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According to Money.com.au’s property expert, Mansour Soltani, more homebuyers are factoring in their pets when making decisions in the home buying process.
“A grassed backyard, proximity to parks, and certain pet-friendly features can make a home more appealing to pet owners and even boost its market value,” Soltani says.
To help pet owners find their purr-fect home, Money.com.au has rounded up the top five must-have property features for a pet-friendly home.
1. Solid fencing
One of the most critical features for pet owners is solid fencing to keep pets safe at home without the risk of escaping. However, there’s an additional benefit that’s often overlooked.
“A solid fence blocks the view of the outside world to minimise distractions that might otherwise excite or agitate pets, like passing cars, people, or other animals,” says Dr. Grace Thurtell, Resident in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine.
“This allows them to enjoy their space and activities, like playing or exploring their yard, without being constantly on alert. It can also help prevent excessive barking, something your neighbours will thank you for.”
2. A grassed area
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| Photo Credit: Duet Property Group |
If a home with a full-sized backyard is out of your budget, it’s still beneficial to have a small grassed area where pets can explore, run, and play.
“Grass allows pets to engage their innate behaviours like sniffing, which provides mental stimulation and helps them understand their surroundings,” says Dr. Thurtell.
Additionally, grass stays cooler than hard surfaces during summer, which helps prevent pets from overheating and burning their paws on concrete or gravel.
3. Hard-wearing flooring
“Grass allows pets to engage their innate behaviours like sniffing, which provides mental stimulation and helps them understand their surroundings,” says Dr. Thurtell.
Additionally, grass stays cooler than hard surfaces during summer, which helps prevent pets from overheating and burning their paws on concrete or gravel.
3. Hard-wearing flooring
Durable and easy-to-clean flooring should be on every pet owner's wish list, as pets can be tough on floors. Hardwood, tile, and laminate floors are popular choices due to their resistance to scratches and stains. Plus, they’re ideal for potty training young pets.
“However, be mindful that dogs with long hair, like Poodle mixes and Shih Tzus, can slip on hard floors,” Dr. Thurtell says.
For senior dogs, placing rugs or runners on hard floors can offer additional traction to prevent slips and falls.
4. Proximity to dog parks
In the pet-ready market, it’s all about 'paw-sition, paw-sition, paw-sition.' For pet owners, being close to dog parks and green areas is equally important as finding a home in a good suburb.
“However, be mindful that dogs with long hair, like Poodle mixes and Shih Tzus, can slip on hard floors,” Dr. Thurtell says.
For senior dogs, placing rugs or runners on hard floors can offer additional traction to prevent slips and falls.
4. Proximity to dog parks
In the pet-ready market, it’s all about 'paw-sition, paw-sition, paw-sition.' For pet owners, being close to dog parks and green areas is equally important as finding a home in a good suburb.
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| Malinois Aramis enjoys hiking the bush trails in Sydney's Northern suburbs |
“Homebuyers with dogs often prioritise properties within walking distance of dog parks or trails,” says Mansour.
“Easy access to green spaces where pets can exercise and socialise is a huge plus, especially among first-home buyers and millennials.”
5. Open-plan interior layout
5. Open-plan interior layout
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| Family dog Maisy dashes down the wide hall to the open-plan living zone. Picture by Alex McIntyre |
Pet owners naturally prefer open-plan living to give their felines and canines the space to move around freely.
Features like built-in pet doors and a single-level layout with no stairs can make the home more accessible and comfortable for pets, especially older animals or those with mobility issues.
“A well-designed pet door can give pets some independence and make life easier for their owners. It’s especially valuable for dog owners who want to give their pets the freedom to go outside whenever they need to,” Dr. Thurtell says.
About Money.com.au:
Money.com.au is an Australian financial comparison platform founded by industry experts in 2019. Its goal is to provide people and businesses with financial education and access to financial products. Expert insights come from Mansour Soltani, a finance broker with over 20 years of experience and Dr. Grace Thurtell, a Resident in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine.
Features like built-in pet doors and a single-level layout with no stairs can make the home more accessible and comfortable for pets, especially older animals or those with mobility issues.
“A well-designed pet door can give pets some independence and make life easier for their owners. It’s especially valuable for dog owners who want to give their pets the freedom to go outside whenever they need to,” Dr. Thurtell says.
About Money.com.au:
Money.com.au is an Australian financial comparison platform founded by industry experts in 2019. Its goal is to provide people and businesses with financial education and access to financial products. Expert insights come from Mansour Soltani, a finance broker with over 20 years of experience and Dr. Grace Thurtell, a Resident in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine.
MEDIA RELEASE, 4th September 2024
Money-saving Tips for Pet Owners
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