A Guide to Home Must-Haves: From Australian Favourites to Global Trends

Buyers are always on the hunt for good value properties, but how exactly we define value varies wildly. For some, it’s future growth potential, while others prioritise access to good schools, local amenities, and a sense of community. Beyond this practical checklist, emotional triggers also play a role, and in 2025, the list of property must-haves seems to be never-ending. There’s an increasing emphasis on how our homes support our lifestyles, wellbeing, and connection to the world around us, and both local and global trends inspire that connection.

From Turkish baths to bountiful backyards, here’s a look at what’s rising to the top of new home wishlists.

Starting in our backyard with 10 Aussie home essentials

When it comes to Aussie homes, lifestyle is the hero. We’re seeking spots for sun-soaked summer afternoons with family and friends, easy-going living spaces and outdoor areas roomy enough for kids and pets to play. Whether you’re buying, renovating, or dreaming, here are 10 Aussie home essentials to add to your must-haves:

1. Alfresco entertaining

No Aussie home feels complete without ample space to soak up the outdoors, and alfresco areas that flow seamlessly from indoor living are the absolute dream. Whether there’s space for a simple deck, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, or a covered space for year-round use, the appeal of outdoor living never fades.

2. Abundant natural light

Most of us across the country are blessed with beautiful weather and plenty of sunshine hours, so there’s no excuse for dark, dingy indoor spaces. Large windows, plenty of opportunities to slide doors open, and even skylights are the heroes, allowing mood and aesthetic boosting natural light to flood our interiors.

3. The heart of the home

We’re a social bunch, so a home with connected spaces that bring the kitchen, dining area, and lounge together is key. It gives us more space to live and gather with family and friends – no one wants to be stuck in an isolated kitchen, missing out on the fun!

4. Shade and airflow where it counts

With many regions experiencing scorching summers, ventilation, shade, and adequate cooling make all the difference to enjoyable living. Ceiling fans and air conditioning units are essential, and bespoke shade makers like louvre windows, retractable awnings, and shade sails will earn you bonus points.

5. Practical matters

While there’s nothing particularly sexy about storage, it’s key to a clutter-free, organised home that’s a joy to live in. Features like built-in wardrobes, well-organised pantry spaces, and purpose-built laundry rooms make day-to-day living smoother and rank highly with homeowners.

6. The home office or study nook
Hybrid working arrangements are now a permanent fixture in many people's lives,  and the dining table just won’t cut it. Dedicated home offices or study nooks are now a must-have feature, even in the smallest homes.

7. The multi-purpose kitchen

Kitchens are social hubs of our homes, and despite the best-laid plans, you’ll often find guests gathering, kids doing homework, and the family perched with a coffee here. Nothing beats a spacious kitchen island to accommodate this – it acts as an extra prep area, casual dining spot, and the perfect place to enjoy a morning brew.

8. A bountiful backyard

From veggie patches to lush lawns and man-caves, a bountiful backyard is the ultimate Aussie dream. While inner-city suburb living has put space constraints on this, clever courtyards with potted colour and greenery that make the most of the space can tick some of these boxes.

9. Sustainable and pleasing on the pocket

Energy-efficient and sustainable features are steadily creeping up Aussie home buyers’ essentials list, with 75% of Australians believing energy-efficient features are a must-have. Top sustainable features like solar panels, rainwater tanks, and enhanced insulation save the planet and the pocket, giving them broad appeal.

10. Amped up security features
Sadly, home break-ins and vehicle theft are on the rise, which is leading to a desire for enhanced security features within the home. Smart security systems like integrated cameras, intercoms and motion sensors are becoming more advanced and affordable, and appeal for their ability to be connected to other smart systems within the home.

Top international trends we’re bringing home

Australians continue to explore the globe in record numbers, and it’s not surprising we’ve picked up an international trend or two on our travels. Here are some of the favourite worldly influences we’re bringing back home:

• Luxurious wellness features
  Wellness and self-care are no longer a luxury; they’ve become integral and valued in our lives. We’re seeing this brought into the home with influences from traditional Turkish hammams (Turkish baths) and Scandinavian sauna culture. What does this look like? Spa-style bathrooms, luxe tiling, infrared or wood-burning saunas and plenty of steam!

Takeaway trend: expect more buyers favouring homes with established wellness zones or ample space to create their own.

• Scandi-style light, bright spaces
  Scandinavian homes are renowned for making the most of light, space, and nature. Friluftsliv  (pronounced free-loofts-liv) – translates to open-air living, and is a concept that aims to blur the lines between outdoors serenity and indoor comfort. We’re bringing this trend home with Scandi-inspired sunrooms, greenhouse-style dining areas, light woods, and neutrals that lend an airy feel to interiors.

Takeaway trend: buyers are drawn to homes celebrating natural light and a year-round connection with nature.

• Japanese-inspired multi-functional rooms
  Home to some of the world's tiniest apartments, the Japanese have long embraced clever, multi-functional spaces and flexible furniture. With floor plans shrinking here at home, too, buyers are increasingly seeking smart spaces over square meterage. Features such as built-in desks, home offices that double as guest rooms and media rooms that also serve as mindfulness nooks are in demand.

Takeaway trend: functionality without compromise is key. Buyers want spaces that adapt to changing needs, particularly when space is at a premium.

• Global textures and earthy palettes
  There’s a growing appetite for homes that feel grounded, textural and individual, with the current maximalism trend leading the charge here. It sees us bringing home Mediterranean and Moroccan-inspired finishes and features like lime-washed walls, colourful tiles, textured clay renders and curved archways reminiscent of Mediterranean villas and Spanish haciendas.

Takeaway trend: Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that feel grounded, warm, and full of character.

They’re not here yet, but it’s just a matter of time…

Hot on the heels of the international trends we’re already making our own, here’s what’s trending in homes from the UAE to Mexico.

• The smart bathrooms of Japan
  Hygiene and comfort combine with high-tech bathrooms that feature heated toilet seats, bidets, and even music – these are all common features even in the most modest homes.

• Inner courtyards and terraces of Mexico
  Charming, cosy and ready for your next fiesta, traditional Mexican homes often feature inner courtyards that the house wraps around.

• The shutters and terracotta of Italy
  Italy has mastered the art of keeping comfortable on long, hot summer days by combining cooling terracotta and shade, and privacy-providing shutters.

• Majlis rooms of the UAE
  Common in Gulf countries, a Majlis is deeply rooted in Arab culture as a warm, welcoming space for entertaining guests. Modern Majlis feature muted tones and comfortable seating combined with classic features.

• Singapore’s iconic rooftop gardens
  Singaporean high-rises often feature lush rooftop gardens, providing residents with fresh air and a welcome escape to nature.

Today’s buyers are a curious, well-travelled bunch, looking for homes that tick both the practicality and lifestyle boxes. They’re not just looking for a place to live; they’re looking for a home that supports how they want to live. Whether it’s a Turkish-inspired wellness sanctuary, the simplicity of Japanese spaces or a healthy dose of Nordic Friluftsliv, the future of Australian homes is becoming more global and personal.

Source:https://content.firstnational.com.au/blog/home-must-haves-australian-favourites-global-trends/