The quest for a personalised, sustainable and supportive fitness experience has seen the popularity of Pilates studios soar in recent years, and for Liana and Dean Gathercole the decision to own and run three WA studios has been immensely rewarding. 

The couple – who own Strong Pilates in Joondalup, Clarkson and Innaloo in Perth’s northern suburbs – say Pilates studios offered a personalised experience which traditional gyms often did not.

“You’re not just a number, instructors know your name, your body, your goals. There’s also been a broader shift toward preventative health and longevity, and Strong Pilates fits beautifully into that mindset,” Mrs Gathercole said.

Liana and Dean Gathercole own three Pilates studios in Perth’s northern suburbs. Picture: Supplied

“The most rewarding part is seeing people grow, not just physically, but in confidence and connection as well. Watching someone walk into the studio unsure of themselves and, months later, move with strength and self-belief is incredibly fulfilling.

“On a broader level, knowing the studio plays a positive role in people’s routines, mental health, and sense of community makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

When it came to finding a commercial space to open their first Strong in Joondalup in 2023, Mr Gathercole said finding the right locale was as much about feel as it was about logistics.

“With Joondalup, we wanted a location that was accessible, visible, and part of an active local hub, somewhere that already had energy and foot traffic,” he said.

The duo found a Pilates studio also brought consistency and reliability to a commercial area, as members attend multiple times a week, often at set times, which in turn created regular foot traffic.

“That naturally benefits nearby cafés, retailers, and service businesses. From a landlord’s perspective, studios tend to be stable, long-term tenants with strong customer loyalty,” Mr Gathercole said.

“From a community perspective, they bring life, routine, and a sense of belonging to an area, especially during early mornings and evenings when other businesses may be quieter.”

Keen to run your own Pilates studio – or at least invest in the space? Here are some listings currently on the market:

Long-term lease in place

Home to the popular Pilates studio, Love Athletica, which has a long term lease and a strong local following, 134 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East is on the market for $1.5 million.

Highlights of the building include 208sqm of floorplan, a 13.5 metre frontage, two parking bays, set within the blue chip eastern suburb of Hawthorn East, within walking distance to Camberwell Junction.

Love Athletica is located in a leafy pocket in Melbourne’s inner-east. Picture: realcommercial.com.au

Prime locale

Offered with vacant possession, Shop 2, 88 Anzac Parade in Kensington is a prime space for a Pilates studio or fitness centre.

It has a 209sqm floor area, a versatile open plan layout, six basement car spaces, and ample staff and customer parking.

Part of one of Sydney’s fastest developing suburbs, it is near well established businesses, cafés, and public transport.

It’s on the market for $1.2 million and is offered by IB Property, Annandale.

88 Anzac Parade in Kensington boasts a huge 209sqm of floor space. Picture: realcommercial.com.au

Well-located positioning

Home to ‘That Pilates Place,’ Suite 302 / 3 Fordham Way, Oran Park is on the market for $1.295 million.

The building – sold as a going concern – includes 140sqm of prime grade commercial space, visitor, street and basement car parking, and is surrounded by established retail and public transport.

That Pilates Place has about 18 months of a three year lease remaining.

Arabesque lunge to your heart’s content at this studio in Oran Park. Picture: realcommercial.com.au

Boutique offering

The listing describes this boutique Pilates space at 7/88 Mountain Street in Ultimo as “immaculately presented,” with a spacious open-plan layout abundant in natural light and street visibility.

Spanning 77sqm, it ideally suited to a range of owner-occupiers seeking office, showroom, or medical consulting space.

It has an asking price of $490,000.

Sneak a workout in before work at this studio in Ultimo. Picture: realcommercial.com.au

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Following the success of its foray into South Yarra, Soak has recently signed a lease at another hot Melbourne postcode.

Soak Bathouse will occupy a new 459sqm ground-floor tenancy at 182-200 Clarendon Street in South Melbourne, set to open in August 2026.

Soak says it’s a place people can unwind between home and work. Picture: Supplied

The new tenancy forms part of the $160 million development at the site called Emerald Place.

