Buyer Priorities Are Evolving Fast
Today’s buyers are drawn to flexible layouts, thoughtful design and features that reflect how they actually live and use their space.
NEW YORK — A new wave of buyer preferences is reshaping what adds value in today's housing market, with flexibility, comfort and emotional appeal increasingly driving decisions, reports Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
Consumer research in the company's 2026 design trends report found that 86% of buyers value adaptable layouts that help them picture how a home will function day to day. Buyers are also showing stronger interest in features that support modern routines, including home offices, outdoor gathering areas, wellness-focused bathrooms and design choices that feel calm and intentional.
Paint color, curb appeal, craftsmanship and a sense of belonging in smaller homes are also influencing how properties are perceived. This spring, that means putting more focus on function, flow, presentation and the kinds of updates that shape a buyer's first impression.
“Homeownership remains one of the most significant decisions people make. Buyers approach the process with a clearer sense of how they want to live, and they look for agents who understand that. The agents who know this data and can translate it into honest guidance are the ones who will win repeat business and referrals,” Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, said in Inman.
Source: Inman (03/24/26) Wilcox, Ginger
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