Although generally limited in their spending, Mr Stone said first-homebuyers still had high expectations and looked for value-for-money homes that suited their lifestyle. They wanted outdoor entertaining space, a home theatre and study or computer nook. “They may compromise the size of the home if it means getting the extras that are important to them,” Mr Stone said. “Entertaining family and friends is important and is taken into consideration. “The alfresco area is best positioned as an overflow from the open-plan living areas, usually at the heart of the home. “Having that ideal balance of indoor and outdoor living extends the home and provides great entertaining options. “The younger generation are also tech-savvy and will eventually work towards setting up the ultimate entertainment system and for this they require a home theatre. “And many young homebuyers either work for themselves of have kids who require space to study or surf the net.” “First-homebuyers also looked for expert assistance with finance, land and home decisions. “They aren’t just looking for someone who can build them a home,” Mr Stone said. “But someone who can explain their finance options to them and find them the right block of land to build on.” Being close to amenities was considered a bonus, but not essential, with most first-homebuyers preferring to stay close to family, friends and where they grew up. “Where on the map first-homebuyers live isn’t as important as what is around them. “They want family and friends nearby; shops and cafes are a bonus but not a necessity. “However, as home gardens all but disappear they also seek easily accessible parkland to make up for their own lack of garden space.” Mr Stone said first-homebuyers were also were also willing to sacrifice bedrooms in favour of living spaces and were willing to wait to buy bigger homes when their families got bigger. “Typically, first-homebuyers will not always view their first home as their last home, with plans in the back of their minds to upgrade to a larger home as their family increases in size,” he said. “A three-bedroom home will allow them a main bedroom, a study or nursery and a spare room for guests, leaving extra floor space in the home that would be better utilised than a fourth bedroom. Mr Stone said he found this generation of buyers were also interested in cost efficiency, quality finishes and a low-maintenance home.