Penthouse buyers at Emerald Place will be granted complimentary Soak memberships, while other residents will have exclusive discounted access.

This is certainly a perk given sessions can run anywhere from $39 and increase depending on demand and day of the week.

The development by Lowe Living hopes to further the wellness boom. Picture: Supplied

The new Soak location will include its signature mineral pools, cold plunge, saunas and steam rooms.

Massages and LED therapies are also available.

Chief executive and co-founder of Soak, Alexis Dean, said the bathhouse can bridge the gap between work and home.

“With South Melbourne, we wanted to create a place where the community can gather, build rituals, and experience wellness in a way that feels social, welcoming and part of everyday life,” Ms Dean said.

Penthouse buyers at Emerald Place will be granted complimentary membership. Picture: Supplied

Tim Lowe, Lowe Living co-founder and managing director, said Soak was a great fit for the developer.

“Integrating respected operators like Soak Bathhouse strengthens the long-term commercial performance of our projects while enhancing the day-to-day experience for residents,” he said.

“Today’s buyers are looking beyond finishes and floorplans and investing in holistic living environments, not just inside their apartments but in the communal and wider local amenity offerings, too.”

The developer is hoping to ride the wellness wave, with the Australian wellness industry worth around $182 billion, according to the Global Wellness Institute.

Lowe Living also has a partnership with Sorrento-based Aurora Spa and Bathhouse on the Mornington Peninsula, which forms part of the famed Continental Hotel, currently on the market for $150 million.

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Gwinganna’s sister property called EcoView Retreat is up for sale owned by Tony de Leede. Picture Glenn Hampson

Shock waves are hitting Australia’s booming wellness industry after a business linked to the partner of Hollywood star Hugh Jackman collapsed, throwing fresh scrutiny on a sprawling property empire built off the back of the fitness craze.

Tony de Leede – the entrepreneur behind Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat and the man who brought Fitness First to Australia – has suffered a setback after his firm Wellness Solutions Group entered voluntary liquidation.

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Hugh Jackman at Gwinganna – his business partner is facing a major setback in his wellness pursuits.

Ecoview Retreat has 24 bedrooms.

Mr De Leede remains a shareholder in Gwinganna alongside Jackman, with the collapse highlighting the risks facing niche wellness coworking ventures as demand softens and operating costs rise.

His wellness firm, which offered corporate clients access to meditation pods, infra-red saunas, coworking hubs and flexible wellness spaces, counted major organisations among its customers including ANZ, Club Lime, YMCA, Goodlife Health Clubs and Stockland.

Mr De Leede said the closure was an “orderly wind-down”, adding staff had been supported and obligations met, but no details have been released about debts incurred with the closures of Mr De Leede’s Club W in Cronulla, Wello Works in Rosebery and his Move123 exercise video brand.

The collapse has turned attention to his broader portfolio of wellness ventures and property plays, including the listing of his 28-hectare EcoView Retreat near Gwinganna – a purpose-built estate featuring villas, event spaces and a private residence designed to capitalise on the retreat boom.

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His property at 660 Trees Road, Tallebudgera Valley, is for sale.

Ecoview Retreat has the main complex plus a stunning “caretaker’s residence”.

The property, marketed as purpose-built for retreats, corporate events and private functions, features 15 self-contained villas, five multipurpose spaces, and a separate four-bedroom residence with a granny flat.

The property at 660 Trees Road, Tallebudgera Valley, has 24 bedrooms, 20 bathrooms and parking for 22 vehicles.

No price has been made public for the property which is for sale via private treaty, located just 15 minutes to Burleigh Heads, 20 minutes to Gold Coast Airport and 60 minutes to Brisbane Airport.

Over the past decade Mr De Leede has bought and sold a string of Queensland properties, from Gold Coast beachfront homes to Broadbeach apartments and holiday investments, navigating wins, losses and rapid resales as the market surged through the pandemic.

Among the most notable was a house on coveted Hedges Avenue on the Gold Coast, purchased for $7.3m in 2009 and sold a decade later for $6.325m – a roughly $1m loss just before the pandemic – despite the area subsequently recording some of the strongest property growth in the region.

