The Features Home Buyers Really Want in 2024 [Data]

Are you searching for a home or selling a home and are wondering what features home buyers really want in 2024? Keep reading to learn more about the popular trends for this year for home buyers. 

With the new year here and rates dropping, the housing market is about to boom. There are many statistics and trends of 2024 that explain why this is the year for home buying. There are many things to go into moving, but there are some things that home buyers really want. 

Despite the high rates and expensive cost of moving, many homeowners are taking on the new year to relocate, whether it be for the low cost of living, job markets, affordable living, or a new environment; this is the year for moving. 

In the age of social media, there is no shortage of information on how you should upgrade your home to increase home value and demand. About 41% of Americans plan to buy a house in 2024, and nearly half of the homebuyers would spend about $50,000 over their budget to buy their dream home. 

The housing market is constantly evolving, so staying on top of the current trends is essential. In 2024, we are seeing that most homebuyers are seeking their dream home, and there are a few key factors that many people are looking for in their new home. 

Here are the features home buyers want in 2024. 

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability 

Sustainability has been a trend feature for home buyers for a while now, but in 2024, experts are predicting it will be a higher priority for many people searching for their dream home. This green wave has been sweeping the real estate market for a while now. 

Energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and sustainable materials are starting to become essential for some homebuyers. A study by the National Association of Realtors stated that there was a significant uptick in demand for eco-friendly homes. 

Smart Home Technology

In today's world, technology has taken over our lives, and buyers are searching for homes that are up to date with it. Smart thermostats, security systems, and automated lighting are some of the most popular smart home features that we are seeing in homes. 

Homebuyers, especially younger buyers, want their homes to be innovative as their homes and smart home technology are rapidly evolving, making homes more energy efficient and lower maintenance.  These smart features have been seen in about 34% more homes and are helping homes sell faster than they were last year. 

However, smart features are very popular, but also some people may like portable home features such as tech doorbells, auto equipment, and security systems. So, smart home technology in higher-end homes is not portable, and a lot of homeowners like to move with their technology. Technology is constantly evolving and changing, so making sure you are up to date on the technology in your home may help increase your home values. 

Home Offices

Since the pandemic, many people have continued to work from home, and the remote work revolution is not predicted to slow down, nor is the demand for home offices. This well-equipped, quiet workspace is very high on the list for many buyers and is not seen as a luxury these days but a necessity. 

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 63% of homebuyers consider a home office as a desirable feature, and 23% consider the office as an essential and must-have feature. With technology increasing and more people working remotely, home offices give them a separate space to get their jobs done. 

Some reports have stated that adding the bonus room of an office space can add about $10,000 to $30,000 to the value of your home. As well as the increase in value, there are also many various trends for home offices this year, making them a more wanted feature in homes. 

Spacious Kitchens and Features

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Buyers are starting to look for a more modern, spacious kitchen. Functionality with a touch of luxury is the trend in 2024 for kitchens and is predicted to increase home value. If your kitchen or the appliances do not appeal to the buyer, your chances of selling will dramatically decrease. 

Having a spacious kitchen makes the room appear and feel bigger. As a homeowner, you usually spend most of your time in the kitchen, so with a more extensive area, you give yourself more room to move around and add more space and features. Having an open layout in the kitchen will only appeal to buyers more. 

Ample Storage

Today, buyers want ample storage solutions, whether it is walk-in closets, pantries, or efficient garage storage; it is a popular trend because clutter is out and organized this year. Storage has a calming effect that many home buyers want. Having a functional home is essential for many people. 

Storage can be added to any room in the house and can also fit the aesthetic easily. Having different storage options helps keep the home organized and makes the home more appealing for buyers as well as you in your everyday life. 

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank flooring can be a stylish and durable substitute for hardwoods at a lower price and is a smart investment if you have resale in mind. Homes with luxury vinyl flooring sell for 17% more than other homes, and there's been an uptick in homes featuring this flooring. 

For people with pets or kids, luxury vinyl flooring is an alternative because it offers waterproof and scratch-resistant flooring that provides the look and feel of hardwood floors. This feature is a surprise to the housing market, but with the durability of the flooring, many people are seeing this on top of their list. 

