The secret to making smart choices in Sydney’s premium property market lies beyond price tags and postcodes.
As a buyer’s agent with design expertise, I’ve seen families struggle with tough property choices, especially when thinking about ageing parents.
Through years of guiding clients, I’ve learned that successful property decisions rest on three interconnected pillars: connectivity, productivity and affordability. Many focus only on affordability, but it’s the blend of these elements that defines a property’s long-term value.
Connectivity Leads to Productivity and Affordability:
Think of it like a well-designed machine—when all parts work together, it runs smoothly. Similarly, when your property choice enhances your daily productivity and maintains vital connections to family, work and essential services, what seemed expensive initially often proves more affordable in the long run.
In addition to a fast commute to work, easy access to healthcare reduces overall costs as a result of connectivity.
The Affordability-Productivity Connection
Looking at transport maps is one of my first steps when helping clients find affordable properties that boost their productivity.
Train lines, for instance, can connect you to multiple suburbs, often at different price points. A single train line can take you from, for example, Penrith to Milson’s Point, opening up various lifestyle and budget options along the way, all connected by the same convenient route.
Recent demographic changes are reshaping our understanding of property needs.
As discussed in my previous post about connectivity, the Warringah housing forum revealed striking statistics: out of 81,000 workers in the area, less than 10% are registered as essential workers—including police, doctors and carers.
This highlights a broader issue.
Essential workers are being priced out of the areas where they are most needed, limiting support for our ageing populations. Affordable, well-connected housing isn’t just a personal need; it’s a societal one.
Smart Property Decisions for Multi-Generational Needs
Property decisions become more complex when you’re looking after ageing parents. It’s not just about finding a beautiful home—it’s about making choices that work both now and in the future.
Timing matters enormously.
I’ve seen many families wait until they have no choice but to move, which limits their options and adds unnecessary stress.
I always say, ‘Don’t wait until tomorrow because tomorrow never comes.’ Acting early allows for better planning and more choices.
Take one family’s situation—they have a stunning 180-degree harbour-view property, perfectly positioned with flat access to local amenities, including an RSL club.
They spent years discussing possible modifications but never acted on them.
Now, with mobility issues and dementia, their options are severely limited.
The alternative?
Looking at brand new units nearby would cost them around $4 million for less space and inferior finishes. These new apartments had compromises like half-sized dishwashers, narrow doorways and limited cooking facilities—features that might seem minor but make a big difference in daily comfort and use.
Meanwhile, a neighbouring property with similar views and a DA approval for a duplex sold for the same price, offering far more potential for customisation and multi-generational living.
This is why proactive planning is so crucial—early modifications could have preserved their independence.
Making Properties More Affordable Through Smart Design
It’s necessary to look beyond surface features when evaluating properties, particularly for multi-generational living. Sometimes, minor modifications can make a home safer and more liveable without requiring a costly move.
For instance, I recently advised a client about simple safety improvements: installing rails, adding non-slip surfaces, and ensuring adequate lighting. These adjustments don’t just help older adults; they also make homes safer for young families. Non-slip surfaces, for example, are as beneficial for children as they are for seniors.
The key is understanding how spaces can adapt.
A home that can accommodate a live-in carer might be more affordable in the long run than moving to a nursing facility.
In some cases, government programs may assist with at-home care, potentially making it more cost-effective than other care options. Cost savings aren’t the only benefit of this approach—independence and quality of life are as well.
Consider the possibility of creating a self-contained unit or granny flat within your existing property. This could provide space for a live-in carer while offering them reduced rent in exchange for assistance.
Building Quality and Future-Proofing
The quality of construction plays a major role in a property’s long-term affordability.
Thirty years ago, homes were often built with materials and methods that have stood the test of time. Double brick construction, solid slabs and quality materials are hard to find today.
When assessing properties, it’s essential to consider not just the current condition but the underlying construction quality that will affect future modification potential.
Homes built with enduring materials are more adaptable to future changes, which means less expense and effort down the line. Good construction makes adaptation easier and more affordable, whether it’s widening doorways, planning for future lift installations, or ensuring bathrooms can be safely modified.
The Role of Expert Guidance
Design expertise combined with property knowledge offers unique insights.
For example, I always carry a tape measure to check doorway clearances—seemingly adequate doorways often don’t account for actual mobility device requirements once you factor in door swing space.
These details matter immensely.
A property marketed as ‘perfect for downsizers’ might have a lift that’s too narrow for a walker or bathroom spaces that can’t accommodate future safety modifications.
Even the materials used in construction can impact future modification potential. This is particularly important in Sydney’s market, where quality can vary significantly even at high price points.
During the evaluation of properties, I’m not just looking at current features but assessing the potential for adaptation.
Can doorways be widened? Is there space for a future lift installation? How easily can bathrooms be modified for safety?
These considerations are crucial for long-term affordability and usability.
Conclusion
Understanding how affordability and productivity work together is necessary for making smart property decisions. There are times when the most affordable option is not the cheapest option. It’s the one that best accommodates your lifestyle.
If you want to plan ahead for ageing parents or think about your own future, act before circumstances force you to do so. By considering both affordability and productivity in your property decisions, you can create better outcomes for your whole family.
Ready to make a smart property move? Let’s see how we can make your ideal home both affordable and practical for your needs. Book your free 30-minute consultation today.
