South Australian Property Searches Signal Shift Towards Accessibility and Multi-Generational Living

New data from PropTrack reveals significant changes in how South Australians search for property, indicating a fundamental shift towards accessibility-focused housing and multi-generational living arrangements.

Analysis of search terms on realestate.com.au shows the most dramatic increase was for "tenanted" properties, up 106 per cent over the past 12 months. This surge reflects the growing investment focus in a market where rental yields remain attractive despite rising property values.

Accessibility Features Drive Market Demand

The data reveals strong demand for accessibility features, with searches for "wide doorways" increasing 74 per cent, "elevator" up 72 per cent, and "step-free entry" rising 70 per cent. These trends suggest buyers are increasingly considering long-term mobility needs and aging-in-place strategies.

"Brand new" property searches increased 97 per cent, while "accessible car park" rose 78 per cent and "yard" climbed 76 per cent, indicating preferences for modern, practical living spaces.

Harris Real Estate agent Tom Hector noted a pronounced shift in buyer attitudes. "More than ever before, people love flat land. Anything flat that people can add onto is where there are lots of buyers," he said.

Forever Homes Replace Stepping Stones

The market analysis suggests Australians are increasingly viewing properties as permanent residences rather than temporary investments. Hector attributed this change partly to rising transaction costs, particularly stamp duty.

"People are realising it's so difficult to buy a home right now that they're choosing to renovate or make decisions for the future," he explained. "The biggest killer at the moment is stamp duty. The buying and selling costs are becoming so expensive."

Modern four-bedroom, two-bathroom homes with two living areas and double garages on flat blocks have become particularly sought after, representing practical family living solutions.

Multi-Generational Living Gains Momentum

Independent auctioneer Brett Roenfeldt identified multi-generational and multi-family living as significant market drivers, initially influenced by multicultural communities but now driven by economic necessity.

"There are families now where their kids are all grown up but perhaps the kids are not in rental accommodation or they want to provide some sort of space for them," Roenfeldt said.

The trend extends to aged care considerations, with some buyers exploring properties that could accommodate care packages as alternatives to nursing homes or retirement villages.

"Dual living" searches increased 71 per cent, while "single-storey" and "two-storey" searches rose 59 per cent and 54 per cent respectively, reflecting diverse approaches to multi-generational accommodation.

Market Implications

These search patterns suggest the South Australian property market is adapting to demographic changes, including an aging population and evolving family structures. The emphasis on accessibility features and practical layouts indicates buyers are making more strategic, long-term housing decisions.

For policymakers and developers, the data highlights growing demand for housing that supports aging in place and multi-generational living, areas that may require targeted planning and development responses.