Think your Aussie home has its quirks? Think again. Beyond our brick veneers and beloved backyards lies a world of residential oddities that will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about houses.

In fact, take a peek behind the curtains of international real estate and you’ll discover some truly head-scratching features.  From bizarre bathroom setups to surprising kitchen omissions, a whole new world of home design awaits.

And whether it’s a nod to heritage or a response to climate, these design choices tell rich stories about how people live around the world.

The porcelain puzzle

The humble toilet, a seemingly universal fixture, presents a fascinating array of regional variations. Across the Pacific in the US, visitors might be taken aback by toilets that seem perpetually full. This isn’t a plumbing issue, but rather a higher water level design intended to improve hygiene levels and reduce the cleaning required to keep the toilet clean.

Venturing further east to Greece, the concept of a flushing toilet in older homes can be a foreign one. Many still rely on septic systems unsuited for paper, leading to the common practice of disposing of toilet paper in a separate bin. In parts of Asia, particularly in public facilities and older residences, you’ll often encounter the squat toilet. While perhaps less comfortable for the uninitiated, they are considered more hygienic by some.

“Bathroom design varies more than you might expect,” said interior designer and director at Ace Property Agency, Rebecca Cardamone. “In Australia, toilets tend to have lower water levels, thanks to strict plumbing codes and a big focus on water conservation. Over in the US, it’s a different story, with higher water levels designed to minimise marks in the bowl.

“The bidet remains popular in European countries such as Italy and France and, while once something you’d rarely see here, it’s now popping up in more Aussie bathrooms, especially in modern renos. Whether it’s a built-in bidet seat or a fully integrated smart toilet, it’s all about comfort, hygiene, and adding that ‘hotel luxury’ at home.”

Bizarre bathrooms

Bathrooms might seem like the most universal room in a house – but they too are shaped by culture and regulation. For example, there’s the absence of the seemingly essential power outlet near the sink in some European countries, leaving you to ponder the logistics of shaving or hair styling.

In many Japanese homes the bathroom is traditionally separated into three distinct zones to keep the toilet area hygienic and the bathing area conducive to relaxation. This deliberate separation into wet and dry zones is a significant departure from the combined bathroom common in many Western countries like Australia and the US, where the toilet, sink, and shower/bath are typically all in the same room. It reflects a cultural emphasis on cleanliness, hygiene, and the ritualistic aspect of bathing as a way to unwind.

“In Japan, bathrooms are often split into zones – with a separate wet room for bathing,” said property manager at Raine & Horne Commercial, Damien Lake. “Even safety regulations differ: in the UK, power points in bathrooms are banned, while in Australia, they’re relatively common.”

Kitchen conundrums

The heart of the home, the kitchen, also presents some stark contrasts. The ubiquitous garbage disposal found in many American kitchens is a relative rarity in Australia. While some Aussie homes have them, they are far from standard, with concerns around water usage and potential strain on sewage systems often cited. 

And while Australians reach for their trusty electric kettles multiple times a day, this appliance is far less common Stateside. Due to the lower voltage (120V compared to Australia’s 230V) electric kettles take significantly longer to boil water, leading many Americans to opt for stovetop kettles or the microwave.

“The way we use our kitchens says a lot about our lifestyle,” commented Miss Cardamone. “Australians are leaning more and more into sustainability. Unlike in the US, garbage disposals aren’t standard here, with most households opting for pull-out bins that separate food scraps, recycling, and general waste.”

Socket switcheroos

The simple act of plugging in an appliance reveals another set of international idiosyncrasies. Unlike Australia, American power points do not have individual switches. Outlets are always live, which can be a surprise for international buyers.

The reasons for this difference are largely historical and related to electrical standards and safety regulations developed over time. The US system prioritises a constant live circuit, relying on circuit breakers for safety.

“In the US power outlets typically lack on and off switches,” said broker and owner of Arizona Network Realty, Russell Diehl.

“It’s my belief that Americans are so accustomed to controlling appliances directly or through smart home tech that there’s little demand for switch-integrated outlets now. Compared to parts of Europe or Asia, where layered safety is a priority and energy costs are higher, the US system feels more ‘plug and play’.”

Scandi saunas

In Scandinavian countries, particularly in Finland, saunas are not just a luxury but a deeply ingrained part of daily life. The word ‘sauna’ itself is Finnish, meaning ‘bathhouse.’ Evidence suggests that the earliest forms of saunas in the Nordic region date back as far as 7,000 years ago, so its unsurprising that it’s very common to find built-in saunas in homes here. Indeed, it’s estimated that there are over three million saunas in Finland for a population of around 5.5 million, meaning many homes, even apartments, have their own sauna.

