Top 5 Features Homebuyers Want Most in 2025

The real estate market is always changing, and one of the biggest shifts lately is what buyers want in a home. Remote work started this trend, but now buyers care more about energy efficiency, wellness, and community.

Today’s buyers aren’t just looking for four walls and a roof; they’re searching for homes that fit their values, routines, and aspirations.

As an experienced broker, I’ve seen these trends firsthand. If you’re selling your home, being aware of these trends can give you a competitive advantage. Here are five key preferences buyers are looking for in 2025:

1. Dedicated home offices. The work-from-home culture is reshaping home design. A 2024 National Association of Realtors survey shows that over 31% of buyers prioritize dedicated home offices.

Buyers are moving beyond makeshift setups; they want quiet, secluded spaces with natural light, sound insulation, and high-speed internet. Homes with flex rooms or bonus spaces are particularly attractive, especially in suburban areas where there’s plenty of square footage.

If you’re a home seller, staging an unused bedroom or loft as a modern office can instantly boost your home’s appeal.

2. Energy efficiency and smart tech. With rising utility costs and growing climate awareness, buyers are increasingly interested in sustainable living. A Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report revealed that over 60% of buyers are willing to pay more for homes with solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, or smart thermostats.

Millennials and Gen Z buyers, who are now dominating the market, expect modern conveniences such as smart locks, voice-controlled lights, and app-integrated security systems. These features not only save money in the long run but also reflect a tech-savvy, future-forward lifestyle.

3. Evolving open floor plans. While open layouts are still popular, defined spaces are making a comeback. Buyers now prefer defined spaces for work, dining, and relaxation.

“Broken-plan” layouts are gaining popularity, offering semi-open spaces that maintain visual flow without sacrificing utility.

Instead of knocking down every wall, buyers are now seeking layouts that allow for privacy, acoustics, and functionality without feeling confined. Pocket doors, glass partitions, and built-in shelving are creative ways to achieve this balance.

4. Outdoor and wellness spaces. The past few years have redefined how we value outdoor space. Buyers are looking for homes that offer usable, private outdoor areas, such as patios, balconies, and backyards, that are ideal for relaxation, entertaining, or gardening.

There’s also growing interest in wellness-focused features, such as home gyms, spa-style bathrooms, air purification systems, and quiet zones for meditation or yoga. In fact, a Redfin report found that listings highlighting wellness spaces sold 7 days faster on average.

5. Walkability and community convenience. While affordability is driving many buyers to the suburbs or smaller metros, community and walkability remain critical.

Buyers, especially younger ones, still want to be near cafes, parks, hiking trails, and retail without long car rides.

This creates an increased demand for “15-minute neighborhoods” where most daily needs can be met within a short walk or bike ride. Developments that blend residential, retail, and green space are seeing higher premiums and faster sales.

In today’s competitive market, understanding buyer preferences isn’t optional. Buyers are no longer just comparing square footage; they’re weighing lifestyle, convenience, and peace of mind.

If you’re considering selling, highlighting features that align with these priorities can make your home stand out. And if you’re curious how your property measures up to current demand, let’s talk. Call or send a message at (818) 903-5854 or tammyjerome@gmail.com. I’d be happy to give you a free home consultation or market update.