Selling in St Ives
Selling Your Home in St Ives?
Here’s What Buyers Are Looking For in 2026
If you’re thinking about selling your home in St Ives in 2026, the demand for quality homes in this leafy Upper North Shore suburb remains strong. But what buyers are looking for has shifted. It’s subtle, but significant.
Today’s St Ives buyer is informed, selective, and often juggling lifestyle priorities alongside budget realities. Understanding what’s resonating right now can make a meaningful difference to your sale price, days on market, and buyer competition.
Here’s what buyers are actively looking for when purchasing a home in St Ives this year.
1. Functional Family Layouts (Not Just Big Floorplans)
In 2026, buyers are prioritising:
- Multiple living zones that can flex with family life
- Open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas that feel connected, not cavernous
- A clear separation between adult and children’s bedrooms
- Ground-floor bedrooms or bathrooms for future-proofing
Overall, buyers want spaces that support busy weekday routines as much as relaxed weekends.
2. Updated Kitchens and Bathrooms (They Don’t Have to Be Brand New)
Kitchens and bathrooms that perform well tend to be:
- Neutral, light-filled and timeless rather than trend-heavy
- Functional, with good storage and quality finishes
- Recently updated or well-maintained
Original kitchens can still sell in St Ives, particularly on larger blocks, but pricing expectations need to reflect renovation costs. Even modest upgrades, new benchtops, fixtures or appliances, can significantly improve buyer perception.
3. Energy Efficiency
- Buyers are increasingly asking about:
- Solar panels
- Ducted air conditioning or efficient heating
- Double glazing or good insulation
- North-facing living areas and natural light
With rising energy costs, homes that offer year-round comfort are standing out. They make financial sense to buyers, and they’re often a strong selling point during inspections.
4. Outdoor Space That’s Easy to Enjoy
What’s working well:
- Level lawns for kids or pets
- Covered alfresco areas for entertaining
- Manageable gardens rather than high-maintenance landscaping
- A sense of privacy, especially in bush-adjacent homes
Large blocks are still highly desirable in St Ives, but buyers are looking for usable outdoor space, not acreage that requires constant maintenance.
5. Move-In Ready Appeal
Simple improvements that make a difference:
- Fresh paint
- Updated lighting
- Decluttered interiors
- Thoughtful styling that highlights space and light
Many buyers are time-poor. They’re balancing work, school schedules and rising construction costs, which means move-in ready homes are highly appealing. They don’t have to be perfect, but homes that look and feel clean, neutral, and well-presented outperform those that don’t.
Thinking of Selling in St Ives?
St Ives continues to attract families and long-term buyers looking for space, greenery and community, but expectations have evolved.
If you’re considering selling and want tailored advice based on your home, street and buyer profile, one of our local St Ives specialists can help point you in the right direction.