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

According to the Wall Street Journal, the sales of electric cars in the United States will increase by 2/3 in 2022. Electric cars are starting to become more popular so having charging stations is starting to be seen as a valuable feature in homes. Electric vehicle charging stations are now showing up 131% more in home listings compared to 2023, and the homes that have these stations are selling about ten days faster than expected. 

Some states with more electric cars are seeing that these charging stations are required in new construction builds. However some people may argue that it is unnecessary, but some seek that in a home because it offers a safer, faster, and more convenient way. There have been many articles stating the benefits of a home charging station. 

However, electricians can inform homeowners whether their home has adequate electrical capacity for vehicle charging. Many homes, especially older ones, have insufficient electric capacity, so this feature may not work in many homes. 

Shiplap Walls

Shiplap has always been a popular feature in rustic homes, but homebuyers and builders seem to be adding this feature as exterior siding or interior wall paneling. It has been popping up more than 30% more often in listings, and it has shown that homes that mention they offer shiplap in the description sell for 2.6% more and faster. 

Other features that offer the modern farmhouse style are trending up this year. This has been a popular trend in the rustic aesthetic and is predicted to continue. However, some people do not like this trend, so it varies depending on the market and who you are selling to. 

Quartz Countertops

With the pandemic, many people are looking for ways to live a healthy life and keep their homes clean. Quartz countertops are antimicrobial and non-porous, so they resist mold, mildew, and staining. Many homes that offer this antimicrobial countertop surface increase by 44% and sell two days faster. 

It has been shown that many people buy homes and tend to replace the countertops in a DIY project, so offering the popular style of quartz countertops is a great feature to increase the value and demand of your home. With their durability and low maintenance, these countertops are beautiful and easy to maintain. 

There are various quartz countertop options as well as an unlimited range of designs and patterns. They may be very expensive, but they are a top-requested luxury that increases the value of homes and appeals for sale. 

Matte Black Hardware and Fixtures

Matte black is showing up in about 85% more homes, and many home buyers are paying more for the matte black hardware and fixtures. For younger buyers, this feature shows the minimalist look and adds a touch of elegance with the modern aspect. 

Matte black is easy to maintain and also matches with anything in the home. This trend goes with other combinations like gold, bronze, or chrome in some areas. The colors of your features do add more appeal to homes. Specific colors pop out more to homebuyers, and matte black is one of the most popular due to its style and finish of it. 

Methodology

We used information and data from different sources as well as our own data to determine the features that home buyers really want in 2024.  There were various data to use, so we put them together to predict what the most popular trends and features are this year. 

• U.S. Department of Energy
• National Association of Realtors
• Wall Street Journal
• National Association of Home Builders

Above are a few sources that we used to gather most of our information about the most popular features home buyers really want in 2024. 

FAQS

What is the best-selling feature of a house?

Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, kitchens are the most important feature when selling. Having updated kitchens with high-end appliances and ample storage is starting to be a top priority for home buyers. 

Is 2024 a good year to buy a home?

The NAR predicted that sales of homes will rise by 13% in 2024. With the rates changing, many people are going to take this year to buy their homes. 

What are some important features that home buyers will always look for?

Some features will always be essential for many home buyers, such as open floor plans, low maintenance features, energy efficiency, laundry rooms, patios, storage space, and updated appliances/features. 

Will there be a housing recession in 2024?

It is always hard to predict what the housing market will do. As of now, the conditions are not favorable for one because demand is supposed to increase this year, and supply is supposed to start to balance out compared to previous years. 

The Features Home Buyers Really Want in 2024 [Data] - The Bottom Line

When it comes to finding the perfect home, there are many things that homeowners will find important and essential. Depending on the owner's needs, this can be seen in many different ways. With the world always changing and evolving, keeping up with the trends is essential when selling and buying homes. 

Social media is overflowing with home-upgrading ideas that can increase the value and demand for your home. Many homebuyers will take extra time to find the perfect home and will also spend more to get the features that they want in the home. 

The new year is here, and with the dropping rates, the housing market is expected to boom in many different ways. Homebuyers are predicted to move and buy their dream homes in 2024. Although relocating can be expensive, many homeowners are taking this opportunity to move due to the low cost of living, job markets, or simply for a change of environment. 

Before you buy your next home or make the big step to move, feel free to contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home.