What Buyers Are Really Asking for in 2026 (and what that means for your home)
If you’ve been watching the property market headlines lately, it can feel like buyers are only focused on interest rates, prices, and timing.
But what we’re seeing on the ground in 2026 is a shift in the types of questions buyers are asking. While presentation and finishes are still important, buyers are spending more time talking about how a home will support their day-to-day life.
At open homes and private inspections, conversations are increasingly centred on practicality, comfort, and lifestyle. For sellers, understanding these priorities can help shape how a home is presented and positioned, without needing to make unnecessary changes.
Buyers Are Prioritising Liveability and Comfort
Buyers still appreciate well-presented homes, but they’re also looking closely at how spaces connect and flow, how the home feels to live in, and whether it will suit their lifestyle now and into the future. Homes that feel balanced and comfortable tend to resonate strongly, particularly when the layout supports easy living.
Layout Matters More Than Ever
Layout has become a key focus in buyer decision-making. Many are asking whether the home will genuinely work for everyday routines. Open-plan living that feels functional, bedrooms positioned with privacy in mind, and flexible spaces that can adapt to working from home, guests, or changing family needs are all high on the list. Thoughtful layouts are consistently well received because they help buyers imagine how they would use the home.
Lifestyle Plays a Major Role in Buying Decisions
Lifestyle continues to play a major role in purchasing decisions. Buyers are not just buying a house, they’re buying into an area and a way of life. Questions often centre around walkability, access to nature, schools, commuting, and the general feel of the neighbourhood. In places like the Perth Hills and surrounding suburbs, lifestyle considerations are often just as influential as the home itself.
Easy Living Is a Key Priority for Buyers
Comfort and ease of living are front of mind for many buyers. Natural light, ventilation, heating and cooling, practical storage, and outdoor spaces that are enjoyable without being high maintenance all contribute to a home that feels easy to live in. These features often leave a lasting impression during inspections.
What This Means for Sellers in 2026
For those thinking about selling, the takeaway is reassuring. Presentation still matters, but it doesn’t need to come at the expense of authenticity. Focusing on how your home functions and the lifestyle it offers can be just as impactful as highlighting finishes or design features. Buyers want to picture the life they could live there.
Understanding Buyer Priorities Can Make a Difference
Buyers in 2026 are thoughtful, informed, and lifestyle-led. They’re looking for homes that support real life, from busy mornings to relaxed evenings and everything in between. When sellers understand what buyers are truly looking for, they’re better positioned to present their homes with clarity and confidence, often leading to stronger outcomes.
Thinking About Your Next Step?
If you’re considering selling and would like to understand how today’s buyer priorities align with your home, a property appraisal can be a helpful next step. It provides clarity around value, presentation, and timing, based on current buyer behaviour in your local area, so you can move forward with confidence.
You might not have met us all yet… At Provincial Real Estate, we’re more than just agents – we’re a diverse and passionate team of locals who live, work, and breathe the Perth Hills.
With years of combined experience, we’re here to guide and support you through every step of your property journey – whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your next move.
🌿 Real people. Real results. Right here in the Hills.
Want to get to know us a little better. Head to the team page right here on our website: https://www.provincialrealestate.com.au/our-team/
Your journey as a buyer is exciting, and you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to explore your options in the Hills? Let’s chat.
👉 Book your free, no obligation property appraisal today
