D'Leanne Lewis told SCHWARTZILLIAMS she expects 'lifestyle' to be a big drawcard for property this year. She predicts properties in walkable locations, with open-plan layouts, and bright airy outlooks will attract top dollar.

Q: What are the ‘must-have’ home trends / features for 2017?

A: Open-space living and homes offering "village lifestyle’ are absolute must-haves for 2017. With convenience being "must haves" and more highly sought after than ever before we are seeing buyers insist on being within close proximity to amenities which reduce travel time.   

Q: Do you expect the international buyer market will remain strong in 2017, or do you expect to see local buyers dominate?

A: Local property investors and new home buyers are definitely set to outnumber foreign investors this new year, with Aussie families snapping up homes, and there are a few things they won’t go without.

We’re seeing a real shift towards homes being purchased for longevity, where local home buyers are willing to pay that little bit extra for a home they know they’ll be happy in for the long run. People aren’t looking for a home to flip in 6 months to 1 year, they want a home that their family can grow into and be comfortable in as their needs change.

Of course no home is "forever" as over time family's needs change more and more, and for that reason we generally see the standard turn around of family homes between 5-7 years. 

Q: What will property buyers be looking for in 2017?

2017 property buyers are on the hunt for the quintessential ‘village lifestyle’.

As time becomes more and more precious, close proximity to shops, facilities, schools and green spaces top the list.

Buyers want homes that allow them to cut down on travel time and offer waking distance to those amenities that are important to them (beach, parks, shopping, transport, places of worship),  and they’re willing to pay for it.

Sellers’ homes that meet the mark are set to take top-dollar at auctions and sales this year. And open-plan homes with plenty of kitchen and living room space, separated areas for entertaining, and bright airy outlooks are also marked to fetch premium prices. 

Q: Your focus is on Sydney’s eastern suburbs, are there any suburbs you think will be particularly ‘hot’ in 2017?

Bronte, Double Bay, Bellevue Hill and Rose Bay are the suburbs to watch for 2017, all presenting quintessential village lifestyle, shopping, parks and transport within walking distance.

See also:

Meet D'Leanne Lewis, Australia's top female real estate agent

Landmark Double Bay residence

Remarkable in Rose Bay