For me, the most significant shift I've seen in buyer preferences recently is the demand for flexibility and lifestyle-first living. Buyers today aren't just asking about square footage or price, they're laser-focused on how a home fits into their daily lives. Whether it's a dedicated home office, outdoor space for entertaining, or walkable access to amenities, lifestyle has become the new luxury. In my opinion, this shift was accelerated by the pandemic, but it's clearly here to stay. Even investors are looking at properties through that lens, "Will this layout appeal to a remote worker?" or "Does this suite have private space for multigenerational living?" So, how should real estate professionals adapt? Stop selling properties and start selling possibilities. Show buyers how the home supports their day-to-day. Use video tours to highlight flexible floor plans. Talk about neighborhood conveniences, not just stats. And most importantly, ask the right questions early to understand what lifestyle your client is really chasing.
One of the biggest shifts I've seen lately is a decline in interest around "projects." Not long ago, buyers seemed more enthusiastic about fixer-uppers, especially those needing cosmetic updates. Now, almost none of my clients are looking for that kind of project. It seems the HGTV effect is wearing off as people realize it's not as easy, fast, or cost-effective as it looks on TV. Rising renovation costs, supply chain delays, and labor shortages have made even small updates feel daunting. Buyers are prioritizing move-in-ready homes, or at least ones with updated kitchens and baths, even if it means compromising a bit on location or size. This means that we aren't selling "potential." We need to focus on what's already done. It's also smart to proactively help sellers tackle strategic updates before listing which is where tools like Compass Concierge really shine (shameless plug)! Today's buyers want turnkey, and the closer a home is to "done," the faster it will sell—and often, for more.
One of the biggest shifts I've seen in our market lately is how many buyers are now prioritizing neighborhoods that *don't* allow short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO. As our beach communities continue to grow, full-time residents are becoming more aware of how short-term rental-heavy neighborhoods can bring not only price volatility, but also a host of everyday challenges that make long-term living less enjoyable. For listing agents, this means being intentional: make it easy for buyers to know where a property stands on short-term rental restrictions—check the right boxes in the MLS and call it out clearly. For buyer's agents, it's about doing your homework. Know which neighborhoods have a high STR presence, which ones don't allow it at all, and everything in between. Most importantly, get to know your clients. Some are looking for a peaceful, community-driven place to call home. Others may value the flexibility to rent their property seasonally.
What's the most significant shift you've seen in buyer preferences in the current real estate market? The biggest change I've noticed lately is less a shift in what people are buying than in how they are buying it, with an increased emphasis on pragmatic, budget-minded choices over aspirational purchases, particularly among younger buyers and those who have moved from costlier markets. It's no longer all about square footage or luxury finishes. buyers are looking for functionality, ease of everything (including maintenance) and a clear path to affordability. To illustrate, I've seen a lot of buyers gravitate toward smaller homes with energy-efficient systems and flexible layouts rather than large homes with formal dining rooms no one uses. One recently had a couple I was working with select a 1960s ranch over a newer, larger build in the same neighborhood — not because it looked better (it didn't) but because it had new heating and cooling, a dry basement and a backyard that didn't require regrading. They cared more about peace of mind and lower maintenance costs than whether there was a quartz island or a soaker tub. There's also a quietly increasing preference for homes that make it easier for multiple generations to live under one roof, or for a quick desk-and-chair setup in a guest room to allow work from home, even if it will mean finishing a basement or converting a garage into a bedroom themselves later. This is indicative of a shift in mindset: people are attempting to future-proof their home purchases, rather than just dazzle guests on move-in day. How would you advise real estate professionals to adapt to this change? What real estate professionals can do first is fine-tune the narratives they are using to describe properties. Since that dust has either settled, swirled away in a tornado or blown up toward a desert planet, we need some new messaging. Instead of relying on the old "dream home" message, we should be focusing on efficiency, potential ROI, adaptability and neighborhood stability. People don't want to feel like they're indulgent when they make a buying decision, but smart — which real estate agents should reflect back to them.
