The homes that we live in have evolved considerably over time – and now we’re got our focus firmly on today’s trends to see the exciting changes happening in this space. From exploring the housing market to tiny homes, powering the future and making styling more personal, we invite you to step inside and stay a while…
The new Australian dream
We’ve heard the expression ‘less is more’ time and time again. But in today’s property market, it’s certainly ringing true. We spoke to Wollongong real estate agent Troy McNeice from McNeice to get some insight into the Illawarra’s current market. “When it comes to buying property right now, we’re seeing a real shift. Buyers are less focused on square footage and more drawn to how a home and its surroundings make them feel. It’s about connection – to community, to nature, to lifestyle. Walkability, local culture, coastal charm and a slower, more meaningful pace of life are what people are prioritising. And here on the South Coast, we offer all that and more,” says Troy.
Local buyers are prioritising useful space, not just a big space. As Troy explains: “They’re not looking for sprawling lawns or oversized outdoor areas that require constant upkeep. Instead, buyers are now craving functional, thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that enhance day-to-day living. It might be a north-facing deck perfect for morning coffee, a fire pit for weekend gatherings, or a lush but low-maintenance garden where the kids or dog can play safely.”
For years, the South Coast quietly offered all the lifestyle perks of coastal living without the intensity of the city. But those days of flying under the radar are long gone. “With remote work more permanent and lifestyle migration on the rise, the South Coast has captured the attention of buyers across NSW – particularly those looking to leave the city behind without compromising on culture, quality schools, cafes and community,” says Troy.
And now might be the best time to buy in recent years. Local mortgage broker Avalon Punch from Five Islands Finance says: “Inflation has just reached its lowest point since December 2021, which is really positive news for those hoping for more rate cuts in the short term. The economists are predicting two more rate cuts over the next six to eight months. This will massively help both existing mortgage holders and home buyers trying to enter the market.”
Tiny homes, big hearts
You may have come across tiny homes in off the grid retreats or on holidays. But what about in suburbia? Nestled in the heart of East Corrimal, Hayley Macfarlane and her family are proving that big dreams can fit into small spaces. With plans to knock down their old cottage and build a forever home, the Macfarlanes were faced with the dilemma of paying rent elsewhere while also maintaining their existing property. “I presented my idea to my husband about purchasing a tiny home to be able to live on-site during our building process. It would save us thousands of dollars of rent during our build but also provide the opportunity for our kids to experience the reality of the blood, sweat and tears that goes into building our forever home,” says Hayley.
After a well-timed family camping trip rekindled the family’s love for living simply, Hayley seized the moment and finally convinced her husband to join the tiny home movement. Within five days, a contract with Havenwood was signed, and their downsized dream began taking shape. “What we loved about tiny homes were the quality, cost and at the end of the build of our new home, we are able to remove it from our property allowing us to regain access to our backyard,” explains Hayley.
The process was surprisingly smooth. Hayley had already researched everything from design laws to tiny home builders, eventually working with Havenwood to customise a three-bedroom layout tailored to their family’s needs, including their two children and dog. “We are over four months into our adventure. It now just feels like home. There is absolutely nothing that we feel we miss from living small,” says Hayley.
Electrifying your home for the future
There’s a quiet revolution happening in backyards, rooftops and switchboards across Australia and right here in the Illawarra, we’re leading the charge. With energy prices rising and climate consciousness deepening, more homeowners are asking the same question: What does it really mean to future-proof my home? The answer? Electrification.
Launched in late 2024, Electrify 2515 is Australia’s first community-led home electrification pilot and it’s putting the Illawarra on the map as a pioneer in sustainable living. Initiated by a group of passionate locals in the 2515 postcode area and driven by Rewiring Australia, Brighte and Endeavour Energy, the pilot is a research project that is offering subsidies and support to help participants switch from gas to efficient electric systems, covering upgrades such as:
With funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the pilot is studying the whole process from choosing appliances and tradies, right through to the impact it has on our local grid. Together, participants are working to show what’s possible – and build the case for supporting every Australian home to electrify.
“This project is an example of a community making and storing its own energy, which it will eventually be able to share. This community effort will help pave the way for energy resilient communities across the country,” Rewiring Australia Co-Founder and Chief Scientist Dr Saul Griffith said.
“Nothing is more powerful than a community coming together and starting a movement, and that has been demonstrated with this pilot where people are taking control over their energy bills,” he said. Electrify 2515 is locally grounded but it signals a broader national shift. As of July 2025, the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries program is now rolling out 30% subsidies for households installing batteries, making clean energy storage more affordable than ever.
Ripples are being felt across the region, with exciting projects and groups popping up down the coast. Electrify Illawarra, Repower Shoalhaven and Electrify Kiama are helping householders be part of the energy transition.
The push to electrify isn’t just about cutting emissions, it’s also about comfort, cost savings and control. An all-electric home powered by renewables can reduce household bills by thousands over time.
Making your house a home
As we notice a shift away from cookie cutter interiors and towards a more layered, personal approach, we spoke to Jessi Deakin from local interior design and decoration studio, JEI Studio on how we can reflect this in our own homes. “People are craving spaces that feel grounded and individual – not just styled to impress. My clients are favouring natural, tactile materials that age beautifully and create a sense of comfort. This looks like raw timber, stone, linen and handmade elements. It’s no longer just about the way a space looks but the impact of materiality on how a space feels and evolves over time,” explains Jessi.
” I recommend taking your time to collect and incorporate meaningful items such as heirlooms, vintage finds, handmade ceramics and artwork by local creatives,” says Jessi. And here on the Coal Coast, we are spoiled for choice with talented artisans and their beautiful wares – explore local markets, boutiques and art fairs to find your forever keepsakes. Jessi recommends looking for one-of-a-kind pieces that “spark conversation, joy and fond memories.”
Jessi has also noticed a shift in the way homes are designed, particularly post-Covid with more people working from home. “People are creating their homes to support rest and reset. This means less clutter, more thoughtful zoning and design choices that prioritise function, organisation and wellbeing,” explains Jessi. Nature also plays a key role in this aesthetic with people wanting their homes to reflect the beautiful and unique landscape surrounding them. It’s like bringing the outside in – drawing on coastal palettes, escarpment tones, materiality derived from nature and the relaxed rhythm of the Coal Coast lifestyle influencing the design and style of interiors.
You can explore more at:
McNeice / W: mmproperty.com.au
Havenwood / W: havenwood.com.au
We’d love to send you occassional news and updates of happenings along the Coal Coast to your inbox!
We’d love to send some occasional news and updates of happenings along our Coal Coast to your inbox!
