As property prices continue to soar across Australia, the demand for luxury homes with exquisite living spaces, resort-style pools, and opulent ensuites remains high. However, a new trend is emerging in the realm of high-end real estate: the luxury garage. These spaces are not just for parking; they are showcases for prized car collections, reflecting the owner’s taste and wealth.
According to Michael Bacon, director of Place Kangaroo Point, while luxury garages are relatively rare, their demand is growing. “It’s a showcase,” he explained. “If you have expensive cars in a nice garage, it’s like showing off art in a gallery. You want the correct light, the correct flooring. Privacy and security are very important as well, not to mention insulation, climate control, and charging facilities.”
Despite the challenges posed by shrinking house blocks and rising construction costs, Bacon notes the benefits of investing in a luxury garage. “If people are spending a lot of money on a substantial home, they expect a minimum of four to five car parks with enough height for larger cars,” he said. “And storing cars off-site can be an annoyance – you don’t want to have to travel to pick up a car for the weekend.”
The Rise of the Luxury Garage
The announcement comes as more homeowners seek to integrate additional amenities into their garage spaces. “We’re also seeing people integrate gyms and wellness centers into these spaces – like the property at 55 Stella Place, Bonogin – to create high-end man caves,” Bacon added.
Here is a look at some of the most impressive garages that have hit the Australian property market this year, showcasing the blend of functionality and luxury.
160 Tallai Rd, Tallai, QLD
This grand Gold Coast home, which went viral online, features a go-kart track, putting green, basketball court, and a Dragon Tree sculpture surrounded by fire and water. The 10-bedroom, 11-bathroom home includes a nine-car, 230 sqm garage with glass frontage, 52 specialty spotlights, LED logo screens, epoxy flooring, integrated climate control, and a dedicated race simulator room.
190 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport, NSW
Listed for sale between $12 million and $13 million, this luxurious beach abode boasts a showroom-quality garage designed to house a Lamborghini collection. The space includes a car lift from street level, a glass ceiling with a pond above, feature lighting, and a bold black color scheme.
36 River Cove Place, Helensvale, QLD
Once known as the Candy Shop Mansion, this property is all about flaunting luxury. It features a six-car showroom garage with tiled floors, picture windows, and glass electronic doors. Additionally, there is a 10-car basement garage for extra vehicles.
Innovative Designs and Features
Meanwhile, properties like 1187 High St, Armadale, VIC, offer a sub-penthouse with a basement enclave. The main home includes four bedrooms and four bathrooms, with direct lift access connecting the 596 sqm apartment to a 375 sqm basement garage. This space includes parking for five cars, a private gym, sauna, wine cellar, and entertainment area.
At 55 Stella Place, Bonogin, QLD, marketed as the pinnacle of luxury, the property features a nine-car basement garage with hexagon lighting, a lobby, gym, and wellness area with a sauna and plunge pool. A lift connects the garage to the upper floors, enhancing convenience and luxury.
116 Green St, Cremorne, VIC
This secret Ferrari man cave, sold earlier this year, was owned by the late David Jones, a former Melbourne Cricket Club president. The 290 sqm warehouse housed a 1972 Ferrari Dino GT and a 1955 MG Roadster, among other collectibles, creating a private sanctuary for car enthusiasts.
2124 Maleny-Stanley River Rd, Booroobin, QLD
On the market for offers over $11 million, WildHaven is a 42-hectare property with a massive 12-bay garage featuring automated doors, sleek flooring, and built-in cabinetry. This space also includes a professional gym, home cinema, bathrooms, and a commercial cool room.
Future Trends in Luxury Garages
The move represents a growing trend where luxury garages are not just about storage but about creating a lifestyle. Properties like 465 Randell Rd, Hindmarsh Island, SA, offer unique features such as a garage with in-house mooring for boat owners, while 23 Henderson St, Bulimba, QLD, includes a yoga studio and games lounge with a professional roulette table.
As the demand for luxury garages continues to rise, experts predict that these spaces will become increasingly sophisticated, incorporating more advanced technology and design elements. This development follows a broader trend in the luxury real estate market, where homeowners seek to personalize their spaces with unique features that reflect their interests and lifestyle.
In conclusion, the rise of luxury garages in Australia highlights a shift in how homeowners view their properties. These spaces are no longer just functional; they are integral parts of a luxurious lifestyle, offering convenience, security, and a touch of personal flair.
