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illow’s 2025 search data shows buyers favor flexible, region‑specific homes over sheer size or luxury. The trend signals a shift from the 2024 appetite for large, high‑end properties toward more practical, comfortable living spaces that adapt to changing needs.

    Key insights point to a 2026 market where motivated buyers may be ready to pay a premium for features that add value. Nationwide, searches for multi‑use properties—ADUs, guest houses, duplexes, casitas—are climbing. This rise aligns with two forces: zoning reforms that allow accessory units to address housing shortages and affordability, and a surge in intergenerational households demanding separate rooms for different life stages.

    Nature and local character also dominate. Buyers, many moving beyond their current city, frequently look for water or mountain views and recreational options such as golf, skiing, ranching, or swimming. Regional style preferences vary sharply: West Coast searches include “Mid‑century,” “hangar,” and “solar”; East Coast users seek “Cape Cod,” “cottage,” and “Victorian”; the Midwest leans toward “cabin,” “farm,” and “pole barn”; the South highlights “Adobe” and “barndominium.”

    Comfort and convenience remain priorities. Fireplaces, patios, balconies, garages, and storm shelters feature prominently in search terms, underscoring a desire for practical, long‑term benefits.

    Overall, the data suggest buyers are looking for smart, adaptable purchases that blend regional charm, functional design, and future‑proof features, rather than oversized, ostentatious homes.