Bedroom vs Home Study – What do Buyers Now Want?
As we enter this new WFH (work from home) era, the concept of sacrificing an extra bedroom for a home office is causing significant debate.
And here’s why…
The Times, They Are a-Changin’
There’s no denying it: the pandemic has been the catalyst for a lifestyle change in Australia. It’s re-shaped the way we think, socialise and work. It’s prompted us to analyse our priorities and our futures.
And most of all, it’s transformed the way we use our homes.
With many people spending more time in their own homes than ever before, there’s a definite shift in buyer preferences which is gaining momentum across Melbourne.
Once upon a time, converting a home office into an extra bedroom was a popular idea. After all, if the study was just somewhere to read a book or pay the bills, the extra bedroom space was far preferable, and profitable come time to sell.
But times are changing…
Recent lockdowns have seen many Aussies working from home, and, even with restrictions lifted, a lot of people are opting to continue conducting their day-to-day business from the comfort of their own home.
The fact is that many people are finding their work-from-home arrangements more convenient and budget-friendly.
New Criteria for Home Buyers
Larger living spaces, bigger backyards and a place to use as a home office are all on buyer’s bucket lists.
With the bread winners needing an area to work in that’s separate from the general living space, buyers are looking for homes with a study (particularly enclosed), hallway nook or extra bedroom which they can dedicate to work.
As working from home becomes the new normal, setting up office on the kitchen bench is no longer an option. And they seek an office space separate to the area where they sleep, eat, and relax with the family, to help create some separation and maintain work/life balance.
Families with students learning from home have also proved the necessity of separate zones for work and play. Buyers are looking for homes where they can spread out – with everyone spending more time at home together, the space for extra activities has become a priority.
Bigger backyards are also highly sought after – room to unwind and play a ball game with the kids has become a must.
And over the last 12 months, many people have re-discovered some of the simple pleasures of life: growing a vegetable garden and entertaining family and friends at home have become popular pastimes… but they require space!
Should I Convert My Office into a Bedroom?
Ultimately the choice is yours, but before you start converting your home office into a bedroom, weigh up your options carefully.
If you’re preparing your home for sale, think about the current shift in consumer preferences and what will make your home most attractive to your prospective buyer.
Talk to your Love & Co agent and get their advice – they know who’s ready to invest and exactly what they’re looking for.
Even if you’re not intending to sell any time soon, it’s always wise to consider the resale value of your property should you want to sell down the track – will the changes add or detract from the value of the home?
Something to also note – to comply with the BCA (Building Code Australia) a bedroom must have a certain percentage of natural ventilation and light. So, to put it simply, if your home office is internal and doesn’t have a window, it’s not suitable for a bedroom.
How Can I Make My Home More Attractive to Buyers?
If you’re about to take your property to market, it’s important to maximise your return by presenting your home so that it appeals to a wide sector of the market.
For example, if you have a larger house with plenty of living space, you might wish to consider making some simple changes to present one of the rooms as a home office.
Do you have a granny flat or a double garage that could be easily converted to provide an office space?
It’s important to weigh up the cost of any renovations compared to the extra amount they’ll fetch on the sale price. Your Love & Co agent can offer professional advice here.
Can I Have the Best of Both Worlds?
The simple answer is ‘Yes!’.
If space is at a premium in your home, you might consider having the best of both worlds by installing a Wall Bed.
This ingenious, space-saving concept allows homeowners the luxury of a combined guest room and home office, depending on the need.
With the bed neatly packed away against the wall, the room becomes an attractive, modern home office; with the bed down, it’s a cozy and comfortable bedroom.
For more information about what buyers want and how to maximise the value of your home, let’s chat! We care about your sale, and our team understand the demands of the current market and what buyers in the North are looking for.