Home Buying Trends For 2025

After analyzing millions of for-sale listings from 2024, Zillow found that homebuyers are prioritizing properties with eco-friendly features, climate resilience, and advanced smart home technology.

According to Business Insider, there’s a rising demand for smart, sustainable technology. Whole-home batteries, often paired with solar panels, have seen a 62% increase in mentions in for-sale listings compared to last year, making them the fastest-growing feature. Other popular additions include EV chargers and induction cooktops.

“Technology has empowered homeowners to live more sustainably and affordably, which is increasingly important to prospective buyers,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert.

With rising home prices, many buyers are opting for smaller, more affordable homes. The term “cozy” has appeared in 35% more for-sale listings than last year. “Wellness design” is also gaining traction, with listings highlighting wellness-focused amenities up by 16%.

Additionally, younger buyers are showing a preference for vintage-inspired interiors, with nostalgia-driven designs and home libraries becoming more popular. Mentions of Victorian-era sculleries in listings have increased by 8% this year.

These trends reflect shifting homebuyer priorities, driven by concerns over climate change, advancements in technology, and evolving lifestyle preferences.

The growing interest in eco-friendly and disaster-resilient homes underscores environmental awareness, while the rise in smart home features and wellness design highlights the importance of comfort and health. Meanwhile, the focus on smaller homes and vintage aesthetics points to a desire for affordability and nostalgia. These shifts are likely to shape future housing designs and real estate strategies.