Buyers keen on an existing property are targeting properties in waterfront suburbs and affordable family-friendly areas, according to Domain’s analysis of real estate searches.

It also found swimming pools, courtyards and studies were top of buyers’ must-have lists.

Domain chief of research and economics Nicola Powell says the housing preferences triggered by the pandemic continue to dominate where people are buying.

“The higher interest rate and tighter lending have reduced buyers’ borrowing capacity, so they would have to look at what and where they can afford,” she says.

Sydney’s eastern suburbs of Randwick, Maroubra and Paddington attracted the largest number of buyer inquiries.

In Melbourne, Southbank, South Yarra and Docklands are the most popular with potential buyers, while in Queensland, Surfers Paradise chalked up the most inquiries followed by Upper Coomera, Kallangur, Caboolture and Redbank Plains.

In South Australia, Christies Beach and Henley Beach are the most popular, while investors are keen on Munno Para West and Davoren Park.