‘Pinebox homes’: Features to make properties accessible for elderly becoming popular among young home buyers

Homes where residents can see out their final years are the latest trend in housing, and even young couples setting up their new properties are preparing for the decades ahead. Building brokers and valuers say homes with features that are suitable for Perth’s growing number of elderly residents — like widened doorways for wheelchairs and rails for extra support — are fast gaining in popularity. Garth Davis, from Investment firm Property Powerhouse, said the trend was due in part to the growing number of baby boomers — or ‘last-home buyers’ — but that young people concerned about future mobility issues or even re-sale value were getting in on the act. “If you put $30,000 into a new pool, or the same amount into features for the elderly — the latter will be the bigger seller,” he said. “It appeals to different demographics, as one appeals to under-40s and the other is for post-40s. “And there are more buyers with money aged above 40 these days. Most first home buyers are just scraping by.” Wyonna Stewart, aged 27, and 32-year-old Jesse Radovic are among those who have designed their home — currently being built in Upper Swan — to accommodate them at an age when they may one day need extra support. Ms Stewart said that even if the pair moved before they hit old age, their efforts may one day improve access for visiting parents or would boost the home’s re-sale value. The pair spent an extra $15,000 on features such as a hobless shower — which does not have a step —some widened doorways to accommodate wheelchair access, and floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiles for ease of cleaning. Ms Stewart, who works in aged care, said it was important for the elderly to be given the option of staying in their home in their final years. “It is very important for older people to maintain their individuality, and staying in their own home is something that can help them to do that,” she said. Tristan Kirkham from New Home Building Brokers said baby boomers were increasingly wanting what they called “pinebox homes” in reference to properties where they would spend their final years. Mr Kirkham, who is a judge in the Housing Industry Association’s liveable homes category — which recognises ageing-in-place properties — said features include airjack bench tops which can be adjusted for wheelchairs, shower and toilet rails and properties with ground-floor master suites. “The problem is that by the time baby boomers realise they need help in the house, they often need it urgently, so they just go and buy something off the plan rather than build something themselves,” he said. But those who are preparing ahead are spending “big bucks,” acccording to Mr Kirkham. After cautioning one client that he was over-capitalising on his property (due to the location) by putting in an elevator, his client said he was more concerned about spending his final years in comfort than with the home’s resale potential. “He just laughed and told me it was his pine-box home, and (re-sale) would one day become his kids’ problem,” he said. Building broker Zac Fogarty from Home Seekers Australia said a popular feature with last home buyers was a garage with increased ceiling height to ensure it could store a caravan. But the ultimate house in which to age were dual-key homes, he said. These type of home effectively split a house into two separate abodes, with one side for older parents and the other for adult children or live-in carers, who would one day look after them. Acton Belle real estate agent Fleur Schrader said buyers usually factored in future mobility issues into their buying decisions from age 50. She said there was a strong preference for single level homes for this reason, or in more affluent areas, houses with lifts. Hobless showers were also on trend for those wanting to minimise trip hazards. “People are willing to pay more now so the house is ready for their old age, rather than going back and doing it later,” she said. “I had one woman pay $150,000 above the listing price to ensure she got a home that ticked all those (ageing in place) boxes for her.” Property valuer Gavin Hegney warned while the features could attract a premium, it required the home being in the right location, and older buyers being in the market at the time. MSWA, which runs the Mega Home Lottery, has recently recognised mobility issues by changing its prize house to ensure it catered to people at all stages of life. “We are committed to making our Grand Prize homes more accessible because we understand that inclusive home design is not just a luxury but a necessity for people living with neurological conditions,” said MSWA Head of Lotteries Sophie Brandsma. “When we build homes, liveability is a key consideration — this commitment aligns with our goal of creating homes that serve people at every stage of life.”