Big data analysis reveals what property seekers really want

Have you ever wondered what specific features buyers and renters look for when they do online property searches?

Well, PropTrack has analysed listings on realestate.com.au and discovered certain keywords enjoyed a big rise in popularity in 2022, when compared with the previous year.

For buyers, the 10 search terms (which could include just one keyword or multiple keywords) that saw the biggest year-on-year growth were:

1. Garage, swimming pool.
2. Air conditioning, swimming pool.
3. Air conditioning, garage.
4. Air conditioning, dishwasher.
5. Balcony, garage.
6. Ensuite, garage.
7. Paddocks.
8. Built-in robes, outdoor area.
9. Shed, swimming pool.
10. Flood.

PropTrack Senior Data Analyst Karen Dellow said outdoor features – such as garages, pools and balconies – enjoyed a big rise in popularity last year.

“With all the natural disasters Australia has experienced recently, searches for ‘flood’ were four times higher year-on-year,” she added.

What renters want

For renters, the search terms that experienced the biggest year-on-year increase in popularity were:

1. Furnished, pet friendly.
2. Pet-friendly, swimming pool.
3. Furnished, swimming pool.
4. Air conditioning, dishwasher, heating.
5. Air conditioning, built-in robes.
6. Built-in robes, dishwasher.
7. Air conditioning, garage, pet friendly.
8. Built-in robes, garage.
9. Air conditioning, ensuite.
10. Air conditioning, garage.

“What makes the renter's list different from the buyer's is the high demand for features that come included in the property, such as furniture, dishwashers and built-in robes,” Ms Dellow said.

“Buyers can add additional features to a property once they move in, whereas a renter relies on what is already available, making air conditioning and heating of high importance.”

I love helping renters become homeowners – especially when I introduce them to government housing incentives they may be eligible for. Book an appointment if you’d like to swap renting for owning. I’ll find the right finance for you and be by your side through the entire process.