Australia vs the World: The Surprising Differences in Property Size and Type
How Do Australian Properties Compare Globally?
Australians have long been known for their love of space, a characteristic deeply embedded in the country’s property culture. But how do Australian homes compare to those around the world in terms of size, layout, and design? Let’s take a closer look at the defining features of Australian properties and what global trends are influencing the way we live.
1. Australian Homes Are Among the Largest in the World
When it comes to size, Australian homes consistently rank among the largest globally. According to research by CommSec, the average new house size in Australia in 2022 was approximately 230 square metres. To put this into perspective:
This is nearly double the size of a typical house in the UK, which averages between 76-90 square metres.
Australian homes are also larger than the average homes in Europe and North America, where the typical US home measures around 190-210 square metres.
Why Are Australian Homes So Big?
Abundant Land: Traditionally, there has been greater land availability in suburban and regional areas.
Cultural Preferences: The “Great Australian Dream” of a spacious home with a backyard has been a long-standing aspiration.
Lifestyle: Large homes often cater to families, with multiple bedrooms, open-plan layouts, and outdoor spaces being common features.
However, this trend is slowly shifting, particularly in urban areas.
2. Preference for Detached Homes
Detached homes dominate Australia’s property market, accounting for approximately 70% of all dwellings (Australian Bureau of Statistics). This stands in contrast to housing trends in other countries:
In Japan, where space is scarce, smaller apartments and compact multi-storey homes are the norm, with apartments often as small as 30 square metres.
Across Europe, townhouses and terrace homes are prevalent due to limited land availability.
Australian cities, by comparison, have historically expanded outward, resulting in sprawling suburbs with larger plots. However, rising population density in cities like Sydney and Melbourne has driven a gradual shift toward higher-density housing, such as apartments and townhouses.
3. Urban Density vs Suburban Living
Australia’s low population density of 3 people per square kilometre (ABS, 2023) contrasts sharply with countries like Japan (347 people/sq km) and the UK (281 people/sq km). This has traditionally allowed Australians to enjoy spacious suburban living.
But as the population is expected to double by 2070, urban planning is increasingly prioritising higher-density housing to accommodate growth.
In Sydney, apartments now make up 30% of all dwellings (Domain).
This shift mirrors trends in densely populated regions of Asia and Europe, where compact living has long been the norm.
4. Climate and Lifestyle Influence Design
Australia’s climate and outdoor-focused lifestyle significantly shape the design of its homes:
Open-Plan Living: Homes often feature open layouts, large windows, and outdoor entertaining areas to take advantage of natural light and warm weather.
Outdoor Integration: Barbecues, decks, and garden spaces are common.
By contrast:
European Homes prioritise insulation and smaller rooms for energy efficiency during colder months.
In Scandinavia, homes are built to maximise sustainability, with designs focusing on energy efficiency year-round.
Australia is catching up with global sustainability trends. For instance, the 2022 National Construction Code introduced stricter energy efficiency standards, encouraging the use of solar panels and improved insulation.
5. Shrinking Home Sizes
Interestingly, while Australian homes remain large by global standards, they are gradually shrinking. Over the past decade, the average house size has decreased by 5-10%, driven by:
Rising land prices and construction costs.
A shift toward more compact homes in urban areas.
New apartments in Australia now average around 130 square metres, significantly smaller than earlier designs. Globally:
Apartments in Hong Kong or Japan can be as small as 20-30 square metres.
Even in the US, rising costs and sustainability concerns are encouraging more efficient, smaller home designs.
What Can Australia Learn from Other Countries?
Australia’s housing market is gradually adapting to global trends, and there’s much to learn from other nations:
1. Smart Design
Countries like Japan and parts of Europe excel in space-efficient design, with features like multi-purpose furniture, clever storage solutions, and modular layouts. These innovations could help Australians make better use of smaller spaces.
2. Sustainability
Scandinavian countries lead the way in eco-friendly housing, prioritising renewable energy and energy-efficient designs. Australia is moving in this direction but has room for further development.
3. Prioritising Functionality Over Size
Smaller homes can be liveable, stylish, and functional. As housing affordability becomes a bigger issue, Australians may shift focus to quality and design over sheer size.
Key Takeaways
Australia’s Homes Are Big: Australians enjoy some of the largest homes globally, but average sizes are beginning to decline.
Detached Houses Still Reign: While detached homes dominate, urban centres are seeing growth in apartments and townhouses.
Global Trends Are Shaping the Future: Sustainability, smart design, and higher-density living are influencing Australia’s housing market.
Whether you’re buying, renovating, or simply planning your next move, there’s much to learn from the way other countries approach housing. As Australia’s population grows and urbanisation increases, adapting to these global trends will be crucial for creating liveable, sustainable homes.
