The Fixr Home Design Report 2022 surveyed 47 house designers, with 98% citing natural lighting as their preferred home feature, followed by home offices (96%) and usable open spaces (92%). Experts believe that natural lighting coincided with homeowners' desire for more energy-efficient thermal insulation (86%) and air conditioning systems (75%).
However, pandemic preferences, such as swimming pools, solar panels and the "smart home" function, were cited by only 18%, 20% and 43%, respectively.
"Creating a functional living space outdoors, you get more usable space in your property," the report said. "It can allow you to have fun, relax or exercise without having to go anywhere, increasing the fun of your home".
The report also found that the average landlord spends about $3,500 to turn his spare room into a desirable place to work at home.
Other features preferred by homeowners include home security systems (76%), spare rooms (68%), privacy features including automatic blinds and fences (63%), and multifunctional garages (42%).