were the top three barriers preventing a home purchase, and location, price and developer brand or reputation were the top three factors to consider when buying a new home.

“More than three quarters (77%) of respondents predict property prices to increase over the next two years, and almost a third (28%) believe there will be less properties to purchase in the same period,” said Mr Penklis.

Recent research from the March 2025 Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index confirms improving homebuyer sentiment, following the RBA’s February rate cut. The ‘time to buy a dwelling’ index rose 4.3% to 91.6. While that still means pessimists outnumber optimists, this is the lowest incidence of pessimism since September 2021. Consumers are more firmly positive on the house price outlook. The Index showing house price expectations rose 2.9% to 146.5 in March, the Index now having bounced nearly 10% from its January low^iv.

“We are seeing improved sales momentum currently, and anticipate this will continue and in turn drive purchase decisions as buyers benefit from greater certainty over interest rates and corresponding improved affordability. Mirvac’s unique offering spanning inner and outer ring home options, strong brand reputation, focus on quality and upfront delivery of amenity means we are able to meet the demand of discerning buyers.”

For more information on Mirvac’s latest residential communities, please visit mirvac.com/residential

i Online survey of Mirvac leads and purchasers from NSW, QLD, VIC and WA conducted in Q3 2024

ii https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0035/668591/Gas-substitution-roadmap-new-homes-factsheet.pdf

iii 53% 2 bedroom apartment, 49% 4 bedroom house, 62% 3 bedroom townhouse; 81% two bathrooms, 63% two car spaces

iv https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/publications/macroeconomic-reports/latest-news/index-of-consumer-sentiment