“One of the more intriguing trends globally is the integration of wellness spaces within the home — especially the sauna,” said Mr Lake. “In Nordic countries like Finland, saunas are part of everyday life. It’s not uncommon to find them in apartments, basements, or even incorporated into bathroom suites. The sauna is not seen as a luxury but a vital wellness ritual — a space for both physical and mental rejuvenation.

This influence is slowly spreading. Homeowners around the world are embracing the sauna tradition – whether as a stand-alone structure in the backyard or tucked away in a bathroom renovation.”

Differing lighting designs

While an Aussie might expect a central overhead light to flood a room with light, wander into a typical American home and you’re more likely to find a constellation of lamps scattered around, many controlled by a wall switch.

“Lighting design is another area where culture and climate clash,” explained Mr Diehl.

“In many US homes, especially older properties, you’ll find no overhead lighting in bedrooms or living rooms. It’s my experience that lighting preferences are one of the most personal, and surprising, adjustments for international buyers.”

Climate considerations

Beyond internal fixtures, the very structure and design of homes around the world are sometimes heavily influenced by the climate. Basements, for example, are prevalent in many parts of America and Europe and even shelter from extreme weather like tornadoes or cold winters. These subterranean levels often house laundry rooms, recreational areas, or even additional bedrooms – a stark contrast to the slab-on-ground construction common in much of Australia.

Conversely, in regions prone to heavy snowfall, like parts of Canada and Scandinavia, you’ll often find homes with steeply pitched roofs. This design is a practical measure to allow snow to slide off easily, preventing excessive weight buildup that could damage the structure.

“In many parts of the world home design is a direct response to local weather,” explained Mr Lake.

“In the Middle East and parts of South Asia, thick adobe-style walls and internal courtyards are common – helping to naturally cool interiors without the need for air conditioning. In contrast, Scandinavian and Canadian homes often feature steeply pitched roofs, designed to prevent snow buildup and structural strain during harsh winters.”

Even the orientation of houses can differ significantly based on climate. In Australia, north-facing living areas are highly prized to capture sunlight in winter. However, in very hot regions, homes might be oriented differently to minimise direct sun exposure.

Laundry logistics

Though far from a standard feature in most modern Australian homes, the laundry chute – a vertical shaft for sending dirty clothes directly to the laundry room – is a more common sight in older, multi-story houses in the United States and parts of Europe.

Typically located in convenient spots like upstairs bathrooms, bedroom closets, or hallways, they offer a practical solution for quick disposal of laundry.

“Laundry chutes are a nostalgic favourite in older US homes,” said  Mr Diehl. “These days, they’re less common in new builds but still seen as a charming and functional feature. In contrast, I’ve had international clients from tropical regions like Southeast Asia request outdoor laundry zones. It’s a total shift from the American preference for interior utility rooms.”

Cultural quirks

Cultural norms also play a significant role in shaping home design leading to features that reflect different social structures and ways of life. In some European cities, particularly older urban areas, it’s not uncommon to find apartment buildings with shared laundry facilities in the basement or on a common floor reflecting a historical acceptance of shared amenities.

In Japan, the concept of ‘genkan’ (a small entryway where shoes are removed before stepping onto the main floor) is deeply ingrained in the culture.  While open-plan living has become increasingly popular in Australia, some cultures favour more defined and separate rooms, reflecting different preferences for privacy and formality.

These social and cultural nuances highlight how homes are not just physical structures but also reflections of the way people live and interact within their communities. What might seem like a strange omission or an unusual addition is often simply a product of a different way of life.

“Cultural values are deeply embedded in how homes are structured and lived in,” explained Mr Lake. “In Japan, the genkan sets the tone for cleanliness and respect within the home. In Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy, it’s common to find formal guest lounges or parlours — spaces designed purely for hospitality and entertaining.

“Kitchen design also varies dramatically. In cultures where cooking and large family meals are central – such as in Lebanese, Italian or Indian households – the kitchen becomes a social hub, often featuring oversized ovens, prep areas, and even second kitchens. Meanwhile, in cities like Paris or Tokyo, compact, minimalist kitchens suit a lifestyle where dining out is often the norm.”

The post Global homes, global quirks: Unusual property features around the world appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Some brokerages are what I sometimes think of as “Lily Pads” because they’re waystations where agents sometimes go—albeit briefly—to level up their commission splits. And then they move on. Lily Pad brokerages attract and recruit based on a higher split, but fail to retain a cohesive team because they don’t lead with a culture focused on long-term career growth.

