It’s a buyer’s market, which means potential homeowners have the opportunity to seek out houses and communities that truly meet their specific needs and tastes. So what are those wants and needs? In a recent webinar, Zonda outlined 20 top homebuyer trends for master plan communities and homes.
Here’s a look at what the top homebuyer trends their experts found:
- Modern Design: Today “modern design” doesn’t necessarily mean rectilinear boxes that define modern as a design category. Instead, Zonda says modern design is leaning into a lived-in aesthetic, with the majority of homeowners preferring “homey” spaces that embrace imperfection. This also includes “mixed-era blending” that combines vintage looks with modern elements.
One reflection of this is the “Nancy Meyers Aesthetic,” which was the No. 2 Google search term related to aesthetics in 2024. This style, named after the filmmaker known for movies like Father of the Bride and It’s Complicated, features cozy, sunlit, chic yet lived-in interiors. Also continuing to trend is the coastal style—still a popular option for homes near and far from the water.
- Physical Wellness: Consumers are prioritizing smaller, low-maintenance yards but with access to amenities like trails, parks and pickleball courts. Wellness-focused amenities, such as open-air gyms and farm-to-table dining, are gaining traction.
Health-conscious buyers are seeking non-toxic materials, improved air filtration, clean water and greenery, with the wellness market projected to grow nearly 16% by 2028.
- Mental Wellness: Consumers value spaces like yoga lawns, meditation decks and interior prayer or meditation rooms to support mental well-being.
- Digital Living: Homebuyers are seeking smart homes with security, lighting, climate control, low-E glass and energy management, including AI-driven spatial technology for virtual experiences.
- Sustainable Budget: Green features like energy-efficient windows, motion-sensing lighting, home battery storage and high-performance insulation are increasingly prioritized by consumers. Demand for solar continues to grow, particularly in the sunshine states, and net-zero homes are on an upward curve.
- Green Matters: Green spaces and nature are driving premium value in communities like The Woodlands, Summerlin, and Irvine Ranch, with better landscapes often outshining new builds in resale markets.
Biophilic design, which brings nature indoors with organic materials, natural light and lush greenery, was the No. 1 interior design search on Google in 2024.
- Light: Natural light is the top interior feature desired by homebuyers. It’s driving demand for the second most-requested indoor feature—open floor plans—along with indoor-outdoor transitions.
- Home Offices: The majority of buyers also list home offices as a top feature, with some willing to trade a dedicated laundry space or garage for more office/tech space.
- “Family” Is Evolving: How we define households is changing. Among those shifts is a rise in multigenerational living. At the same time, single-led households are the fastest-growing segment, and with that has come increased interest in attached homes—particularly townhomes.
- Transportation: Homebuyers’ desire for proximity to transportation options is influencing location preferences. “Forward-thinking communities … offer driverless shuttles to school, amenities or key locations,” said session speaker Mollie Carmichael, principal at Zonda. In addition, 50% of consumers want their garage to be pre-wired for electric charging stations, at minimum.
- Schools: Proximity to quality schools remains a key factor in homebuying decisions.
- Walkability: Consumers want to be able to walk to their community’s town center, particularly to places where they can get coffee or a glass of wine—anything that serves as an extension of their living rooms or office.
- Coastal homes: Homes near water command 15-30% premiums.
- Farm Life: Consumers value communities with farm and farm-to-table experiences emphasizing authentic, healthy living.
- Multi-Functional Spaces: Seventy-two percent of consumers prioritize personalized, sensory-focused spaces (e.g., living rooms with tech features or workout areas), with multi-functional spaces as the No. 3 feature driving people to move. Layouts designed with flexible, multipurpose spaces (such as an office, guest and/or exercise room) are becoming increasingly important.
- Shaded Spaces: Among the top homebuyer trends, covered outdoor spaces are valued for extending indoor spaces in both warm and cool climates. But not completely covered—homebuyers still want natural light to filter through.
Photo credit: Stoffer Photography Interiors (@stofferphotographyinteriors)
- Social Connectivity: Eighty percent of Nextdoor users value neighbor connections, emphasizing cozy, community-oriented spaces. Inside the home, ensure there are clever, cozy spots for gathering.
- Safety: Consumers prioritize real-time monitoring and maintenance for home safety, including smart security systems. This is particularly important as parents recognize the need to get their children outdoors and away from screens but want to feel secure while doing so.
- The 92% Rule: Ninety-two percent of home purchases are led by women, who will control two-thirds of U.S. consumer wealth by 2030, with 1 in 5 homes purchased by women 55+ and 1 in 8 by women of all ages.
- Thoughtful Design Matters: Enhanced functionality and design increase home value without additional costs. Using VR for visualization and customization of these elements is desired by home shoppers.
Exterior Solutions That Reflect 2025’s Hottest Homebuyer Trends
From modern design to indoor-outdoor connections, exterior products like siding, stone, roofing and trim can play a key role in meeting homebuyers’ latest preferences and needs. Get started by checking out Westlake Royal Building Products’ extensive product portfolio and design tools.
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The post From Smart Tech to Outdoor Living: 20 Key Homebuyer Trends in 2025 appeared first on Westlake Royal Pros Blog.