One key factor is steering the decisions of over half of new property buyers

It’s nothing to do with school catchments or commute time.The latest research of more than 2000 new home buyers has revealed a major factor that impacts property choices. Image: GettyAccording to the 2026 New Homes research from realestate.com.au, which surveyed over 2000 property seekers who have bought a new home or are considering it, there’s one life factor that more than half say they take into account when making property decisions. It’s whether or not they have a pet at home. Of the survey respondents, 67% reported keeping a cat or dog as a pet. They also overwhelmingly stated that those furry friends have an impact on where they live, and what type of home they choose. More than half of respondents – or 52% – reported that pets influenced their property decisions. Respondents reported that pets influenced everything from the materials that they wanted in their home and the number of bathrooms the property had, to the proximity to local amenities. Dogs owners prioritise materials and daily maintenanceFor dog owners, one of the biggest concerns within the property itself was the inclusion of durable flooring. An owner of two pugs said that even though her dogs were small, she...