6 Ways Community-centric Living Is Transforming Neighbourhoods

Aussie buyers increasingly seek neighbourhoods that offer more than just a house to live in, and it’s transforming the real estate landscape in real time.

Gone are the days when a quarter acre block was the ultimate Australian dream.

These days, buyers still want spacious modern homes but it’s increasingly what’s beyond the doorstep that becoming most important.

Unsurprisingly, this trend is changing what buyers are looking for when purchasing a new home, according to Sophie Pickett-Heaps, Stockland’s Head of Design and Placemaking.

“We’re seeing a powerful driver in what Australians value most when it comes to where and how they live,” she says.

“Australians increasingly want to feel part of something bigger—a community where they’re not just living but truly thriving.”

So, what does this look like on the ground?

1. Enhanced walkability

Being able to walk around a neighbourhood has become one of the top considerations when it comes to Aussie house hunting.

“You might kick off your morning with a walk through leafy streets, grab a coffee from the local café, drop the kids at school, and have a quick chat with a neighbour along the way,” says Ms Pickett-Heaps.

She explains that buyers are aware walking promotes health benefits, getting that step count up, and also fosters small, everyday encounters that strengthen community bonds.

Suburbs with strong walkability have long been in demand – and that demand often helps neighbourhoods hold their value, she adds.

2. Improved liveability

Many buyers value having amenities and services close by and that’s changing the way they look at their homes.

“The classic Australian Dream used to be all about owning a standalone house on a large block, but today, it’s evolved into something much more meaningful,” Ms Pickett-Heaps says.

“At Stockland, we embed liveability into everything we do. From day one of planning and designing a masterplanned community or any project, we think about how people will live there, connect there, move around safely and easily, and find joy in their surroundings.”

Ms Pickett-Heaps explains that Stockland’s latest projects include dedicated wellness and fitness trails, interactive parks suitable for all-abilities, thriving town centres, and social programs and events to bring neighbours together.

REA Group Senior Economist Anne Flaherty says that, especially post-pandemic, liveability and community are becoming increasingly important to homeowners.

“There’s a much stronger focus on what kind of lifestyle am I going to get from the home that I live in,” she explains.

“Many buyers are increasingly considering the lifestyle offered by a neighbourhood before they choose their home.”

3. Activated shared spaces

Older neighbourhoods may have the occasional park or corner store, but they often lack spaces that actively attract people and bring residents together.

Activated shared spaces are increasingly being offered in new developments with the goal of improving community connectedness.

Ms Pickett-Heaps says Stockland’s Liveability Survey, running since 2011, has consistently found shared spaces to be crucial in design.

“This insight continues to shape how we plan our communities: creating places that bring people together, support everyday convenience, and foster a genuine sense of belonging,” Ms Pickett-Heaps notes.

These can come in many forms, from picnic areas and playgrounds to libraries, gyms, and pools.

“Our Liveability Index tells us that what makes a great place to call home goes far beyond the four walls of a house,” says Ms Picket-Heaps.

“It’s the sense of belonging, access to green open space, local schools and shops, transport links, and opportunities to connect through events and shared experiences.”

4. New value opportunities

New communities are crucial in meeting housing demand and catering to a range of budgets.
However, they provide much more than just affordability.

“There’s real value, both financial and emotional, in living in a community that’s designed to grow with you,” says Ms Pickett-Heaps.

Community-focused areas see stronger long-term demand, as people want to live, raise families, and stay there.

Access to amenities, schools, parks, and vibrant shared spaces ensures the neighbourhood’s enduring appeal.

Beyond price, the real value lies in safety, lifestyle, friendships, and convenience.

According to realestate.com.au’s 2024 New Homes Research, buyer interest in neighbourhoods built around walkability and community is growing, indicating how much these new suburbs will only continue to rise in value over time.

Buyers are looking for communities that will grow with them and their families.

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5. Levelled-up efficiency

The trend towards sustainable living is gaining momentum, with solar panels and all-electric systems leading the charge in newer developments.

This growing demand for environmentally conscious homes aligns with updated government energy efficiency mandates but also the preferences of homebuyers seeking more comfortable, cost-effective homes.

All house and land packages in new Stockland developments meet the National Construction Code’s 7-star NatHERS energy rating requirement, meaning they are optimised for sunlight orientation and ventilation, thermal comfort, and lower energy usage.

Some communities—like Stockland Wildflower in Western Australia and Stockland Figtree Hill in New South Wales—aim to reduce environmental impact through design features which make them all-electric by limiting their reliance on fossil fuels for essential tasks like heating, cooling and cooking.

Homes also include water saving fittings and energy-efficient appliances.

Many new communities are also incorporating water-saving measures, such as rainwater catchments and native landscaping, to maintain visually beautiful streets without those additional costs.

6. Increased suburb desirability

Community-centric developments, from outer-city greenfield projects to new inner-city builds, continue to attract strong buyer interest and are associated with higher neighbourhood appeal.

Search activity on realestate.com.au in August 2025 shows strong growth in interest across family-oriented areas such as Craigieburn and Sunbury, which have become the most searched areas up until June, attributed largely to the prevalence of new masterplanned communities.

Buyers are increasingly interested in neighbourhoods designed with connectivity and community in mind, many of which are already showing signs of strong engagement and growth.

With energy-efficient, future-focused design, residents can enjoy greater comfort and sustainability today, while developers like Stockland continue building neighbourhoods that thrive long into the future.

Masterplanned communities are attracting significant interest, due to their high growth and future-focused design.

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For buyers seeking more than just a home, Stockland’s masterplanned communities are designed for liveability.

Stockland has been curating communities where Australians love to live since 1952 and with communities across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, they offer a diverse range of options to suit every lifestyle.

Disclaimer:

This article has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial circumstances or objectives and should not be relied upon for any purpose without consulting financial, legal or professional advisers regarding your individual circumstances and suitability for investment.

All details, images and statements are based on the intention of, and information available to, Stockland as at the date of this article and may change due to future circumstances. Information and images relating to landscaping are indicative only and may show mature plantings which may not be mature at settlement. This article contains information provided by third parties based on information available as at 1 September 2025 which have not been independently verified by Stockland. The views, opinions and commentary of third parties in this article, may not represent the views, opinions and commentary of Stockland. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Stockland makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of any such statements, and Stockland does not accept any loss or damage arising as a result of any reliance on the views, opinions and commentary of such individuals. Any statements made by Stockland or third parties in this article should not be taken as financial, legal, or professional advice.