What's the most significant shift you've seen in buyer preferences in the current real estate market? The key change I've observed is that today's consumers are not just in search of a house, but for a lifestyle experience. "Turnkey" homes are no longer just functional or furnished; they now also have to be emotionally resonant, design-forward and flexible. Buyers prefer the story already written for them. They gravitate toward rooms that feel considered — finished basements that serve as makeshift studios, guest bedrooms that do double duty as offices, and thoughtful upgrades like moody accent walls and dramatic tile layouts that have the sensibility of belonging in a boutique hotel. A big one: In a recent STR setup we did, we took a very typical three-bed suburban home and gave it a little of what I like to call 'The Good Treatment' (fluted paneling on the island, matte charcoal paint on the interior doors, artisan-looking tile in the bathroom). That property is now weeks away from being completely booked for months and has piqued the interest of several potential buyers. We need design to speak volumes, not whisper or get lost in the noise." How would you advise real estate professionals to adapt to this change? Agents need to start acting more like storytellers and set designers. Checking boxes on square footage or appliance brands is not enough. Instead, concentrate on visual and emotional coherence — what story does this home tell on first seeing if, and how do the finishes, fixtures and plan support it? There is a potential hook in pairing with a partner who knows both construction and design, rather than staging. I would also recommend spending some time learning about materials. For example, from stock laminate flooring to wide-plank L.V.P. in a desaturated tone that instantly gives a home an upscale vibe. Or updating flat hollow-core doors with shaker-style MDF and painting them a warm sage — that's a \$200 swap a door and sets an entirely different tone for a space. These are the types of decisions that build credibility among today's buyers.
Lately, I've seen a big shift where buyers are looking for homes with either an attached or detached ADU. Some want the extra space for aging parents and others see it as a great rental opportunity to help offset the mortgage. If you're an agent, it's smart to learn everything you can about ADUs and how to market them to buyers. If you're working with investors, look for ways to add a guest space or separate unit to help your property stand apart.
What's the most significant shift you've seen in buyer preferences in the current real estate market? I've seen a big change: buyers now prefer home offices and flexible workspaces. They value these more than formal dining rooms and living areas. Remote work has changed how people see their homes. They are no longer living spaces; they have become command centers. Buyers want fast internet. They need separate work areas, too. Homes should support video calls without interrupting family time. Location preferences have changed a lot. Many clients now prefer suburban and rural properties. They want more space and outdoor access, and they find better value there than in urban condos. Energy efficiency and smart home technology are now must-haves. Buyers want to save money over time and care about the environment. I also notice that buyers are deciding faster and making stronger offers. Inventory is tight. They know waiting might mean losing their dream home to faster competitors. How would you advise real estate professionals to adapt to this change? Real estate agents need to change their marketing strategies. They should highlight properties based on modern lifestyle needs. This means creating homes with workspaces. It also includes showcasing tech features in virtual tours. Agents need to know suburban and rural markets well. They should also connect with local service providers. These are important for remote workers moving from cities. Marketing materials should highlight energy costs, smart home features, and outdoor living spaces. These factors have a significant impact on buyer choices and property values. Successful agents need to simplify their processes. This helps them make faster decisions. They should also grow their networks. This includes home office designers, IT specialists, and energy efficiency consultants. These experts can help buyers improve their work-from-home setups.
Affordability is the number one challenge in today's market. There's plenty of pent-up demand for homes, and we're actually seeing a lot more new listings than in recent months, but those new listings are just sitting there because nobody can afford them. Part of this is a lack of inventory at the low end of the market, but economic uncertainty plays a huge role here as well. If you want to sell homes in this market, you need to reassure people that they'll be able to afford them not just now, but in the long run.
All of my clients are foreign investors buying properties in the US. I've seen a huge shift away from multifamily syndications to single family and small multifamily rental properties. My overseas buyers are more concerned with control over the asset and decision making, and there is definite shift away from previously popular coastal markets like California and Florida in favour of metros in the Midwest and Northeast. We get more enquiries now about markets like Cleveland than we do for Miami, which is the complete opposite of a year ago.
One of the most notable shifts in buyer preferences across global markets, particularly in cities like Paris, London, and Dubai, is the increasing focus on long-term value, flexibility, and income stability. As economic conditions fluctuate and interest rates remain high, buyers and investors are moving away from purely speculative purchases and are instead prioritizing properties that offer consistent performance and tangible benefits. In Paris and London, rising borrowing costs and inflation have made buyers more selective. Properties with high energy efficiency, functional layouts, and strong rental demand are seeing the most attention. There is a clear trend toward choosing homes and investment assets that are resilient in the face of regulatory changes, operating cost pressures, and shifting tenant expectations. Well-located properties with access to public transport, work-from-home capabilities, and low maintenance costs are now viewed as essential, not optional. In Dubai, the shift has been toward income-generating, new-build properties in master-planned communities. International investors are attracted by Dubai's favorable tax environment, strong tourism sector, and policies that link real estate purchases to long-term residency. The focus is increasingly on rental yields, particularly in areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay, where demand from short-term tenants and remote professionals remains strong. Across all three cities, there is also growing demand for digital transparency and convenience. Buyers expect virtual tours, detailed financial projections, and access to clear legal and regulatory information before engaging further. The purchasing process must be both efficient and data-driven to match the expectations of today's clients. To adapt, real estate professionals need to adopt a consultative and analytical approach, offering more than just listings. It is essential to understand and communicate how a property aligns with specific buyer objectives, whether those involve yield, long-term capital growth, or regulatory exposure. Highlighting factors such as energy performance, occupancy potential, and cost predictability is now critical. In this evolving landscape, success depends on the ability to provide tailored, strategic guidance, supported by up-to-date market insights and a deep understanding of what drives buyer decisions in competitive urban markets.
