Australians have one of the longest life expectancies in the world, and the baby boomer generation is entering its twilight years. As a result, research predicts that older people (aged 65+) will account for a whopping 1 in 4 Australians by 2066. This shift is shaping the future of housing — not just in cities, but here on the Sunshine Coast, including Caloundra and surrounding suburbs, where retirement living options and aged care facilities are growing. Staying in your own home for longer is also increasingly appealing, especially in family-friendly, coastal communities where lifestyle, convenience, and a sense of connection matter. After all, our homes are more than just a place to sleep; they hold a lifetime of memories, provide comfort, safety, security, and peace of mind. Moving on from them can be stressful, particularly later in life.
That’s where accessibility-focused design and the Liveable Housing Design Standard come in. They ensure homes remain safe and functional across all life stages, whether facing disability, injury, or age-related changes. The best part? Accessibility no longer means clinical or uninspiring. Modern design allows you to create stylish, welcoming spaces while ticking all the functional and inclusive boxes.
Here, we look at what the Liveable Housing Design Standard means for new builds, common accessibility barriers in older homes, ways to future-proof your home, and inspiring before-and-afters that prove accessible design can be anything but drab — all with a focus on making local Caloundra homes more comfortable, safe, and long-lasting.
What does the Liveable Housing Design Standard mean?
In a nutshell, this standard ensures new dwellings better meet the needs of the community through adherence to these six elements:
- Seamless dwelling access – a continuous path from the property boundary, garage, or car park to the dwelling entrance.
- Entrances – at least one entrance is level and step-free.
- Doors and corridors – clear openings and specific widths to allow unimpeded access.
- Sanitary compartments – there must be at least one accessible toilet located on the ground floor or entry level.
- Shower – there must be at least one step-free shower with a wide, unobstructed entry.
- Reinforcement – of walls around the toilet, shower, and bath (if provided) to allow the future installation of handrails.
This is particularly important to consider for investment properties, too, as older people represent an increasing share of our total population.
Common accessibility barriers in older homes
The bulk of existing homes, particularly those built decades ago, were not designed with accessibility in mind. In fact, plenty of them – with steep driveways, non-existent deck railings, and questionable staircases – would fail to comply with many of today’s building standards. In terms of inaccessibility, here are the most common culprits:
- Steep staircases without handrails.
- Narrow doorways that won’t accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
- Bathrooms with inaccessible bathtubs, shower over baths, showers with high lips to navigate and slippery surfaces.
- Kitchens with inaccessible storage and too-high benchtops.
- Hard to reach power points and light switches.
- Poor lighting.
These obstacles can increase the risk of falls and injuries, make daily tasks unnecessarily difficult for those living there, and often be the driving factor behind moving to a more accessible home.
Ready to plan a future-proof reno?
If you’re planning a renovation for yourself or for a future sale, it pays to keep in mind that we’re not only facing an aging population, but more than 20% of Australians live with a disability. The best way to plan a beautiful, accessible space is to take a Universal Design approach – that means, creating a space that is accessible and usable by as many people as possible. Here’s how:
- Focus on flow
Open-plan layouts not only look good but are also highly functional in terms of accessibility. Aside from a free-flowing kitchen and living space, supersize your doorways and hallways where possible.
- Prioritise step-free entries
Falls are the number one cause of injury in older Australians, so eliminate this threat by installing step-free entries to your home and shower. A beautiful flush entry tiled shower ticks the aesthetic box, too.
- Create adaptable bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries
Allow for space (and reinforcement) so that grab rails can be installed in the future. Also, avoid slick, slippery tiles in wet areas. Think an accessible bathroom can’t look good? Think again!
- Maximise functional storage
Include pull-down shelving, lower benchtop heights, and easy-to-reach cupboards in kitchens and throughout your home to enhance usability. Clever storage solutions not only future-proof your space but also make daily life more convenient, stylish, and safe.
- Be aware of lighting and contrast
Our eyes deteriorate rapidly as we age, and poor lighting and contrast are contributing factors for falls. Pay attention to creating evenly distributed light to avoid shadows, and consider installing motion-sensor lighting.
If you’re renting or looking for easy DIY tricks to make your home more accessible fast, try these Simple upgrades to make a home more wheelchair friendly.
Accessibility no longer means compromising on style
Gone are the days when adding accessible features made a home feel more like a hospital. Today, inclusive design is changing. Manufacturers are considering style as well as function, and in some cases, you might not even notice a home has been created with accessibility in mind.
Here’s how it can look when you transform your home for the better:
Light and wide
Before
Poorly lit, narrow hallways with uneven flooring are a serious trip hazard and make your space feel cramped, too.
After
Wide, light-filled hallways with flush flooring and sleek recessed lighting boost aesthetic appeal and make it easy to manoeuvre safely.
Bathroom bliss
Before
Busy bathrooms with high-lipped shower trays and narrow doorways make everyday tasks a time-consuming chore.
After
Step into a spa-like accessible retreat complete with a walk-in rainfall shower, wide open spaces and stylish grab bars that double as towel racks.
Kitchen convenience
Before
Inaccessible cupboards, a too-high benchtop and appliances stored out of reach quickly turn the heart of the home into a space of frustration and lost independence.
After
Streamlined cabinetry, adjustable shelving, and an island designed at a height comfortable for everyone prioritise accessibility without compromising on style.
Entrance and outdoor access
Before
Multiple steps to the front door and heavy door handles don’t provide a warm welcome if you’re wheeling a pram, lugging groceries or juggling a walking aid.
After
A step-free entrance with a covered porch is inviting and safe for all ages and stages. Add automatic or lever handles and motion sensor lighting for the finishing touch.
Smart tech and controls
Before
Light switches, blind pulls and air conditioning are all there to make your life more comfortable, but what if you can’t reach them?
After
Get smart with innovative tech like voice-activated lighting, automated blinds, and app-based climate control. These features not only boost independence but also showcase the very best of cutting-edge smart home tech.
Still on the fence? These 9 Inspiring Accessible Homes That Champion Inclusive Design tick the boxes for beautiful, creative, and accessible design.
Where can you turn for support?
If you’re living with a disability, you may qualify for home modification assistance through the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS). These can fund minor home modifications under $20,000 (such as widening a hallway), or complex changes over $20,000, like installing a permanent ramp. Funding through the NDIS can also cover assistive technology that makes your life easier – this includes items such as adjustable beds, mobility aids, or apps to help you communicate.
Make yours a home for every stage of life!
Accessibility is not just about preparing for older age – it’s about future-proofing your home and creating a safe, functional space for everyone, whether it’s for you and your family or as a future investment property. If you plan to renovate for resale or are looking to make your next move, contact your local First National Real Estate team for expert support and guidance. They’ll help you make your next property move a Winning Move!
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.