Trend watchers in the luxury real estate market have released the top trends and features on every luxury home buyer’s wish list for the next year.
With that said, if you are looking to sell or buy a luxury home in 2019 (or simply want a sneak peak into how the other half live), here are the trends to be on the lookout for:
1. Increased privacy
Although privacy is often a key feature that most homeowners look for when purchasing a home, 2019 has seen an increase in the demand for a greater sense of privacy amongst higher priced homes. Luxury homeowners are wanting a greater degree of distance between them, their neighbours and the outside world, so features such as gates, high walls and hedges are on the rise. That said, the demand for these features to be aesthetically pleasing is also on the rise, so a simple brick wall or a line of messy shrubs won’t do.
2. Smart security
Following on from the privacy trend, smart security features are also popular amongst luxury home seekers. Most luxury homes nowadays come standard with higher end technology features such as light or temperature control and electronic fireplaces, so security features are no exception. Being able to control your home’s security system from your smartphone or tablet has now become a “must-have”, rather than a “nice to have”.
Read more: Upgrading your home security in 2019
3. Eco-friendly homes
Although homeowners across the board are looking at ways to minimise their monthly household costs, there has been a huge increase in the amount of money luxury homeowners are willing to invest in “going green” or off-the-grid, especially with regards to water and electricity use. Features such as rainwater tanks, boreholes and solar panels have become increasingly popular and are also considered “must-haves”.
4. A view from the loo
Everyone knows that the main ensuite bathroom has always been a key selling point in any home, and this year, the bar has been raised when it comes to luxury living. Nowadays, luxury homeowners are looking for bathrooms that offer one a stunning view of the world outside, so full length, one-way windows that showcase the great outdoors and allow in natural light are incredibly popular.
5. Smaller swimming pools
While a large swimming pool was once a marker of wealth and affluence in days gone by, these days luxury homeowners are looking for smaller, plunge-type pools that require less space, a more intimate and personal feel and ultimately, less maintenance. Although bigger homes are being built, there is a decline in the amount of space being allocated to a pool – although the desire to have a pool onsite has definitely remained a constant.
6. Guest suites
Whereas most of us are used to accommodating our guests in our spare or designated guest room, luxury homes are now sporting entirely self-contained guest suites. These can be separate and located elsewhere on the property in the instances of some high-end homes, or semi-detached from the home itself i.e. off the garage or on a lower level. Some are even fully kitted out with their own kitchen and living areas, in addition to the room(s) and private bathroom.
See more: Quick tricks to add luxury to your en suite
7. Customising the space
For some luxurious homes, customisation as a trend has been taken to the next level with customised features such as a home cinema, wine cellar or gym being firm favourites. While these might be considered a little overindulgent, there is a trend amongst high-end homeowners to customise their property in a way that suits their lifestyle and offers the epitome of convenience – after all, who wants to stand in a queue to see a movie when you can experience it all from the comfort of your own home.
No matter what the latest trends or features, it seems that luxury home buyers will always be on the hunt for what best adds value and comfort to their daily lives, no matter how lavish or extreme. Depending on whether you’re one of the lucky few that can afford to go all out (or whether you’re just a daydreamer like the rest of us), it’s worthwhile taking note of these trends and seeing where you can create your own taste of luxury where you are and with what you have.