What's the most significant shift you've seen in buyer preferences in the current real estate market? The biggest change we have seen in recent times is a move towards flexible and hybrid living options and buyers increasingly looking to meld residential convenience with investment and others potential. "Today's buyers are not just looking for homes - they're looking to purchase properties that can provide extra income through short-term vacation rentals while they're away, moving far away from the era where homeownership was just considered a personal lifestyle choice to a strategic investment," said NAR's chief economist Lawrence Yun. Take, for example, the meaningful increase in inquiries that we have seen at RedAwning for homes in leisure-based markets such as mountain towns and beach communities. Buyers who would have previously been only looking at pure residential homes, are now more often thinking about rental potential in their property search. I recently talked to a couple from Seattle who, after time in a big city, wanted a second home in Colorado near the mountains that they could use themselves and rent out when they fly off to some other part of the world during ski season. This trade-up, trade-down mentality is one of the larger trends of pragmatism and financial foresight that is driving buyer behavior. How would you advise real estate professionals to adapt to this change? Real estate agents must adapt by expanding their knowledge base to include rental management and rental market analysis, so as to provide buyers with in-depth calculations of expected returns on a short-term rental property purchase. Instead of just focusing on home beauty or old standbys including school districts, agents must become proficient in conveying dual pronged benefit - where quality of life meets financial reward. A good adjustment would be finding ways to use data-driven platforms to estimate revenue potential and occupancy level for buyers who are interested in short-term rentals. At RedAwning, we found out that agents who include our revenue forecasting and analytics tools on their listings see a huge boost in buyer interest. A friend in Florida, for instance, rewired the way he communicated with clients by sharing detailed earnings projections and seasonal market analyses directly with customers on a consistent basis, converting home shoppers on the fence into purchasers who were certain.
The most significant shift in buy preferences in the current real estate market is that buyers expect and demand the home to be move-in ready, with updated features and little to no defects . Their tolerance for homes that are in need of a lot of TLC or a complete room renovation have dissipated. This is due to rising labor costs to fix the home and high loan rates. Also, buyers in cities like Austin, TX are showing preferences for suburban or secondary markets, such as Dripping Springs or Buda out in Hays Country, seeking affordability, more space and community amenities because they are allowed to work remotely. In general my advice to real estate professionals would be: Emphasize Move-In-Ready Listings: Real estate professionals should prioritize marketing properties that are updated, well-maintained, and energy-efficient, as these align with buyer demand for turnkey homes. Highlight features like modern appliances, recent renovations, or energy-efficient upgrades in listings to attract buyers wary of additional costs. Leverage Local Market Knowledge: With the market shifting regionally—some areas like Florida and Texas becoming buyer-friendly due to increased inventory, while Northeast and Midwest markets remain competitive—agents must deeply understand local conditions. Use data from platforms like Zillow or Redfin to track inventory levels, price trends, and days on market, advising clients on realistic pricing and negotiation strategies. Highlight Seller Concessions: In markets transitioning toward buyers, encourage sellers to offer concessions like covering closing costs or temporary mortgage rate buydowns to make listings more appealing. This can differentiate properties in areas with growing inventory, such as Florida's coastal cities. Target Suburban and Secondary Markets: Focus marketing efforts on suburban and smaller metropolitan areas where demand is rising due to affordability and lifestyle preferences. Tailor campaigns to highlight community amenities, access to green spaces, and suitability for remote work setups. The listing numbers in Austin, TX are skyrocketing, up over 19% YOY as of last month with inventory climbing to 6 months on hand. This has already driven down prices, but there will be more to come as we move into the summer selling season.
What's the most important change you have seen in buyer preferences in the current real estate market? Today's buyers are gravitating toward turnkey, experience-based properties over raw investments, in a trend that is placing a premium on amenities that support remote work, wellness and flexible living. For example, listings for built-in office nooks, high-speed fiber and integrated home-gym spaces are now receiving 60 percent more qualified leads than those that don't have these features advertised. What advice would you give to real estate agents to evolve with this new reality? Agents and investors need to think of listing repositioning as lifestyle solutions, for example, staging homes with multiuse spaces, and bringing on wellness brands — say, pop-up yoga decks or bedside air quality monitors — to create emotional connections.
