{"id":5264,"date":"2023-06-01T09:13:16","date_gmt":"2023-05-31T23:13:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/financialplus.com.au\/?p=5264"},"modified":"2023-06-01T09:13:16","modified_gmt":"2023-05-31T23:13:16","slug":"why-more-aussies-are-turning-their-backs-on-the-mcmansion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/financialplus.com.au\/why-more-aussies-are-turning-their-backs-on-the-mcmansion\/","title":{"rendered":"Why more Aussies are turning their backs on the McMansion"},"content":{"rendered":"
Many Australians are crossing the McMansion off their wish list in favour of smaller, smarter, low-maintenance homes.<\/p>\n A recent\u00a0ING study<\/a>\u00a0surveyed over 1000 Australians about their home preferences.<\/p>\n Over a quarter (26%) said the cost of maintaining and running a larger home would see them gravitate to a smaller abode.<\/p>\n And 19% said they\u2019d consider a smaller outdoor area for ease of maintenance.<\/p>\n Australia has some of the biggest homes in the world, according to the\u00a02020 CommSec Home Size Report<\/a>. But it seems that there\u2019s a swing in the other direction.<\/p>\n A\u00a02022 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report<\/a>\u00a0shows that Australian homes are being built on smaller blocks, with a size decrease of 13% over the past 10 years in capital cities.<\/p>\n What are two things we all wish we had more of?<\/p>\n Money and free time, am I right?<\/p>\n With the cost of living rising (as well as the cash rate!), cracking the property market can feel like a slog. But revising your wish list to include a smaller (and smarter) home could make it easier.<\/p>\n On average, smaller homes, townhouses, and units tend to be more affordable. And this can be a great option for those wanting to get into the housing market in a more attractive location.<\/p>\n But a smaller dwelling delivers other perks, too.<\/p>\n ING\u2019s study highlighted the growing preference for lower-maintenance homes to simplify lifestyles.<\/p>\n According to the\u00a0ABS<\/a>, Aussies spend around three hours a day on domestic activities.<\/p>\n But a smaller space can reduce cleaning time. And with a smaller outdoor area, you can reclaim your weekend and say goodbye to all that gruelling yard work.<\/p>\n Also, smaller homes can be more efficient when it comes to energy consumption.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a first-time home buyer, the\u00a0Home Guarantee Scheme<\/a>\u00a0could give you the extra boost you need to get into the market.<\/p>\n Being eligible could shave, on average,\u00a0five years off your home-buying process<\/a>.<\/p>\n The First Home Guarantee and Regional First Home Guarantee offer loans with a low deposit of 5% with no lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).<\/p>\n And the Family Home Guarantee offers eligible single parents loans with a deposit of just 2% and no LMI.<\/p>\nAustralians are increasingly \u201cthinking small\u201d when it comes to buying a home and cracking the property market. And with perks like affordability, more desirable locations, and lower maintenance, it\u2019s little wonder why.<\/strong><\/p>\n
So why the switch to smaller homes?<\/h3>\n
A smaller home may help make you eligible for government schemes<\/h3>\n