Across the United States, it seems that “McMansions” are out and smaller homes with higher-end features are in. Wine cellars, home theaters, dual master bedroom suites, special function rooms, twin libraries, etc., are largely out of fashion. First-floor master suites and “green” living details, provided they don’t drive the price through the roof, are desirable.
Maximizing usable space is what today’s homebuyers are aiming for. And that includes both indoor and outdoor living spaces.
1. Small is the new big. Smaller and better designed homes are already making there way into new market preferences. Home sizes are definitely trending downwards with an eye towards maximizing room size. Open floor plans still dominate buyer preferences with kitchens still serving as a focal point, flowing into the dining area and family room area. Buyers still like the idea of entertaining family and friends with this open viewing area. And, as the economy tightens, many families look to enhancing their stay at home experience for themselves and for entertaining friends. More open living spaces support that trend.
2. Dual home offices. Many families now have two income-earners working from home, or working out of home offices. Hence there is increased demand for home designs that accommodate not only one office, but two. Or, larger bedrooms that can accommodate work stations integrated into the suite. Even retirement-age buyers are very interested in a dedicated home office that doesn’t sacrifice a bedroom for that purpose.
3. “Green” details. Affordable, eco-friendly home details is becoming increasing popular, especially among younger home buyers. These may include concrete counter tops; tankless water heaters; and recycling bins built into kitchen cabinets. Energy-efficiency is still topping out as desirable for these buyers who are also looking for improved and thoughtful home insulation techniques and extra insulation in the attic.
4. Taking the indoors outside. Another trend is that buyers truly want to be able to make full use of their entire living spaces, including the outdoor areas. Fire pits, outdoor kitchens, or even outdoor sleeping areas, are gaining in popularity. Buyers want to actively use as much of their property as possible—and not in older traditional ways. Creativity that brings enhanced enjoyment beyond a swing and a barbecue outdoors is what many buyers are looking for.
What is also crystal cleat is that today’s buyers are far less likely to risk investing hard-earned dollars in a huge home that might not grow in value as quickly as in years gone by. Rather, they want well-designed, fully functional/versatile space, less expensive to maintain—but designed to reflect and match how they live now.