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His Ecoview Retreat has a short-term rental type concept for corporates looking to host their own retreats, but can also be a full-time business venture for the right operator.

A three-bedroom apartment in Burleigh Heads was transferred to his wife Snjezana De Leede in October 2024 for $1m after he had paid about $905,000 just over two years earlier.

A one-bedroom unit in the Phoenician at Broadbeach, bought in 2020 for $317,000, sold in 2023 for $515,000 – it was resold by the purchaser a year later for $590,000.

Another one-bedroom in the same building, purchased for $280,000 in 2020, sold around three years later for $485,000, and later resold by the new owner for $575,000 nine months afterwards.

A two-bedroom apartment in The Oracle at Broadbeach, bought in 2021 for $400,000 was sold in 2023 for $710,000. It later resold for $800,000.

A three-bedroom townhouse in Port Douglas, purchased in 2005 for $390,000, sold in 2021 for $1.33m after about 16 years of ownership.

These moves underscore how Mr De Leede has actively managed a significant property portfolio alongside his wellness ventures, balancing short-term flips, long-term holds, and high-profile developments.

The setback underscores the risks facing even high-profile operators as the post-Covid wellness surge cools, raising questions about whether the sector’s rapid expansion has run ahead of sustainable demand.

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Americans are investing more time in their self-care, both for their mental and physical health. According to a 2025 study by the American Psychiatric Association, 59% of people report being anxious about their health, making it a top concern behind covering bills and expenses. 

This focus on health is spreading through various aspects of American lives, including living arrangements. Home buyers are increasingly concerned with how a property can support their health to make life better and more enjoyable. 

Use this guide to understand wellness design and how real estate agents can market properties that appeal to health-conscious buyers. From spa bathroom ideas to home gym staging tips, you can make an average house feel like an inviting utopia. 

Why Wellness-Driven Home Design Matters in 2025

Industry professionals have tracked real estate wellness trends since the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout 2020, property owners were spending more time in their homes and started customizing their living spaces to accommodate their health and lifestyle needs. Many of these upgrades and trends have stuck.

For example, 29% of exercisers purchased equipment for home use because of the pandemic. As of 2023, 51% of exercisers say they still prefer at-home workouts. 

Realtors and interior designers have seen a significant shift toward health, comfort, and at-home self-care in property upgrades. Buyers increasingly want their living spaces to be peaceful and promote healthy living. These desires are reinforced by the lasting preference to work from home. When people spend their entire workdays in their homes, they want their properties to fully accommodate their needs. 

Real estate agents can showcase calming home design elements and amenities built to support buyer health. Keeping up with trends in wellness and real estate can help agents attract offers for their clients and close deals faster and easier. Here are a few ways to market properties with health-conscious buyers in mind. 

Showcase Indoor Air Quality Home Features

Humans are growing increasingly aware of the dangers of air pollution, which includes indoor air. Not only can low-quality air make breathing difficult for kids, the elderly, and the immunocompromised, but it can also have negative long-term respiratory effects on otherwise healthy adults. 

Real estate agents can highlight the quality of the air for buyers during showings. Here are a few tips to help buyers breathe easier: 

• Show off high-efficiency HVAC systems with any HEPA filtration and air purification add-ons installed. 
• Leave out any plants and air-purifying greenery (living walls, indoor planters) as part of your staging efforts. 
• Avoid candles and plug-in air fresheners that push smells into the air. These cause discomfort in people with sensitivities and may convince buyers that you are hiding an unwanted odor. 
• Strive for a natural smell in your showing experience. This way, buyers can feel confident they aren’t buying a house with unwanted mold and mildew. 

The nose is an incredibly powerful organ and sets the first impression in a home. Clean air free of odors is one of the best ways to start off a showing on a positive note.

Help Your Buyers Embrace Biophilic Design

Biophilic design seeks to connect people with nature within their homes. The idea is to create a living environment that is peaceful and safe, while incorporating elements that people would find on a hike or immersed in the outdoors. Biophilic interior design doesn’t have to be complicated. Home sellers might accentuate their natural elements before listing a home or make design upgrades to embrace a more biophilic experience.  

