What Home Design Features Are Buyers Looking For Right Now?

If you’re preparing to sell or just dreaming about your next home, you’ve likely found yourself wondering:

“What are buyers really looking for these days?”

You’re not alone. Design preferences have shifted, and today’s buyer wants more than just a beautiful home. They want spaces that support their lifestyle, well-being, and personal expression.

Let’s explore the features driving attention, offers, and long-term value in today’s market.

What Features Are Buyers Prioritizing in Homes Today?

Buyers in 2025 are searching for more than square footage or updated finishes. They are drawn to homes that offer comfort, efficiency, and a sense of everyday luxury.

Here are the most in-demand features:

• Outdoor living spaces that extend the usable square footage
  
  

• Smart home technology and energy efficiency
  
  

• Wellness features such as home gyms or saunas
  
  

• Bold design choices that reflect personality and creativity
  
  

For sellers, showcasing these elements can increase perceived value and emotional connection.

For buyers, these features create a living experience that feels aligned with their lifestyle and future plans.

Outdoor Living Is Now a Priority

Outdoor spaces are no longer just a nice extra. In many markets, especially in sunny regions like San Diego, they are essential.

Buyers are specifically looking for:

• Covered patios and outdoor dining areas
  
  

• Built-in grills and kitchen zones
  
  

• Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces
  
  

• Large sliding or accordion doors that connect indoor and outdoor spaces
  
  

In Rancho Santa Fe and La Jolla, for example, homes that offer outdoor entertaining areas see higher engagement and stronger offers. Buyers want spaces that feel open, serene, and usable year-round.

Tip for sellers: Stage outdoor areas with soft textiles, lighting, and greenery to help buyers picture themselves relaxing or entertaining.

Smart Tech and Efficiency Create Everyday Value

Modern buyers expect homes to work smarter. Technology and energy upgrades are no longer optional in many price ranges.

Highly desired features include:

• Smart thermostats, lighting, and security systems
  
  

• Solar panels or EV charging setups
  
  

• Energy-efficient appliances and windows
  
  

• Touchless fixtures and voice-activated controls
  
  

Buyers in both Boston and San Diego care about long-term cost savings and convenience. Homes that offer intelligent features often stand out in competitive markets.

Wellness Features Support Today’s Lifestyle

Health and well-being are now top priorities for many buyers. Homes that provide dedicated wellness spaces are highly appealing, particularly in the luxury segment.

Features that buyers love include:

• Home gyms or yoga studios
  
  

• Infrared saunas or cold plunge tubs
  
  

• Spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers
  
  

• Quiet spaces for reading, meditation, or relaxation
  
  

A home that supports personal wellness is more than a trend. It reflects a deeper desire to feel centered and balanced at home.

Bold, Personalized Design Is Making a Comeback

Neutrals still have their place, but buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that show personality. When design feels intentional, confident, and cohesive, it creates emotional resonance.

One standout trend is color-drenching, where the walls, trim, and ceiling are all painted in a single, saturated color. This look has surged by 149 percent in recent listings.

Other buyer-favorite design elements include:

• Patterned tile in kitchens and bathrooms
  
  

• Bold wallpaper in entryways or powder rooms
  
  

• Sculptural lighting fixtures
  
  

• Warm woods and mixed metal finishes
  
  

For sellers, adding a few bold, well-executed design touches can help a listing stand out online and in person.

“Buyers today are drawn to homes that feel personal, functional, and wellness-driven,”

“When sellers invest in spaces that reflect how people actually live, they don’t just attract attention. They create desire.”

Regional Trends in San Diego and Boston

In San Diego, the focus remains on lifestyle. Buyers expect bi-fold doors, sun-drenched patios, and spa-style primary suites. Homes in areas like Del Mar and La Jolla are most competitive when they offer seamless indoor-outdoor flow and low-maintenance landscaping.

In Boston, charm still matters. However, buyers also expect modern comforts such as radiant floor heating, smart appliances, and built-in coffee bars. In neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and the South End, well-preserved architectural detail combined with smart upgrades is a winning formula.

Understanding local preferences is key when preparing a home for sale or selecting one to buy.

What to Consider Moving Forward

If you’re selling:
Think about the features that will resonate with today’s buyers. You don’t have to renovate everything, but highlighting or adding the right touches can create real impact.

If you’re buying:
Focus on how a home will support your daily life. Trends will come and go, but features like natural light, layout flow, and wellness upgrades are timeless.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Step

Want to explore how these trends apply to your home or your next move?
I’d love to help you map out the smartest strategy.

Schedule a private call, and let’s look at your options together.

Melinda Sarkis
[email protected]
(617) 943-8333

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