If you can afford it ocean views are what every prospective purchaser would like, and with such a shortage of good property available, and prices sky high, many people are having to settle on properties that offer partial views, or offer a short walk to the view.
Empty nesters are opting to sell out of the big home and move into small apartment blocks that offer great water views, level or lift access, and are close to shopping centers.
Developers are building smaller bedrooms and larger living areas that offer more of a contempory feel. The big backyard is on its way out, so therefore anything that is too demanding and requires a lot of maintenance is not making its way on to the tick list
People are just too busy with work and family commitments too be running around doing household chores. No wonder the fastest growing business in Australia at present is cleaning.
Swimming pools are not as much a necessity as they used to be, and as I mentioned earlier low maintenance yards are more desirable.