It has become a popular choice among young buyers to delay parenthood in favour of pet ownership, which is changing the requirements for house hunting. Our furry companions are emerging as unexpected but invaluable allies in the quest for the perfect home.
READ: Create a pet-friendly garden and add value to your property
An article published by RE/MAX LLC quoted the “2023 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers” which revealed that 19% of all buyers between 2022 and 2023 saw outdoor space for a pet as an influential factor in their purchase, the same percentage as those who considered lot size and school district. Convenience to outdoor space for pets even topped the quantity of buyers considering factors like proximity to schools (18%), healthcare facilities (16%), and airports (9%).
“Although these are American statistics, South Africans are also becoming more pet focused – particularly the younger buyers. Beyond being loyal companions, dogs are now becoming integral decision-makers, influencing everything from neighbourhood choice to the final selection of what home we live in,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
To find out what young buyers are adding to their wish list in today’s market, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares some of the top criteria for a pet-friendly home…
Focus on Fencing
It’s not only about keeping your home safe from outside invaders, but also about keeping our furry friends safe inside our homes. Solid, high perimeter walls and fencing that are in good condition have become a focus for pet owning buyers. For apartments with an outside balcony space, the railings and banisters can also become an area of concern for pet owners.
Finding the Paw-fect Location
Today’s buyers don’t only want a park or a safe walking route nearby. Proximity to pet-friendly restaurants, dog parlours, and doggy day care have also become important criterion for young buyers.
Special ‘barkitecture’ features
These days, homeowners are even willing to add special architectural features to the property that are designed for their pet’s enjoyment. For example, some homeowners are adding a dog shower to their laundry rooms that are low enough to wash off muddy paws or boots and make washing your pet so much easier. Built-in dog beds have also become a popular feature.
As we delve into the nuances of this novel trend, it becomes clear that our canine counterparts are not just along for the ride; they are leading the charge in shaping our housing journey in ways we never imagined.
“Pet-friendly homes are not always easy to find – especially within sectional titles. Enlisting the help of a local RE/MAX agent can make the whole house hunting experience simpler and more effective,” says Goslett.
READ: A complete guide to moving with pets
Moving to a new house with pets is always a challenge. Pets need time to adjust to new surroundings, as well as a new routine.
CEO of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate, Mike Greeff, shared in an article published in 2019, tips to ensure you and your pet are comfortable and prepared for a move:
– Try to spread out packing over a month or two, so that your pet does not get worried by a sudden change in their environment.
– Up-to-date ID tags are essential in case the worst happens and your pet gets lost.
– Once you arrive at your new home, keep your pet confined to a room with food and water until all the activity has died down.
– Before you allow them to explore their surroundings, make sure everything is pet-friendly, and that the perimeter fence is completely secure.
As pet owners, it would be the best course of action to check what rights are afforded to your furry friends prior to making any moves, ultimately providing peace of mind that is vital when moving to a new home, says Greeff.
Want all the latest property news and curated hot property listings sent directly to your inbox? Register for Property24’s Hot Properties, Lifestyle and Weekly Property Trends newsletters or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
