Buyers Are Eyeing These Home Trends

If you're thinking about putting your home on the market, knowing what matters most to today's buyers can play an important role in your marketing strategy. According to Zillow's recent Home Trends Report, which draws upon millions of for-sale listings, the following features are catching buyers' attention as we head into 2026. 

Color drenching. 

One of the boldest paint trends of the new year is expected to be color drenching, where a single shade coats walls, ceilings, trim, floors and even furniture. According to Zillow, mentions of this design choice jumped 149% year over year. This trend is also supports Zillow's latest paint color analysis, which finds neutral palettes are giving way to more vibrant statement shades in the home.

Reading nooks. 

More buyers are craving quiet corners for themselves, where they can put down the phone and recharge from their increasingly busy, and often stressful, lives. Zillow reports that reading nooks are appearing 48% more often in its listings. These private spaces can be found anywhere in the home, whether nestled beside a window or carved out of a larger room.

Resilient homes. 

With the rise in natural disasters and extreme weather, it's no surprise that buyers are looking for homes that are smarter and safer. According to Zillow, a much higher share of listings now mention flood protection (64% more mentions) or being elevated in relation to flooding (26% more). Fire safety features are also increasingly highlighted in listings, including defensible space landscaping (36% more) and fire protection systems (28% more). 

Sustainability. 

Zillow's research shows that sustainability isn't just a buzzword, but now a main selling point, with sharp increases in mentions of zero-energy-ready homes (up 70%), whole-home batteries (up 40%) and electric vehicle charging (up 25%). Broad descriptors like "sustainable" or "green" are also appearing 21% more often, suggesting buyers are actively searching for eco-conscious living options that save them money and reduce their environmental impact.

Self-care at home. 

Indulging in self-care within one's own home is on the rise, with mentions of wellness features rising 33%, and spa-inspired bathrooms appearing 22% more often on Zillow. 

The sporting life. 

While man-cave mentions in listings are down 10% year over year, homeowners seem to be upping the game on recreation. Golf simulators are popping up in 25% more listings on Zillow, while pickleball courts are also up 25%. Even batting cages showed growth, with 18% more mentions, underscoring the shift toward active, personalized play at home.

Getting personal. 

Cookie-cutter design is fading as homeowners lean into individuality. Zillow listings increasingly mention artisan craftsmanship (21% more), vintage accents (17% more) and a touch of whimsy (15% more). From handmade tiles to bespoke décor, buyers are embracing unique, personality-rich details that make a house feel like home.

While it's helpful to be aware of these trends, keep in mind that all real estate is local. Be sure to talk to a real estate professional in your area to find out what home features are attracting buyers in your area. 
 

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2025. All rights reserved.

Also in This Issue: