House Renovation: What Aussies Focus on This Winter

As the weather cools down and we spend more time inside, winter’s actually a great time for sprucing up your home. But there’s a bigger story going on — Australia’s housing shortage is getting worse, partly because lots of people are choosing to House Renovation rather than build new homes.

Here’s a quick rundown of what Aussies focus on when renovating in winter, plus why the housing supply situation matters.

Renovations vs New Builds: What’s Happening?

A KPMG report from late 2024 found that Aussies are spending more on renovating existing homes — about 40% of all residential building costs now — but spending on building new homes has dropped by 14%. The problem? Renovations don’t add new homes to the market, so the housing shortage keeps getting worse.

Experts say governments should encourage more new housing projects like townhouses and apartments to boost supply. Some states like South Australia and Victoria are making moves to relax planning rules, but it’s a tricky balance.

What Aussies Focus on When Renovating in Winter

Winter’s not just about staying warm — it’s also a great time to update your home. Here’s what most people pay attention to:

1. Keeping Warm and Cosy

Making your home snug is the top priority. People are adding or upgrading insulation, swapping to double-glazed windows, hanging thermal curtains, and laying rugs on cold floors.

Tip: If you’re doing big jobs like knocking down walls, it’s smart to add insulation while everything’s open.

2. Warmer Colours

Winter calls for richer, cosier colours — think earthy browns, deep blues, olive greens, and warm terracotta.

3. Better Lighting

With shorter days, lighting is key. Aussies use layered lighting (overhead lights, lamps, and feature lights), dimmers, and warmer bulbs to make rooms feel inviting.

4. Soft Textures

Throws, cushions, and blankets in wool or velvet are popular. Natural materials like timber and leather add to that warm, comfy vibe.

5. Indoor Projects Rule

Rain and less daylight mean most house renovations happen inside — kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, painting, and storage upgrades are top picks.

Bonus: Tradies are often easier to book and might charge less in winter.

6. Good Air Quality

Windows stay shut more, so people pick low-fume paints, use air purifiers, and keep exhaust fans working well.

7. Saving Energy

With power bills rising, Aussies love upgrades like LED lights, reverse-cycle air con, smart thermostats, and better insulation to cut costs.

Why This Matters: The Housing Supply Problem

While all these house renovations make homes nicer to live in, they don’t help fix the big housing shortage. New homes need to be built to keep up with demand, especially with cities like Melbourne growing fast.

Governments and builders need to focus on increasing housing supply — not just improving existing homes — so more Aussies can afford a place to live.

Final Thought

Winter’s a great time to make your home cosy, stylish, and energy-efficient. But remember, while you’re sprucing up your place, the bigger picture of Australia’s housing shortage is something we all need to watch and support solutions for.

So grab your jumper and your favourite cuppa — and get cracking on that winter makeover!

Whether you’re planning to renovate, build, or upgrade your home’s energy efficiency, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact 5J Building today and take the first step toward creating a home that’s stylish, efficient, and built to last! You may reach 5J Building Group by calling (03) 9886 3731, or obtain an Instant Quote Online.