Z
illow’s 2025 data shows buyers are prioritizing value over size. Instead of chasing larger, pricier estates, shoppers are hunting for homes that fit their budgets while offering flexibility, comfort, and everyday livability. The shift is driven by rising prices and a desire for spaces that can adapt to changing family needs.
Luxury terms—“mansion,” “acreage,” and similar keywords—fell in popularity, while searches for cozy features such as fireplaces, gardens, and fenced yards rose. Interest in accessory dwelling units, guest houses, and in‑law suites grew, reflecting a need for extra rooms that can house aging parents or generate rental income. Outdoor amenities also gained traction, with more people looking for pools, yards, lakes, and beach access.
“People stopped chasing bigger homes and started seeking meaning in the spaces they already owned,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home‑trends analyst. “Buyers nationwide want properties that can flex for family life, connect to nature, and provide small comforts that make daily living easier and more joyful.” Claire Carroll, a Zillow spokesperson, added that this trend manifests in a surge of interest in adaptable floor plans, multi‑use rooms, and lifestyle‑driven features that make a house feel intentional and functional.
Regional highlights include Pennsylvania, where “historic” topped the search list, and New Jersey, where “patio” led the way. Pennsylvania buyers also frequently searched for cabins, farms, fireplaces, and lakeside properties. New Jersey shoppers focused on outdoor spaces—patios, yards, ranches, pools, and waterfronts—while showing a preference for brick construction. Both New Jersey and New York buyers were drawn to mother‑daughter homes, single‑family houses designed for multigenerational living with separate living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. This reflects a growing interest in arrangements that support aging parents or adult children while preserving privacy.
Looking ahead to 2026, Zillow predicts that the demand for cozy, personalized homes will persist. Reading nooks, wellness amenities, and spa‑like bathrooms are becoming more common in listings. Recreational features such as golf simulators and pickleball courts are also on the rise. Sellers are increasingly highlighting resilience and sustainability—flood protection, fire safety, zero‑energy capability, and electric‑vehicle chargers. One of the most striking trends expected for 2026 is “color drenching,” where homeowners paint walls, ceilings, trims, and doors in a single hue to create dramatic, immersive spaces.
