by Emily Marek
In 2025, American homebuyers prioritized location, adaptability, and comfort over sheer size and extravagant upgrades, as highlighted in Zillow’s 2025 Zeitgeist report.
“This year marked a shift from seeking larger homes to finding more meaningful living spaces,” stated Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, in a press release. “Nationwide, buyers are looking for homes that accommodate family needs, provide nature access, and offer small comforts that enhance daily life.”
According to Zillow, home seekers are focusing more on the experiences their homes can offer rather than just aesthetics or size. Interest surged in features like yards, patios, and water-related amenities such as lakes, ponds, and beaches. Even in states like Mississippi, Montana, and Oklahoma, where such features were less popular before, searches for waterfront properties increased, surpassing previous favorites like “acreage,” “duplex,” and “ranch.”
Security and privacy were also top priorities, with many buyers searching for gated or fenced yards. Features that enhance daily comfort, such as fireplaces and gardens, were in high demand.
Conversely, searches for luxury homes with keywords like “mansion” or “acreage” saw a decline across the country.
Instead, there was a growing interest in versatile living spaces like accessory dwelling units (ADUs), guest houses, casitas, and in-law suites, which cater to multigenerational living or rental opportunities.
Regional preferences varied: In the Southwest, buyers favored adobe-style homes, while those in the Mountain West sought ranches, horses, and rivers. In the Heartland, searches for barndominiums and pole barns were common.
In contrast, coastal state buyers focused on oceanfront views, docks, and balconies, whereas those in the Pacific Northwest preferred modern designs, ADUs, and scenic yards.
Top-searched home features by state. Image courtesy of Zillow.