Today's real estate market shows a clear shift: buyers prioritize move-in ready homes with versatile, functional living spaces. High interest rates, inflation, and limited inventory mean buyers are less able—or willing—to take on major renovations. They want homes that are clean, updated, and ready for immediate occupancy. This reflects a broader lifestyle change. In a fast-paced world, convenience is key. Many buyers don't have the time or resources for renovations. Homes with fresh paint, good maintenance, modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, smart features, and energy-efficient appliances are more attractive—and sell faster. Flexibility is also crucial. Buyers need homes that adapt to evolving needs. Remote and hybrid work has made dedicated offices essential, while multi-use rooms—like guest bedrooms that double as gyms—and open layouts are highly desirable. Practical storage, efficient layouts, and smart flow heavily influence decisions. Another trend is multi-generational living. Many families now seek homes that accommodate aging parents or extended relatives. Features like downstairs bedrooms, in-law suites, or ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are in high demand, especially in high-cost regions. How Real Estate Professionals Must Adapt To meet these evolving expectations, agents must shift from simply selling homes to advising lifestyles. Consult with Purpose: Go beyond basics. Ask about daily routines, future plans, and lifestyle goals. Help buyers find homes that truly support long-term living. Guide Sellers Strategically: Recommend high-impact updates: fresh paint, improved lighting, strategic staging, and decluttering. Showcase a home's flexibility—like space for offices, guest rooms, or ADUs. Know the Home, Not Just the Zip Code: Understand smart tech, energy efficiency, flow, and renovation costs. Offer insights into how a space functions, not just how it looks. Tell the Right Visual Story: Use virtual tours, floor plans, and professional photos to highlight flexible, functional areas that reflect today's needs—remote work, wellness, or aging-in-place. Tailor the Message: Generic listings don't connect. Market each home to the right buyer—remote workers, growing families, or multi-gen households. Keep Learning: Stay current on trends, design shifts, and technologies. The agents who adapt will lead the market.
What's the most significant shift you've seen in buyer preferences in the current real estate market? The most startling change is the growing focus on flexibility—both in how we live and how we invest. Today, buyers want properties with multi-functional use value: homes that can serve as primary residences, as rental income and as long-term assets at the same time. This is particularly the case for millennial and Gen Z buyers whose entrance into the market has come with a shift in priorities from past generations. They want optionality. A house isn't merely a home anymore, it's a potential revenue stream, a part-time vacation retreat or even a hybrid work hub. At RedAwning, we've observed an increasing trend of buyers looking specifically for homes that are "short-term-rental-ready," that is, geared for both use by an owner as well as operation as a turnkey rental. For instance, a buyer in Bend, Ore., recently passed over a number of larger properties in order to buy a smaller, well-designed home that was already doing well as a vacation rental. The deciding factor? It boasted good occupancy data, and was built for digital management. A far cry from the pre-pandemic mind-set, which tended to prioritize curb appeal or square footage. How would you advise real estate professionals to adapt to this change? Agents and brokers ought to quit selling just homes and begin selling opportunity. In plain speak, that means opening the tool kit to more than comps and staging. You should be up to speed on local rental ordinances, aware of which platforms are booking the most travel in your area and able to talk about cap rates as comfortably as you do countertops. Teaming up with vacation rental platforms or property management firms to offer the buyer a bigger-picture, financial view rather than just a listing, could be a game changer. One of our partners recently added RedAwning's projected income estimates to listings, and they immediately began receiving interest from out-of-state buyers." Few of those buyers were initially searching for investment properties, but once they were presented with the earning potential, their thinking changed. By telling that story, real estate professionals will be on the front lines of this next market phase — where financial literacy and lifestyle marketing meet.
What is the most notable change in buyer preferences in the current real estate market? It's not so much square footage; it's not so much about traditional curb appeal anymore," said Kelly. For instance, one recent client rejected two nearly identical suburban properties, since only one of them included built-in solar panels, smart-home climate control, and fiber-optic office connectivity — priorities that they were unwilling to sacrifice for a hybrid work environment and lower utility bills. What advice would you give to real estate professionals as they adjust to this shift? Agents and developers will need to build listings around immersive experience stories, with virtual reality tours that showcase smart-home controls and live energy dashboards. In the case of digital concierge service or home-management platform trial subscriptions as a free promotion with purchase, the conversation would go from "What's the price?" to "What's the lifestyle?"
It seems like a lot more buyers are interested in fully designed outdoor spaces. They want patios/decks already built, and they ultimately just want yards that don't need any work other than adding their own furniture and decor. A big reason for this is because people in general are prioritizing outdoor living more than ever before, largely because of how so many people spend more time at home now compared to pre-pandemic. I think another big reason though is also just money. Outdoor renovations are expensive, especially with the tariffs, so buyers don't want to have to deal with that.