In an industry that often prioritizes commissions and quick wins, we’ve taken a different approach—one rooted in collaboration, inclusivity and long-term vision. At The Agency, we believe that a thriving culture is not just a “nice to have”—it’s the foundation of a top-producing, thriving team—and we’ve staked our bets on this approach time and again—with tremendous success. Here’s how putting culture first can help you develop a successful team that can go the distance. 

Culture is the blueprint, not the byproduct

When people talk about brand, they often think of logos or marketing materials. But at its core, your brand is your culture. It’s how clients feel when they walk into your office, attend your events, or interact with your agents. From agent onboarding to leadership development, and across our teams and offices, everything is designed to reinforce our culture. It’s what sets the tone for how we do business, how we serve our clients, how we collaborate, and who we attract. 

Yes, we’ve built a recognizable luxury brand known for providing a top-notch client experience—and that brand is deeply intertwined with the culture we’ve intentionally nurtured along the way. Culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built with intention.

 

Define and live by your core values

To get started, ask yourself which of your values are non-negotiable? What kind of behavior do you reward and recognize? Culture is a daily practice built upon an established set of rules, not a one-time decision. Here at The Agency, it’s a mindset that we collectively embrace.

Start by clearly articulating your team or company’s core values. These shouldn’t be platitudes on a wall—they should guide your hiring decisions, client interactions, and how the team shows up for each other. Make sure every team member understands, feels connected to, and lives these values daily. Remember: small choices, made consistently, lead to lasting impact.

Hire for values aligment — and culture adds, too

A high-performing team isn’t built on impressive resumes or sales stats alone. We don’t just recruit agents who can close—we look for best-in-class agents who embrace our mission, vision, values, and way of doing business—with the understanding that skills can be taught. 

Take creativity, for example. It’s a cornerstone of our culture because fresh thinking keeps us engaged—and sets us apart in an industry crowded with staid, conventional and uninspiring marketing. From our brand campaigns to our unforgettable events, we always ask: How can we do this differently? And we look for agents who share this mindset. 

In addition to culture fit, we also believe in hiring “culture adds”—those who bring something unique to the table—whether it’s expertise, a network of clients, or a fresh perspective. You can’t build a successful team out of clones. Chances are, they’ll all be competing for the same clients, and you’ll all lose out, in the end. 

Invest in your team’s growth

Keep your promises—to your agents, your staff and your clients, too. Fulfill the promises you made to agents when they signed on—which means providing support that goes beyond their split. Ongoing training, leadership development, and mentorship opportunities show your agents that you’re invested in their future—not just this quarter’s numbers. 

And of course, invest in brokerage technology, infrastructure, marketing, and support services. These will help you maintain a competitive edge in every aspect of your business, attract new agents and retain the ones you have.

Celebrate collaboration & reward impact

A competitive team environment can be healthy, but it can also breed internal rivalry, if you’re not careful. Build a team culture that rewards support, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. 

Celebrate group wins and consider incentives or company awards tied to team performance or community impact, not just individual sales. Recognize agents who live out the team’s values, go above and beyond for their clients and support their teammates. 

Model, motivate & bring meaning

Craft a compelling team culture that goes beyond transactions. Agents don’t just want to close deals—they want to feel inspired, supported and an essential part of a larger whole. Infuse fun, joy and energy into the day-to-day. Create rituals that connect the team and moments of meaning. A surprise lunch, a handwritten thank-you note or a retreat can go a long way in keeping your team connected and motivated.

Teams thrive when everyone feels safe to speak up and bring their whole selves to work. Regular check-ins, feedback loops, and open dialogue go a long way to creating a culture where agents feel heard, respected, and empowered. 

Make yourself available—whether to talk through tricky transactions or life’s curveballs. Your leadership sets the tone, so lead with consistency, humility, and a people-first mindset. If you value balance, model it. If you champion collaboration, be the first to offer help. Culture isn’t what you say—it’s what you do.

Let your culture evolve — without losing your center

A great culture isn’t static. Markets shift. People change. Your culture will, too—but the essence of it should remain. It adapts and evolves with the people who shape it. As markets change and technology moves forward, we’ve had to change some aspects of how we work—from our marketing to our operations. But what remains constant is our core identity: the principles of collaboration, partnership and deep respect for the people who power our brand. 

When you build a team culture around shared core values—like providing exceptional client service and unreasonable hospitality—it gives you the freedom to innovate, without losing the essence of who you are. Revisit your values and vision regularly, and be willing to adjust how you operate while staying anchored to your deeper brand identity. 

