The downfall of the home theatre

Few people are aware that home theatres first started appearing in residential abodes in the 1920s. While considered a rare luxury reserved for the wealthy, the popularity of such spaces steadily grew, eventually peaking in the 2000s. However, the allure of home cinemas seems to now be waning as homebuyers reevaluate what’s important to them.

Post-pandemic, homeowners and buyers have come to appreciate the value of well-planned functional floor plans and multi-purpose rooms that can cater to recreation, work, play, study and health. Peter Koulizos is the program director for the master of property at the University of Adelaide’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, and he suggests the rise of streaming services has also contributed to the change.

“Home theatres were very popular in the early 2000s, especially when we were building ‘McMansions’,”says Peter. “Popularity for home theatres waned as technology improved and we could watch movies and stream music on our tablets and phones – we didn't need to be at home to watch movies or TV. Since the pandemic, other aspects of the home have become more important than home theatres.

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As a result, home theatres have become a nicety rather than a necessity, says Peter. “If you had two homes that were exactly the same – the only difference being one had a home theatre with a cinema screen and sound system – the property with a home theatre would sell for more,” says Peter. “But would it sell for more than it cost to build the home theatre and install the IT? Probably not.”

Peters suggests the two biggest changes in the property market are that buyers are now looking for homes with more land or outdoor space, and homes with more than one study or office space. “Many people, especially those in small apartments or homes, are now looking for properties where they can spend more time outdoors and grow their own fruit and vegetables,” says Peter. “Working from home is here to stay and if more than one adult is going to work from home on the same day, two study spaces – or spaces that can be used as studies – will be required.”

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The lack of a second bathroom, ideally in the form of an ensuite, has also become something of a dealbreaker for home buyers. “For the past 30 to 40 years, Australians have come to expect that a home should have two bathrooms,” says Peter. “If it's a character or period-style home where two bathrooms were not included in the original build, there needs to be the opportunity to add another bathroom.”

Read more insights into the home and building industry on ArchiPro.