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ealtor.com’s latest survey shows that 52% of U.S. adults considered the ability to host Thanksgiving when searching for a home. The data reveal a generational gap: 60% of Gen Z and Millennials said hosting mattered, versus 47% of Gen X and 30% of Baby Boomers. Conducted Oct. 17‑19 with 1,000 adults aged 18‑65, the study also identified the features that make a house “holiday‑ready.” Large family rooms and spacious kitchens topped the list at 92% each, followed by dining rooms (86%), guest bathrooms (87%) and outdoor areas (76%). While 61% liked a double oven, only 12% deemed it essential, showing that overall space outweighs specialty appliances.

    When it comes to guest accommodations, 45% preferred an extra bathroom over a spare bedroom (44%). Gen Z favored bathrooms (48%) more than bedrooms (39%). Larger households—especially those with three or more people—tended to want at least three bathrooms, a need that spikes during Thanksgiving.

    Experts note that the holiday season can be a buyer’s advantage: the market is less crowded, sellers are more motivated, and negotiations can be more flexible. Winter purchases also align with year‑end tax benefits and smoother financing due to lighter industry workloads.

    Real‑estate professionals echo the trend. “People want a place where many can gather comfortably, especially around holidays,” says Nathan Zeder, broker with the Zeder Team in Miami. Mallory Micetich of Realtor.com adds, “Thanksgiving is shaping the spaces buyers want; a big kitchen or family room is becoming a requirement for the new generation of hosts.”

    As Gen Z and Millennials continue to dominate the housing market, builders, agents and sellers are likely to focus on larger kitchens, family rooms and guest‑friendly layouts to meet this demand.