I was talking to a friend of mine the other day who is about to build a home.

1. Open Plan Kitchen – 21^st century living is about flow between the different living areas. Potential buyers always want to envisage themselves entertaining. Part of the process is being able to cook while still talking to guests or family. Make this one a priority.

2. Alfresco Living – Seamless integration between inside and out is also a real “wow” factor. The ability to open up and enjoy a balmy summers night in this fantastic climate we live in is a real plus.

3. Views to the backyard – This one is particularly true for young Mums who want to be able to give their kids the freedom to roam outside but also want to keep an eye on them. Factor this feature into your planning if you are buying in an area such as Floreat or Nedlands whereby the large backyard is one of the principal drawcards.

4. Environmentally Friendly – People are becoming more concerned about the environment. Just ask Kevin Rudd who built an election campaign around that ideal. Taking into consideration the positioning of the sun at different times of the year can save 1000s of dollars over time. More importantly, it can lessen the impact of greenhouse gases on the atmosphere. It is certainly worth talking to experts on saving energy before you build.

5. Parents retreat – The days of Mum and Dad living on top of the kids are long gone. Now days the idea of the kids having their own quarters has considerable appeal.

6. Walk-in robes – Women love this one. They don’t like having to share space and they don’t like their clothes creased. So if you can fit one in – do so. In fact, if you can add an additional dressing room for the Master Suite, do it too.

7. His and Hers Showers – This feature is becoming increasing desirable; probably due to the fast paced nature of the 21st century life. Men don’t want to be waiting hours to get a shower.

8. Kids Playroom – If you can create an area with lots of storage that the kids can play safely inside, and you can close the door to the mess, you’ll win many friends, particularly amongst Mum’s with little kids.

9. High Ceilings and pitched rooves – A traditional favourite that keeps on kicking. Unlike the 1980s however, drop the dark brown painted beams. This feature works particularly well where the kitchen meets the alfresco area.

10. Quality Finishes – Buyers are becoming more discerning. Your home can be in the best location, have a great design, tick all the boxes – but if the finishes don’t match, a lot of potential buyers will dismiss the house. Mark Twain once said: “The clothes make the man”. The same is true for your home. What sort of bench tops, light fittings, kitchen appliances will you be fitting? This is not the area to skimp.

David Fear