There are hundreds of suggestions that can be made on how to update, renovate and re-design a layout to make it functional for you and allow it to respond well to the built environment. Engaging an architect or building designer at this stage may not be something you're willing to do, as spending money for plans on a house you don't own would not be the ideal situation. The issue with this is that the design phase of a project takes a lot of time and consideration. My best advice would be to play around with the plans and create some sketches, whether online or on paper. If you are happy with the possibilities then buy the property. Any house can be transformed, but whether or not you are satisfied with the transformation is a personal choice only you can make.

An architect, a building designer or an interior designer (not an interior decorator) should be able to work with you to create a design you love and get the most out of your interior space. You (or your designer) will also likely need to consult with an engineer, or possibly a good builder, regards load bearing walls etc.

Hi siriuskey, I agree the bathroom is too far away from the living areas. People will have to trek to the other end of the house past bedrooms to get to the bathroom. I'll think I'll move it back. The high set windows for bathroom privacy shows that it is possible to have a bathroom at the front of the house no problems. Also, the living room space with open walls is just a way to create 2 spaces in the combined area. If you want you can create a more private room by closing the sliders. Just thinking about resale and having more options e.g. one watching tv and the other in the family area. Do you think it would be better being one larger space at 11.3 metres long by 5m wide? Thanks.

as usual the real estate plans show inconsistent dimensions so first task is to manually check all measurements including precise location of all doors, windows, power points and plumbing and based on experience with investment properties my suggestion include space for a standard size lounge and wall hung TV, minimise demolition by only partly removing walls between kitchen and dining area and use standard sized cabinets, fixtures and fittings that are quick and easy to replace ie a standard upright stove and wall mounted microwave and good sized fridge space with pantry storage drawers in the island and optional extra matching cabinets along the back wall and install a sliding glass door and bigger deck with basic pergola for alfresco area (and does the deck need a fence?)