New keyword search data by PropTrack shows Australians still love a home with all the mod cons – and a few features are consistently at the top of the list.
“Swimming pool” was once again the most searched keyword in 2025, cementing its place as the number one feature Australian buyers want in a home. Pools have proven perennially popular, especially among established families, although they can deter some buyers concerned about maintenance and safety.
“Garage” was close behind, indicating many buyers prioritise a place to park, store their gear or even start a business. Garages remain a requirement for many, with 91% of households having at least one car and 55% having two or more, according to ABS data. There were about 560,000 more registered motor vehicles in January 2025 than the year prior, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics.
“Air conditioning” came in third place, which is unsurprising given 2023, 2024 and 2025 were the three hottest years on record. Other popular searches included “ensuite”, “built in robes” and “dishwasher”, suggesting these are now seen as standard inclusions rather than luxuries.
For mortgage brokers, these search trends highlight the features borrowers are most willing to stretch for – crucial context when advising on budgets, pre‑approvals, and offer strategies in a market where homes are selling in just 28 days on average amid a chronic housing shortage and intense competition.
Analysis of the fastest‑rising search terms over the past year reveals major trends that could shape the market in the long term.
The search term with the biggest increase was “single storey”, with searches rising 72%. Similarly themed terms with strong growth include “elevator” (up 68%), “step free entry” (up 53%) and “wide doorways” (up 53%).
Single‑storey and step‑free homes make day‑to‑day life easier as mobility declines, while wide doorways can accommodate mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
With ABS projections showing the number of Australians aged 65 and over will more than double in the next 40 years, and most older people preferring to stay in their homes rather than move into residential aged care, demand for accessible housing is set to grow.
The rise in these accessibility‑focused searches suggests more buyers are looking for “forever homes” that will suit them now and as they age.
Other fast‑growing terms, such as “dual income” (up 72%), “dual occupancy” (up 31%), and “dual living” (up 29%), point to buyers chasing flexibility.
Some are seeking multigenerational setups with separate spaces for grandparents, extended family or adult children. Others are targeting homes that can provide multiple income streams by renting out self‑contained areas.
Investor‑style searches also climbed. Queries for “STCA” (subject to council approval) rose 31%, while “corner block” searches were up 29%. Both signal a growing cohort of buyers looking for development potential or subdivision options, with “subject to council approval” highlighting where future projects may be possible.
Rising keyword searches also reveal different priorities across the capitals:
Homes that align with these emerging search trends – from pools and cooling to accessibility, dual‑income layouts and city‑specific must‑haves – are likely to be highly sought‑after in the year ahead, giving vendors a valuable point of difference at sale time, PropTrack reported.
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