Here are a few elements of biophilic design excellence: 

• Natural light: Open, clean windows that let in the sun can immediately change how a space feels. 
• Natural materials in home design: Incorporate elements like wood, stone, clay, and linen in design choices. This can be elevated by choosing elements found in nature regionally (like colors and materials that can be found in nearby forests). 
• Water features: Both indoor and outdoor fountains can add zen elements to a space. 
• Organic colors: Embrace Earth tones, textures, and other colors found outside the window. 

Not every house is fully immersed in the woods or has ample natural light. Some homeowners and agents may need to get creative and add visual connections to the outdoors in their spaces. Photos of natural scenes and elements like potted plants, desktop fountains, and earthy textures may be necessary to add a biophilic feel to an existing floor plan.

For many homeowners, physical fitness is one of the most important factors of living a healthy lifestyle. Real estate agents can showcase the walkability of communities, nearby parks for hiking, and other recreational areas within a neighborhood. This can win over buyers on a particular home before they even set foot on the property. 

There are also ways to promote interior wellness design to make a potential house feel like a dream home. Here are a few ways to show that a particular space was designed for physical activity. 

• Promote dedicated fitness zones. More buyers want quality home gyms with space for equipment and enough room to work out. They are no longer content with an exercise bike in the living room or a few weights in the basement. Let buyers know if the floor plan is designed with a gym in mind. 
• Embrace staging elements. If the homeowner doesn’t have a home gym, make one. Create spaces for movement using staging elements that showcase how a room could be used. Adding mirrors, rubber flooring, free weights, and calming lighting can all contribute to a gym space. 
• Consider how rooms are converted. Few homes are constructed with dedicated home gyms. Instead, homeowners often convert their garages, basements, or guest rooms into workout areas. Get creative with interior design and showcase how an extra space could be perfect for physical activity. 

Agents can also use small indicators to showcase that a house is ideal for someone who cares about their health. For example, staging a space with a bicycle storage rack can help buyers envision themselves on trails or commuting to work on a bike instead of driving.

Develop Spa Bathrooms and Restorative Spaces

Wellness design can be found throughout the home, even in smaller rooms. Spa bathrooms are increasingly popular, with homeowners investing in vanities and features that allow them to wash off the stress of the day. This wellness architecture appeals to people who want to protect their mental health and overall well-being by destressing after a long day. Here are a few ways to showcase bathrooms designed to lower stress levels.   

• Promote any soaking tubs, steam showers, rainfall shower heads, or heated floors. These are desirable upgrades that can win over buyers. 
• Embrace minimalist styling for mental clarity. Don’t overclutter a space with extra towels, plants, and other elements. 
• Let in the natural daylight. Soft light elements can make a space feel more relaxing. 
• Add sound-absorbing rugs and acoustic insulation to create peaceful, calm spaces. The bathroom doesn’t have to echo. 
• Showcase any natural stone or eco-friendly fixtures. This can make people feel good about the bathroom designs. 

Avoid relying on aromatherapy features to create a calming space. Diffusers or candles might seem relaxing, but they can quickly become overpowering. Instead, place a bar or bottle of soap and lotion for guests to use to wash their hands, along with a fluffy towel to dry them. This way, potential buyers can decide whether they want to add an aromatic accent to the tour.

Consider Smart Wellness Technology

An important part of developing healthy homes in 2025 is to consider smart home wellness technology. Studies show 70% of buyers are looking for smart homes, and 78% are willing to pay more for homes with smart devices. Adding connected elements can create a sense of comfort for buyers while also showcasing various amenities. 

Examples of wellness-focused smart technology include lights that change color based on circadian rhythms, air and humidity sensors, and smart blinds for sleep improvement. Some homeowners might even have meditation pods and other mindfulness technology to make relaxation easier. 

While this tech can interest buyers, agents should confirm whether or not sellers plan to move with the tech. Some homeowners might prefer to move with their smart blinds or sensory lights instead of installing new ones in their future homes.

