Real estate trends and popular home features change over time, just as the housing market ebbs and flows. Typically, homes that are “up to date” will have the most current trends and meet the desires of a large pool of buyers.
Making upgrades can not only help your home sell faster but also increase its value. Not all buyers will have the same taste, but there are some features that appeal to a wide range of home buyers. So, what features should you be looking out for in 2024?
In this post, we will discuss the top seven home features that will be popular among home buyers in 2024.
7 Most Desired Home Features for 2024
1. Extra kitchen storage
Kitchens are often the heart of a home, where friends and family gather to make and share meals. Activities like cooking and baking involve a multitude of tools, appliances, ingredients, and utensils, which means you’ll need plenty of space to store all these things.
An increasing number of home buyers want large walk-in pantries and extra counter space. For example, butler’s pantries are a popular feature since they are hidden from the main kitchen area, and they provide extra storage for large appliances and more counter space for meal prep.
Ample cabinet space is also in high demand, especially for larger families who have lots of dishes and glassware. Buyers tend to prefer the functional benefits of cabinets over the aesthetics of open shelving, which is losing popularity.
2. Utility room
A second feature that is trending among buyers is a utility room or a space that can be used for doing laundry and/or storing outdoor gear. For example, 50% of buyers want a laundry room instead of storing the washer and dryer in a closet or garage. A laundry room with a sink, drying rack, cabinets, and shelving is a bonus, since homeowners can take care of all their clothing-related chores in one area.
Another example is a mudroom, which is usually located at a side entry. This is where shoes, coats, bags, and other equipment can be stored before entering the main part of the home. It helps create a buffer between your clean home and any dirt and germs from outside.
3. Flex room
Homes with a flex room are in high demand due to the extra space they offer for at-home activities. You should not call your garage or extra bedroom a flex room since buyers looking at your house might want to use those rooms for their original purpose. Flex rooms do not have one specific purpose or function, and their flexibility is what makes them so appealing.
For example, families with children can use it for a playroom. People who work from home can use it as an office space. Other great uses of a flex room could be a library, home gym, game room, art studio, or home theater.
4. Outdoor garden
Outdoor space is high on many homebuyers’ wish lists, especially in the southeastern United States, where the weather is sunny for the majority of the year. In addition to a large yard, spacious porch, and place for entertaining, an increasing number of buyers want space for a garden.
Gardening is making a comeback, and recent data shows that gardening skyrocketed in popularity among Americans over the last few years. Specifically, gardeners grow flowers, vegetables, herbs, and houseplants.
5. Energy-efficient systems & appliances
As environmental awareness spreads and utility costs steadily climb, energy efficiency is more important than ever among homebuyers. A survey by Architectural Digest shows that 31% of buyers consider an energy-efficient thermostat and air conditioning to be essential, while 30% feel the same about energy-efficient windows.
Grandview Research reports that the market for tankless water heaters is also growing, with an expected “compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2023 to 2030.” Sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems and appliances will continue to be important features in the real estate market.
6. Garage
Among the home features buyers consider essential, a garage comes in at #1. Architectural Digest reports that 51% of buyers prioritize having a garage in their next home. A garage has excellent utility, including car protection, extra storage, a workshop, and other uses. Adding a garage to your home may increase its value and help it sell more quickly.
7. Hardwood floors
Flooring is important to many homebuyers, and 37% of buyers have hardwood floors on their list of must-haves. Hardwood floors are known for their timeless beauty, durability, and ease of cleaning. In fact, they are the complete opposite of carpets, which became popular in the 1950s and have since been rejected for their tendency to trap pollutants and allergens. Replacing the carpet in your home with hardwood floors can substantially increase your property value.
Summary
If you are considering selling your home in 2024, it is important to know what features are a top priority for buyers. At Sheridan Solomon and Associates, we keep you up-to-date on real estate trends so that you have a better understanding of your property value and how to help it sell faster.
Our expert real estate agents at Sheridan Solomon and Associates will use market statistics and their knowledge of the local market to price your home, advertise it, and highlight its best selling points. If you have questions about your home or the selling process, we would love to connect you with one of our agents for a free consultation.
You can get in touch with us by phone at (478) 746-2000 or go to our website for more information – www.sheridansolomon.com.