Customisation, wellness and natural luxury are some of the leading apartment market trends predicted for 2026.
New insights from Capital Corporation and interior designer Coco Republic have revealed some of the luxury apartment trends for the new year from customisable apartment design, pet-friendly amenity to in-built wellness features.
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Customisable spaces are said to be a preference of one of five buyers this year. Pictures: Supplied
Capital Corporation revealed that over the past year, one in five buyers (21 per cent) have made customisation requests from converting spare bedrooms into a private study to expanding walk-in-wardrobes.
Coco Republic similarly recorded a 30 per cent increase in demand for bespoke furniture solutions.
With such personalisation now a defining marker of luxury, Capital Corporation director Jim Hunter said 2026 presents a remarkable opportunity for the industry to become more attuned to the preferences of luxury apartment buyers.
“While demand for tailor-made residences continues to grow, the reality is that opportunities for truly bespoke design within apartment developments remain limited,” he said.
“For today’s buyer, committing to a development early provides a significant advantage – it allows them to help shape a home that genuinely complements their lifestyle.”
Personalisation in apartments is set to continue to trend in 2026
Mr Hunter said they planned to deliver properties that reflect buyers’ needs, while welcoming their input from the earliest stages of construction.
Charlotte Dobbs head of commercial Interior Design at Coco Republic said true quality is felt in the flow, functionality and spatial planning of a space rather than in trend-driven features.
“It is the finer design moments that make a home feel uniquely crafted,” she said.
Another trend that already has momentum is pets being a priority.
The insights reveal nearly one in three (31 per cent) downsizers consider pet-friendly features essential when choosing their next home, a trend accelerated by recent rental law reforms that make pet ownership easier for tenants.
Nearly one in three (31 per cent) downsizers consider pet-friendly features essential
Capital Corporation’s research also shows that over one in 10 downsizers (11 per cent) intend to get a dog or cat when moving.
As a response, Capital Corporation have integrated premium pet-friendly features at The Residences at Wahroonga Estate including a dedicated dog-wash bay and direct access to dog-walking areas.
“For many of our buyers, pets are part of the family,” Mr Hunter said.
“Pet-friendly amenities ensure our apartments remain deeply liveable, down to the last detail”.
Another driver of demand in focus for 2026 was access to nature and community.
A preference for familiar locations was said to shape purchasing behaviour, with one in five (19 per cent) downsizers planning to relocate only six to 10km from their current home.
Capital Corporation apartment trends supplied. nsw re
Outdoor spaces were also important features, with 30 per cent of downsizers considering gardens, parks or proximity to bushland essential.
Coco Republic revealed a clear shift toward natural, restorative spaces inside of homes.
“Coming into 2026, the strongest movement is toward elevated naturalism and interiors that balance refined luxury with a connection to nature,” Ms Dobbs said.
“Purchasers are increasingly seeking apartments that are surrounded by greenery, with more area dedicated to outdoor spaces”.
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Wellness on your doorstep was another factor for apartments
Wellness real estate was also highlighted to likely continue its rapid expansion into the new year, with the research pointing to the Global Wellness Institute naming it an ‘explosive growth sector’ ranking Australia as the fourth fastest growing market in the world.
Properties with integrated wellness features were said to attract a 10 to 25 per cent price premium.
The Residences at Wahroonga Estate, buyers can incorporate infrared saunas into their build.
Such wellness offerings are likely to contribute apartmenr interest in the market in the new year.
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