The real estate market is constantly changing, and buyers’ preferences are bound to adapt over time. Features that were popular five or 10 years ago may fall out of favor while trends from 20 years ago make a comeback. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, understanding and embracing the current trends will help you successfully navigate the market.
Here are 10 trends in home buying preferences to expect in 2025:
1. Suburban Living
Location has always been the most important factor in real estate. You can upgrade and renovate your house, but you can’t change where it’s located. Buyer preferences for location can make or break your ability to sell your home.
A recent survey from Bright MLS found that around 40% of prospective home buyers are looking for properties in the suburbs. Around 24% want to live in a small town, and 20% prefer living in the city. Only 16% said they’re looking for properties in rural communities.
Suburban areas are growing faster than large cities, which may be due to the increasing housing costs in urban areas. City dwellers who want to buy their first homes are moving to more affordable communities that are still in close proximity to major economic centers.
2. Proximity to Work
When choosing a location for their home search, proximity to work is one of the most important considerations for buyers. According to the Bright MLS survey, 54% of buyers consider their commute to be a very important factor in their decision.
While remote work is still more common than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers have returned to the office for at least a few days per week. Having a manageable commute can have a huge impact on your quality of life, so it’s no surprise that buyers want to live near their workplaces. Being able to commute by public transportation is very desirable, too.
3. House Hacking Potential
With high mortgage rates and housing costs, buyers are looking to reduce their expenses in any way possible. House hacking continues to be a popular option, especially for first-time buyers who are struggling to break into the market.
House hacking involves renting out part of your property to offset your mortgage costs. Some buyers rent out a bedroom in their home, but most prefer to purchase a property with multiple independent living spaces. Duplexes and homes with in-law apartments are highly sought-after for this reason.
4. Climate Resilience
As natural disasters become more common and destructive, home buyers are looking for climate-proof properties. Purchasing a house in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, flooding, fires, or other disasters can be incredibly risky nowadays. Insurance companies are charging higher and higher rates, and some are pulling out of these high-risk areas completely.
Houses with climate-adaptive features will be in high demand for buyers in 2025. The following are some of the most popular upgrades that can increase a home’s climate resilience:
- Sump pumps
- Flood-resistant flooring
- New insulation
- Storm shutters
- Shade from trees and shrubs
- Fireproof materials
5. Move-In Readiness
There will always be buyers who seek out fixer-uppers, but there’s a growing desire lately for move-in ready homes. Buyers are willing to pay more for the convenience and peace of mind that a move-in ready home brings. These properties sell faster and receive more offers than houses that need extensive repairs.
Although the real estate market is still competitive for buyers, it did cool down significantly in 2024. Buyers have more options and more power in 2025 than they did a few years ago. While buyers may have settled for a fixer-upper in 2022 or 2023, properties that need a lot of work may struggle to get appealing offers today.
6. Eco-Friendly Design
Environmental friendliness offers tons of benefits to homeowners. Living in a sustainable home can reduce your utility bills, extend the lifespan of your appliances, cut down on maintenance needs, and improve your home’s air quality.
As environmental consciousness continues to gain popularity, homeowners will look for homes that offer eco-friendly features. For example, homes with solar panels sell for more than comparable homes without them. ENERGY STAR certified appliances can also increase a home’s appeal.
7. Upgraded Kitchens
For many buyers, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. The layout of the kitchen and the quality of the appliances can make a huge difference in the overall functionality of the home. During showings, the kitchen is often the first room buyers seek out.
The following are some of the most desirable kitchen upgrades for buyers in 2025:
- Granite or quartz counters
- Smart appliances
- Bold tile backsplash
- Pull-out pantry shelves
- Recessed lighting
8. Home Offices
Although many remote workers have returned to the office, working from home is still common in plenty of industries. The lack of a home office might not be a deal-breaker for most buyers, but the presence of one can make a house more competitive on the market.
Fortunately, it’s easy to stage a small bedroom as a home office when putting a property up for sale. As long as buyers can envision themselves working from the space, any room can become an office.
9. Versatile Living Spaces
Flexibility is key in 2025. Many buyers are looking for homes that offer multi-functional or multi-purpose rooms. For example, a guest bedroom that can double as a home office is a popular feature. A finished basement that could function as a home gym and a game room or family room may also attract a lot of attention.
Versatile outdoor spaces are highly sought after in 2025, too. Home buyers want to enjoy their yards, so they’re seeking out properties that offer a deck, patio, pool, or fire pit. They also like features that make the outdoor space accessible year-round, such as slip-resistant stone and covered pergolas.
10. Vintage Design
Although buyers can easily change a home’s design and decor, they tend to take more interest in listings that already match their preferences. Vintage style is expected to make a comeback in 2025, so homes that embrace vintage design may be more popular among buyers.
Some vintage trends that are making a resurgence include dark wood cabinets, stained glass windows, wallpaper, and decorative bathroom tiles. Any of these features could help to generate interest among buyers.
Home buyers’ preferences will always shift with time. In 2025, buyers are prioritizing versatility, eco-friendliness, move-in readiness, and convenient locations. As a seller, understanding what buyers are looking for can help you prepare your home for the market. As a buyer, knowing the trends can help you spot competitive listings and make strong offers.
