Fancy new technology and gadgets that help with everything from parking to cooking are just some of the must-have accessories for homeowners in high-end suburbs.
Features that add wow-factor like a car turntable to make parking easier or a garage stacker to create another parking spot are just the start, with integrated coffee machines, butler’s pantries, smart technology, dumbwaiters and even lifts all on the wish list for cashed-up owners.
The dream bedroom. Photo / Crestron
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House hunters searching in blue-chip neighbourhoods in Sydney have become reliant on new homes to have these inclusions as they look to increase convenience, space and add value.
Sydneysiders Michael and Janelle Jones are selling their own hi-tech home in Lane Cove, complete with a C-Bus automated system, keyless entry and even electronic toilets.
Mr Jones said there is now a certain level of luxury required in all aspects of newly built homes.
“If someone is buying an up-market place it’s an expectation that it will have expensive appliances, top shelf technology and a fully integrated kitchen,” he said.
“People see it on TV and buy it because of the functionality.
Having control of the blinds and the iPad takes it to another level — I suppose it’s the epitome of laziness that is modern life.”
Listing agent James Bennett of Belle Property-Lane Cove said the addition of features like smart technology or elevators makes the property a better prospect when it comes time to sell.
“There is no real figure you can put on it but buyers will appreciate the added value,” he said.
“They now have a lot more choice so when you are a step above or unique in this way it’s a big advantage to sellers.”
The recently relisted LA mansion of property developer Bruce Makowsky certainly sets the benchmark for incredible additions, with a four-lane bowling alley, ‘candy room’, helipad and 40-seat movie theatre just some of the reasons it is valued at $US150 million.
Users want simplicity. Photo / Crestron
This Bel Air property could be the next step. Photo / Berlyn Photography
While that level of extravagance isn’t seen on our own shores, technology expert Ben Clay of Autm8 Solutions said the future of many homes would be based largely around things like voice control to increase ease of living.
“People want simplicity rather than needing to be a technology genius just to watch a movie,” he said.
Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee said housing preferences had become a reflection of wider trends in society like intergenerational living, the internet age or the environment.
“Things that were considered luxury 10 years ago are now quite normal in your average home now,” she said.
“People are much more conscience about environmental issues and it will become more widespread in the future. Interconnectivity is also something that people will become more engaged with,” she added.
- news.com.au