Bring Wellness Design Outdoors

Outdoor living spaces surged alongside home offices and gyms during the COVID-19 pandemic, and buyers continue to seek accommodations with patios, porches, and backyards to relax in. One survey found nearly 90% of homeowners view their outdoor living space as an important part of their health and well-being. Approximately 45% of people regularly use their outdoor areas to relax.  

Sellers and real estate agents can attract buyers with outdoor living options. They can set up chairs and tables to promote social interaction or hang hammocks for occupant comfort. Staged outdoor areas should offer shade, privacy, and relaxation options. 

These outdoor areas can also reflect the hobbies of residents or potential buyers. Agents might stage a gardening area where residents can nurture flowers or grow their own fruits and vegetables. They might highlight how an area is perfect for an outdoor shower or sauna. 

Consider the multi-use nature of outdoor living. In temperate areas, buyers can use their outdoor spaces for reading, cooking, gardening, or napping in fresh air. The staging you choose for a backyard or patio doesn’t have to focus on a specific activity.

Staging and Selling a Home With Wellness Architecture 

There are several ways to invest in wellness staging in real estate to attract buyers without significantly changing house plans. Consider the existing natural strengths of the house and highlight these features. This way, you won’t have to actively create areas that promote healthy well-being. Here are a few universal design principles for good staging with a wellness-focused eye. 

• Consider the lighting. Use natural light when possible and incorporate gentle lighting to photograph the space. 
• Feature wellness elements. Make sure the spa details, green views, and comfort amenities are featured in the photos. Illustrate the value they provide in the listing description. 
• Review potential features that would attract buyers. Both sellers and listing agents should review these elements and make sure they are emphasized. 
• Create an emotional impact for showings. Embrace small task lights and soft music to let buyers know they have entered a wellness area. 
• Suggest simple upgrades and small projects for sellers. Review the best wellness features to add before selling that can have an impact without costing too much. 

Knowing how to stage your home for health-conscious buyers can help you attract the right people to your property. While good design can bring people to your home, small details through staging can win them over. Some agents might even offer buyers healthy food options, like a fresh fruit platter, when they tour the house, to showcase how the home is designed with wellness in mind.

Understanding Buyer Segments of Wellness-Driven Homes

Wellness buyers aren’t a monolith. They come from a variety of backgrounds and have certain preferences based on their lifestyles. While this guide is useful for understanding what buyers want in a wellness home in 2025, it helps to focus on your specific buyers and potential target audiences. Here are a few types of people who prioritize wellness in their home searches. 

• Younger buyers: according to a report by McKinsey & Company, 56% of Gen Z consumers consider fitness a “very high priority,” compared to 40% of all consumers. These buyers are also more focused on mental health.  
• Remote workers: people who work from home spend 40 more hours a week in their houses than their in-office counterparts. They might even spend more time at home because they don’t lose several hours each week to a commute. These workers are often heavily focused on their home amenities because they have more time to enjoy them. 
• Retirees and empty-nesters: older Americans are prioritizing their health to combat the effects of aging. Those who are retired have more time to spend at home and will become less mobile as they age. Wellness-focused homes can help people age in place and maintain their independence. 
• New parents: buyers with small kids may be concerned about the built environment in a home. They want clean indoor air quality and non-toxic materials for kids. These buyers might also look for fenced-in backyards within floor plans so kids can play outside safely.   

It’s possible to market your home to multiple health-conscious buyers at once, but ask your agent if there is a specific audience you should focus on. The buyers in your area might meet certain demographics, and staging a nature-focused nursery or relaxing home office could win people over.

How FastExpert Agents Can Stand Out

Buyers and sellers are both increasingly health-conscious, which is good news for real estate agents who know how to market themselves to these clients. Realtors can showcase their wellness design knowledge on their FastExpert profiles or provide insight into how they pair the right buyers with their future dream homes. FastExpert provides ample space to discuss listing specialties, which is a great way to win over potential clients. 

Outside of FastExpert, agents can grow their businesses by collaborating with local wellness brands (like home spa installers or gym contractors) and getting involved with healthy living groups. The people you enjoy sunrise yoga with this weekend could be your future customers.

See how FastExpert showcases real estate agents across the United States. You can grow your wellness-focused business by finding customers that perfectly fit your niche.