The Era of the 'Man Cave' is Fading: Welcome to the Age of the 'She Shed' and the Backyard Boardroom

The Australian residential property market is witnessing a remarkable transformation. The most valuable square metre in the modern home is no longer the one with the best internet connection, but the one that offers the quietest escape from the noise of daily life. After twenty years in real estate, I've watched the focus of a home shift from the formal dining room to the open-plan kitchen, and now, surprisingly, to the bottom of the garden.

The Rise of She Sheds in Australian Property

For decades, the 'Man Cave' dominated the Australian backyard—a detached garage or rumpus room designed for weekend downtime. Today, the market is experiencing a significant shift. We're witnessing a surge in demand for what the industry is calling 'She Sheds' and high-end dedicated home workspaces. This isn't merely a lifestyle trend; it represents a fundamental redefinition of how Australians value utility and space in residential property.

The numbers tell a compelling story. According to recent reports from Houzz Australia, outdoor structures—including sheds, studios, and detached home offices—have experienced double-digit growth as a renovation category, with demand increasing by approximately 34% between 2023 and 2025. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has consistently highlighted the rise in women working from home, with female entrepreneurship rates climbing to 36% of all small business owners in 2024, up from 32% in 2020.

"As Paul Virdi, Director of Alpha Real Property Group, observes: "We're no longer selling houses with rooms; we're selling homes with possibilities. A She Shed isn't an add-on—it's a strategic asset that speaks to autonomy, creativity, and the modern Australian desire for work-life integration rather than separation."

Understanding the She Shed Phenomenon

The traditional home office—often a cramped corner of the bedroom or a shared dining table—no longer meets the needs of today's workforce. Women, in particular, are seeking dedicated spaces that physically separate professional responsibilities from domestic demands. A She Shed provides this critical boundary, offering a purposeful retreat that can serve multiple functions: home office, creative studio, wellness sanctuary, or small business headquarters.

From a real estate valuation perspective, this trend is transforming how properties are assessed. We're moving beyond simple bedroom and bathroom counts to evaluate what I call "sanctuary value"—the psychological and practical worth of having dedicated, detached personal space.

Why She Sheds Are Changing Property Values

Several key factors explain why She Sheds and backyard boardrooms are reshaping the Australian property landscape:

Multi-Generational Appeal: As living costs continue rising—with median house prices in major Australian cities exceeding $1.1 million in 2025—more families are pooling resources. The ABS reports that 23% of Australian households now accommodate three or more generations, up from 18% in 2020. A dedicated, detached space offers privacy for ageing parents or adult children, making properties versatile for longer ownership timelines.

The Side Hustle Economy: The Australian side hustle economy is booming, valued at approximately $126 billion in 2025. With more women launching small businesses and consultancies—52% of new online businesses in 2024 were founded by women, according to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman—a dedicated workspace physically separate from the house is viewed as a business essential. Properties with existing, powered studios featuring independent street access are commanding premiums of 8-12% in competitive markets.

Wellness as a Property Feature: Post-pandemic awareness has elevated the psychological value of "checking out" without leaving the property. A 2024 study by the Property Council of Australia found that 67% of homebuyers aged 30-50 prioritise dedicated wellness or creative spaces when evaluating properties. A She Shed isn't merely a workspace; it frequently serves as an art studio, yoga retreat, or meditation space. This psychological utility translates directly to tangible market desirability.

The Future of Australian Residential Design

The modern Australian home is evolving rapidly. Contemporary buyers aren't just evaluating where they'll sleep and eat; they're assessing where they'll create, work, and find peace. Master Builders Australia reports that 41% of new home builds in 2025 include purpose-designed detached studios or garden rooms, compared to just 19% in 2019.

This shift reflects broader societal changes. The boundaries between home and work, personal and professional, have become increasingly fluid. She Sheds and backyard boardrooms acknowledge this reality whilst providing the structure and separation many people crave.

For property investors and homeowners, the message is clear: dedicated personal space isn't a luxury—it's a necessity that significantly impacts property appeal and value. Whether you're renovating, building, or buying, considering the sanctuary value of a property alongside traditional metrics will become increasingly important.

The era of the Man Cave may be fading, but the age of purposeful, personalised space has only just begun. The question isn't whether She Sheds will remain relevant, but rather how quickly the market will adapt to this new definition of home value.

Are you seeing increased demand for backyard studios in your area? The data suggests this trend is here to stay, fundamentally reshaping how Australians think about residential property and personal space.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making property