TOP FEATURES AND AMENITIES HOMEBUYERS WANT IN 2025

Savvy sellers desiring to attract buyers should pay attention to the features that today’s buyers are seeking in 2025. By recognizing these changes and making modifications to your home, you'll be better positioned in a competitive market, helping your home stand out from the rest.

Lifestyles have shifted noticeably in recent years, and these changes are reflected in the preferences people now want for their homes. In today’s world, we’re using our homes in ways that differ from how we have in the past. We are seeing a shift toward concepts like smart technology, less open floor plans, multi-functional living spaces, customized workspaces, and sustainability, to name a few. We’ll explore a few of these in this article.

TECHNOLOGY

According to Joel McRae in his February 6, 2025, article, The 9 Most In-Demand Home Features Buyers Want in 2025 – ‘Buyers in 2025 expect more than just a video doorbell or a few smart bulbs. They’re looking for homes that offer true automation—systems that adjust lighting, temperature, and security based on routines and preferences. A home that can recognize when its owners are arriving and adjust accordingly is no longer a futuristic idea; it’s a selling point. Security is a major driver for smart home demand. Buyers want integrated systems that let them monitor cameras, control locks, and get alerts remotely.’

Technology is increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, including our security and privacy. Such innovations as security systems with video doorbells, smart locks with fingerprint access, remote or voice-controlled lighting, motion sensors, surveillance systems with instant alerts bring peace of mind and comfort to homeowners.

LIVING AND WORKSPACES

McRae also writes, ‘Buyers want rooms that can adapt to their needs—whether that’s a gym in the morning, an office during the day, or a cozy guest room at night.’ He suggests that multi-purpose rooms offering flexibility provide a seller with an advantage in today’s market.  Several articles mentioned that while open-floor plans are still popular, we are starting to see a trend toward more formality and separation of spaces, such as separate dining rooms, areas for entertaining guests that are separate from TV rooms, and kitchens that are not directly connected to the living area.

If adding separate rooms isn’t feasible or cost-effective, stage your home in a way that inspires buyers with ideas on how they could easily transform the space. Here are some ideas Cynthia Maesom shares in her gobankingrates.com January 5, 2025 article:

• Convertible guest rooms that double as workout spaces.

• Open-concept living areas that can be reconfigured easily.

Flexibility in design caters to the diverse needs of modern households. A home that can accommodate work-from-home setups, family gatherings, and personal hobbies is far more appealing in today’s market.

Buyers are increasingly considering health and age-related features when looking for homes. Air filtration systems, the use of non-toxic materials, homes with natural light and larger windows, anti-microbial surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms not only promote well-being but also align with a growing desire for healthier, more sustainable living environments. Saunas, cold plunge tubs, wellness rooms, meditation areas and yoga spaces, are also becoming sought-after amenities.

More buyers are looking at homes that allow for ‘aging-in-place’ features including some of the smart technology pieces already mentioned in this article. Additional considerations such as step-free entrances, wider doorways, higher vanities, touchless faucets and automated blinds will appeal to those seeking to live longer in their homes.

Kitchens have always been a key factor in the consideration and sale of a house – its appearance, its functionality, its size, the amount of storage. Since the kitchen has traditionally been the hub of a home, you’ll want to pay particular attention to this space. To appeal to buyers, consider features like large pantries, deep drawers, well-designed cabinets, spacious islands with plenty of seating, customized drawer inserts, and hidden trash and recycling receptacles.

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

Think about ways to bring the ‘living indoors’ to the outside of your home. Buyers are looking for homes that bring them in touch with nature and provide additional living spaces outdoors. They are seeking homes with amenities like fire pits, outdoor kitchens, shaded lounge areas, patios, gazebos, and a well-landscaped back yard.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

With rising energy prices, buyers are paying more attention to cost-saving features for their next home. Solar panels may offer tax incentives while reducing energy bills – energy efficient windows offer lower utility costs by improving energy loss – smart thermostats are a convenient and efficient way to control energy usage. Consider replacing an outdated HVAC system with one that is more energy efficient. Ask yourself: Does your home need more insulation, or is it time to replace the roof? A few years ago, these factors may not have been as important for buyers, but today, they can make all the difference when selling your home.

In conclusion, if you're looking to enhance your home's appeal, staying on top of these trends could be the ticket to achieving a quick sale. Today’s buyers are not only looking for comfort in their new home, but they are also increasingly looking for ways to reduce their everyday energy costs. Additionally, they are seeking homes that afford them spaces that can adapt to their lifestyle changes and needs over time. And lastly, it’s important to partner with a trusted real estate agent to help successfully guide you through the process of selling your home.

Sandi Downing Real Estate/Keller Williams

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