EP. 1427 THE AUSSIE BACKYARD IS DISAPPEARING – HERE’S WHY

Remember the quintessential Aussie dream? A quarter-acre block with a sprawling backyard for cricket matches and barbecues? That dream is rapidly transforming before our eyes. 

Drawing from insights shared at Australia's largest real estate conference and data from realestate.com.au, we're exploring the dramatic shrinking of Australian residential blocks—from 800-1000 square metres in the 1990s to just 350-450 square metres today. In Sydney, new developments are even smaller, averaging a mere 280-300 square metres. But surprisingly, homebuyers aren't pushing back.

This shift isn't just about land scarcity; it reflects our evolving priorities as homeowners. Australia's aging population (now one in five Australians is over 65, compared to one in ten previously) has less interest in maintaining large outdoor spaces. First-home buyers and downsizers alike are prioritizing internal living space, location, and lifestyle amenities over backyard cricket pitches.

From an urban planning perspective, this transformation makes perfect sense. As one agent points out, developing within existing urban areas allows cities to expand existing infrastructure rather than building entirely new facilities on the outskirts. Sydney occupies roughly the same geographical footprint as Tokyo but houses a fraction of the population—hinting at the potential for increased urban density.

Will the great Aussie backyard become a relic of the past? Are we losing something essential to our national character, or simply adapting to contemporary realities? Join us as we explore how this cultural shift is reshaping our suburbs and cities—and what it means for the future of Australian residential life.

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