An increasing number of older Australians are choosing to remain in their own homes as they age, prompting architects and designers to develop residences with features that support long-term livability. This trend aligns with demographic projections showing the proportion of Australians aged 65 and over is expected to rise from 16 percent in 2026 to between 21 and 23 percent by 2066.
To accommodate the needs of an ageing population, design professionals are incorporating modifications such as residential lifts, wider doorways for wheelchair access, and strengthened walls for grab rails, enabling homeowners to “future proof” their living spaces. The federal government’s promotion of ageing in place has also contributed to this shift, although many older individuals still face challenges when their homes become unsuitable for their changing physical requirements.
Sydney architect Phillip Mathieson noted a significant increase in client interest regarding longevity in home design over the past 18 months. His high-end projects often include features like home lifts connecting multiple floors, as clients tend to prefer single-level living or at least having the option to access all levels without stairs. For clients over 50, he has observed a growing demand for two master bedrooms—one upstairs and one on the main level—giving residents flexibility to shift living areas as they age.
Other practical elements gaining popularity include lowered light switches and door handles, oversized showers, and provisions for retrofitting grab rails. Mathieson also reported a recent request for internal security cameras to allow family members to remotely check on elderly residents’ wellbeing, a feature he anticipates may become more common.
Similarly, George Revay, founder of Platino Properties, focuses on apartments designed for empty nesters that blend a premium aesthetic with age-friendly practicalities. His developments feature face recognition door locks, wide hallways, flush thresholds between rooms and balconies, generous kitchens with wall ovens at comfortable heights, and bathrooms equipped with removable shower screens and reinforced walls for grab rails. Revay emphasized that while these apartments are fully wheelchair accessible, they retain an open and airy feel that doesn’t overtly signal their adaptability.
Interior designer Thomas Hamel also highlighted a growing emphasis on homes that are easy to navigate, adaptable, and comfortable. He noted an increasing trend of incorporating self-contained accommodations within residences to provide flexibility for future carers, ageing parents, or extended family. When lifts are installed, Hamel observes they are now often designed with customizable finishes and lighting to integrate seamlessly with the home’s overall interior, moving away from a purely functional appearance.
As Australia’s population continues to age, these evolving design trends reflect a broader desire among older homeowners to maintain independence and stay in familiar surroundings, supported by thoughtfully designed living spaces that anticipate changing needs over time.