Wellness real estate:
THE NEW LUXURY STANDARD
VANESSA RADER RAY WHITE GROUP HEAD OF RESEARCH
The wellness revolution is transforming luxury real estate, with health and wellness features evolving from optional amenities to essential elements of high-end properties. This shift, accelerated by the pandemic, has fundamentally changed buyer expectations and redefined what constitutes luxury in today’s market.
The Global Wellness Institute reports that the wellness real estate market has expanded dramatically, growing from $438 billion in 2023 to a projected $913 billion by 2028. Australia has emerged as a significant player in this market, ranking tenth globally in overall wellness economy size ($126.68 billion) and an impressive seventh in wellness spending per capita a $4,824 per person. The Australian wellness economy now represents 7.27 per cent of the country’s GDP, highlighting the sector’s growing economic importance.
This growth trend is particularly noteworthy in the post-pandemic landscape, where Australia’s wellness economy has reached 134 per cent of its pre-pandemic level, outpacing many other markets. Nearly one third of Australia’s wellness market expansion since 2019 has been driven by wellness real estate, reflecting a fundamental shift in how homebuyers view their living spaces and establishing Australia as the world’s fourth-largest wellness real estate market as of 2023.
Key wellness features in luxury homes
Modern luxury properties now incorporate an impressive range of wellness features designed to promote physical health, mental wellbeing, and emotional balance:
HEALTH-ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES
- Seamless indoor-outdoor connections that bring nature into daily living
- Natural, non-toxic materials and finishes that improve air quality
- Abundant natural light through strategic window placement to boost mood and energy
- Living walls and indoor gardens that purify air and reduce stress
- Water features that create calming soundscapes and improve humidity levels
- Views and access to natural landscapes that promote mental restoration
DEDICATED WELLNESS SPACES
- Private spas with saunas, steam rooms, and treatment areas
- Hot and cold plunge pools and magnesium baths for recovery and relaxation
- State-of-the-art home gyms with the latest equipment and virtual training capabilities
- Yoga and meditation studios with sound insulation and calming aesthetics
- Dedicated massage and treatment rooms for in-home wellness services
BIOPHILIC DESIGN ELEMENTS
- Advanced air purification systems that filter pollutants, allergens, and pathogens
- Water filtration technology ensuring pure drinking and bathing water
- Circadian lighting systems that adjust throughout the day to support natural sleep cycles
- Smart home systems that monitor indoor air quality, temperature, and humidity
- Specialised equipment like hyperbaric oxygen chambers and infrared saunas
- EMF-reducing technology to create low-radiation rest spaces
SHIFTING EXPECTATIONS IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE
The traditional markers of luxury real estate have undergone a remarkable transformation. While spacious floor plans and premium locations remain important, buyers now expect properties to actively contribute to their physical and mental wellbeing.
Previously, luxury homes emphasised entertainment spaces like home theatres, wine cellars, and game rooms. Today’s luxury buyers prioritise wellness facilities, often allocating prime floorspace to these areas. In space-constrained properties, wellness features now take precedence over once-standard inclusions.
The expectations have shifted from passive luxury to active wellness. Buyers want homes that not only impress guests but also support their daily health routines, from morning workouts to evening relaxation rituals. This represents a fundamental change in how luxury homeowners interact with their living spaces.
THE AUSTRALIAN WELLNESS REAL ESTATE ADVANTAGE
Australia is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the wellness real estate trend. The country’s abundant natural light, favourable climate, and connection to outdoor living create an ideal foundation for wellness-focused properties. From beachside developments featuring saltwater pools and coastal walking trails, to urban properties with rooftop gardens and wellness facilities, Australian luxury properties increasingly emphasise connection to the natural environment.
In major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, luxury developments are integrating wellness amenities that rival five-star resort spas. These features include not only physical facilities but also programming elements like in-house wellness consultants, nutrition services, and fitness coaching.
Regional markets are also seeing increased demand for wellness features, particularly in areas known for their natural beauty and lifestyle benefits. Coastal regions, wine countries, and mountain retreats are becoming wellness real estate hotspots, where luxury properties are designed to maximise connection with the natural environment.
Buyers want homes that not only impress guests but also support their daily health routines, from morning workouts to evening relaxation rituals.
THE WELLNESS PREMIUM
Properties with integrated wellness features often command higher prices and draw increased interest in comparable homes without these amenities. Wellness- certified homes (such as those meeting WELL Building Standard criteria) attract health-conscious buyers willing to pay a premium for spaces that promote physical and mental wellbeing.
The return on investment for wellness features often exceeds that of traditional luxury upgrades, as research indicates that properties with comprehensive wellness features can command price premiums of 10-25 per cent compared to similar properties without these amenities.
This wellness premium is increasingly recognised by developers and investors, who are incorporating comprehensive wellness facilities into new luxury developments. From urban high-rises with spa-quality amenities to suburban estates with dedicated wellness wings, the market is responding to this shift in buyer priorities.
Looking forward
As wellness real estate continues to evolve globally and in Australia, we can expect to see more innovative features becoming standard in luxury homes. The emphasis on creating spaces that support holistic health - physical, mental, and emotional - will only strengthen as buyers increasingly view their homes as sanctuaries for restoration and rejuvenation.
Future trends are likely to include more sophisticated technology integration, such as AI-powered wellness monitoring and personalised environmental controls. We’ll also see greater emphasis on sustainability as wellness and environmental consciousness continue to converge in buyer preferences.
For luxury homebuyers in 2025 and beyond, wellness features are no longer just nice-to-have amenities, they’re essential elements of properties that support overall quality of life and wellbeing, representing a fundamental and lasting shift in what defines luxury real estate.
