The rise of walkable suburbs: why buyers are prioritising lifestyle over postcode

A New Kind Of Location, Location, Location

The real estate mantra may still be “location, location, location,” but what that means is evolving. For decades, prestige postcodes and proximity to CBDs dominated buyer wishlists. But in 2025, a new kind of location is rising in priority: walkable suburbs.

Today’s buyers are rethinking what really matters. Convenience, liveability, and connection to local amenity are outpacing old ideas of status. As Australians look to reduce commuting, embrace community, and live more sustainably, suburbs with walkable access to daily essentials are seeing a surge in dem and even when they sit outside the “traditional” hotspots.

What Makes a Suburb Walkable?

Walkability isn’t just about pretty footpaths. It refers to how easily residents can access the things they need day to day without relying on a car. That could include:

• Grocery shops or weekend markets

• Local cafés and restaurants

• Schools and childcare

• Parks, green space and recreational paths

• Medical centres and pharmacies

• Public transport links

A walkable suburb creates lifestyle convenience, allowing residents to live, shop, exercise, and socialise all within their immediate neighbourhood.

Why Buyers Are Making The Switch

Several shifts are influencing this change in buyer behaviour:

1. Lifestyle After Lockdown

Post-COVID living reshaped what Australians value in a home. Localised living became a necessity, and it stuck. Buyers now seek suburbs where they can enjoy daily life without long travel times or heavy traffic.

2. Time and Cost of Commuting

With fuel prices still high and flexible working models continuing, many buyers are questioning the need for proximity to CBDs. Walkable suburbs offer more time at home and less time in transit.

3. Community and Belonging

Local living encourages stronger community ties. Suburbs with walkable cafés, dog parks, and community events often create a more connected, neighbourly feel, something buyers are craving in a post-pandemic world.

The Flow-On Effect: What It Means For Sellers And Investors

As demand rises for these lifestyle-driven locations, we’re seeing property values lift in previously overlooked suburbs that tick the right boxes for convenience and connection. For sellers, this means properties in high-walkability areas can attract premium buyer interest even without luxury finishes.

For investors, choosing locations with established or planned walkability features can lead to stronger tenant demand, better retention, and future capital growth as the suburb matures.

Examples Of In-Demand Walkable Suburbs

Every state has emerging walkable pockets, often where high-density housing meets strong local planning. Think:

• Inner-ring suburbs with revamped high streets

• Transit-oriented developments near light rail or train lines

• Coastal villages with local shops and schools

Growth corridors where council investment is focused on infrastructure and amenity

Buyers are doing their research, not just on listings, but on lifestyle maps, school catchments, and walking scores.

A Shift in What Buyers Really Want

In 2025, prestige alone no longer drives the market. Buyers are placing greater value on how a suburb feels and functions, not just what it costs. Walkability, lifestyle access, and local vibrancy are fast becoming the new north star for property seekers across Australia.

If you're preparing to sell, highlight your suburb’s lifestyle benefits. And if you're buying? Don’t just chase the postcode, look for the places that let you live well, every day.