Final thoughts

Thriving teams aren’t built around paychecks and splits—they’re built around culture. At The Agency, culture is our number one priority and a key differentiator in the industry. When you invest in your people, clearly define your values, and commit to both with the belief that they’re more meaningful than your bottom line, you create a real estate team and business that lasts.  

Revisit and reinforce your core values regularly so your team always knows what they’re building together. If you build a culture they’re proud to be a part of, the rewards will follow, and your agents will stick around.  

Juliet Clapp is the  SVP & Managing Partner of the North East Coast for The Agency. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.

To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com.

A second interest-rate cut has lit a fire under house prices, triggering a big rise in values as buyers jump back into the market.

Property prices rose in all the capitals in May, according to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index, hitting a new record high at the national level and in most cities.

But it was Melbourne that topped the tables for property price growth, building on the previous month’s gains and further entrenching the city’s home-price recovery as more than just a blip.

Home prices in Melbourne rose 0.79% last month, with faster growth for houses (up 0.87%) than for units (up 0.31%).

The strong price growth last month comes after a prolonged period of softness in Melbourne, with home values still a little lower than a year ago and almost 3% lower than the peak in March 2022.

Despite improving conditions in Melbourne, the city’s median home value has been overtaken by Perth for the first time in a decade, even though price growth is moderating in the Western Australian capital.

Perth’s median dwelling value, which includes both houses and units, is now $787,000 – a figure $5,000 higher than Melbourne’s median.

Home prices in Perth kept rising in May, but monthly price growth was slower and annual growth has eased, albeit to a still-brisk 8.4%.

How home prices changed around Australia in May

Adelaide remains the strongest city for annual price growth (11%) followed by Perth and Brisbane (both 8.4%).

Prices in Darwin (up 5.5%) have grown faster than in Sydney (up 2.7%), Hobart (up 2.6%) and Canberra (up 1.5%) in the past year, while Melbourne remains the only capital recording negative annual growth (down 0.4%).

REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh said sentiment and buyer confidence had improved following rate cuts, particularly in markets that lagged last year.

“Since the Reserve Bank’s February rate cut, price momentum has reaccelerated and broadened, with all capitals seeing prices lift,” she said.

“Markets like Melbourne and Hobart are staging notable rebounds after underperforming in 2024, buoyed by improved borrowing capacities and heightened buyer activity.”

The post Home price growth accelerates as Perth leapfrogs Melbourne appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Queensland has hit a jaw-dropping milestone, with Brisbane’s house price skyrocketing to the brink of $1m, slamming the door on the dream of home ownership for the majority of wage earners.

The latest PropTrack Home Price Index released Monday saw Brisbane’s median house price reach just $2k shy of $1m to $998,000 with its median unit now priced the same as houses were in April 2022 ($690,000).

Money.com.au figures estimate a pre-tax income of about $187,000 is required to buy a million-dollar home, off a 10pc deposit with lender’s mortgage insurance – out of reach of the majority of Queensland where Australian Bureau of Statistics figures put median weekly earnings at $1,350 in August 2024 or $70,200 a year.

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Brisbane’s median dwelling price (which includes houses and units) rose 8.38 per cent annually to $889,000, the PropTrack data found, with unit growth outpacing houses (11.42pc vs 7.8pc).

PropTrack senior economist Eleanor Creagh found no relief from price rises across the state over the year, with regional Queensland dwelling prices rising stronger than Brisbane annually, up 8.66 per cent to $733,000.

Regional houses which are at peak median of $769,000 are outpacing the rise in unit prices there, seeing an annual jump of 8.96pc versus 7.58pc respectively. Regional unit prices are shockingly close to Brisbane’s median sitting at $674,000 now.

The top four SA4 regions in Queensland had higher dwelling price growth levels than any of its counterparts across the country, led by Townsville up 20.19pc to $540,000, Central Queensland +16.33pc to $534,000, Darling Downs-Maranoa +14.13pc to $482,000 and Toowoomba +13.36pc to $661,000. Queensland fifth strongest SA4 region was Ipwich in Greater Brisbane which rose 11.35pc to $747,000.

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Ms Creagh said cities like Brisbane “are now seeing growth moderate after strong outperformance” but added “lower interest rates have lifted borrowing capacities and boosted buyer demand” which was “likely to drive further price growth throughout the remainder of 2025”.

“While stretched affordability will remain a constraint, a chronic lack of new housing supply, population growth, and targeted buyer incentives are expected to keep upward pressure on prices,” she said.

OpenCorp founder and property investment expert Cam McLellan said more everyday Queenslanders were now turning to “creative, sustainable ways into the market”, seeking options “outside of being ‘traditional’ PPR (principal place of residence) owners” given price surges.

His main recommendations centre around “buying sight unseen in more affordable states; embracing rentvesting – renting where you want to live, buying where you can afford; and accessing equity from parents’ homes, no cash needed”.

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Queenslanders Lee and Marie Brown are among those who’ve given up living in their own home in Greater Brisbane – instead buying rentals including two interstate bought sight unseen.

The couple now have four properties in their portfolio, and said the scariest part was just getting started.

“We live in Queensland and had already bought two investment properties here, in Doolandella and Algester, with OpenCorp’s help in 2019 and 2022. But when we were ready to keep building our portfolio, they showed us we didn’t have to stick to our own state.”

“That’s how we ended up buying in Perth and Victoria. We realised it’s not about buying close to home, it’s about buying where your money will work hardest.”

“We were used to taking big holidays and getting new cars every other year. Shifting our mindset from spending to investing took work. We also had to clear our bad debt. But education was key. Now we look back and wish we’d started earlier.”

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The HPI results come as the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics building approval data warned just 5,612 apartments were approved across March and April, compared with 8,625 across January and February – a sad statistic for those priced out of houses hoping to buy a unit to live in.

Property Council of Australia group executive policy and advocacy Matthew Kandelaars said “this is a far cry from the 15,029 greenlit during March and April in the apartment boom of 2016”.

“We will not meet our housing targets without the heavy lifting that needs to come from apartments that can deliver homes at scale close to transport, existing infrastructure and amenities.”

He warned even with approvals “it can take years for a project to start construction, held back by a tight labour market, high construction costs and complicated planning systems”.

“State and territory governments need to step up. Planning is key to delivering more homes, and our approvals data shows that the current systems are not working. More must be done.”

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The post Qld’s million-dollar shock: Majority now priced out of Brisbane houses appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Melbourne house prices gained a nation-leading $250 a day in May with experts revealing the city’s median could be back to record levels of more than $960,000 by Christmas.

PropTrack figures released today show the city’s fifth straight month of home price growth added almost $8000 (0.87 per cent) to the city’s $902,000 typical house value across the past 31 days.

Senior economist Eleanor Creagh said the past month was Melbourne’s biggest single month of growth for house prices since 2021.

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On its current trajectory of 1.6 per cent a quarter, Ms Creagh said the city would achieve a 6.7 per cent resurgence over the next 12 months — enough to smash through its previous median price record in about six months’ time.

“Melbourne has been underperforming for much of the past five years, and it’s now one of the more affordable capitals,” Ms Creagh said.

“But with interest rates falling, seeing renewed competition and improving buyer sentiment, it’s all proving to be the catalyst to reversing the relative weakness that we have seen in Melbourne.”

However, the economist noted it was not guaranteed that the city would maintain its current high rate of growth and a 4-5 per cent uplift was more likely for the coming 12 months.

This would delay the return to peak prices until next year.

Real Estate Buyers’ Agents Association of Australia Victorian representative Matthew Scafidi said the end of Melbourne’s buyers market was “right now”, and he believed growth would continue at higher rates in the months ahead.

“There’s no more buyer’s market, it has swung back in favour of vendors,” Mr Scafidi said.

“Melbourne is back in a big way.”

The Abode Advocacy Group buyer’s agent said that about two weeks ago a switch had been flicked, with auctions more competitive, more homebuyers at inspections and he was now advising owners planning to sell to buy first – then list their home, as the market would likely give them a boost.

“And when the Reserve Bank meets next, we might get another drop in interest rates — if we do, it will be on like Donkey Kong,” Mr Scafidi said.

Melbourne’s median unit price also gained ground in May, rising almost $2000 (0.31 per cent) to $588,000.

On current trends, both houses and units are as little as a month away from recording their first 12 month growth cycle since 2023.

Across regional Victoria the median house price rose 0.18 per cent to $602,000, while the typical unit outside of the metropolitan area now costs $414,000 after a 0.17 per cent rise in May.

Much of the wider growth was a result of more significant increases in areas around the Hume region, up 4.56 per cent in the past year to $564,000, the Bendigo area, where the median rose 2.45 per cent to $587,000, and Warrnambool and surrounds, which gained 2.39 per cent to reach $521,000.

Melbourne’s top performing areas were the city’s south east, where values rose 1.5 per cent in the past year to $787,000, and the north east where they gained 0.96 per cent and the typical home now costs $721,000.

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