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.
Buyers now look for homes that offer more function and flexibility. Lifestyle needs have shifted. People want spaces that support both personal and professional use. Extra rooms, practical layouts, and strong connectivity matter more than finishes or upgrades. Design alone doesn't drive decisions anymore. It's about how well a home supports daily life. Preferences lean toward homes that feel useful. Many buyers focus on privacy, quiet areas, and open layouts that still allow separation when needed. Storage, lighting, and internet reliability are often prioritized. Energy efficiency and low maintenance have also gained more attention. These are not luxury features, they're expectations. Agents need to shift with this demand. Highlight practical uses of each space. Encourage sellers to show how their home works for daily living. Adjust walkthroughs and marketing to reflect how the space can support different routines. Buyers notice when you understand how they live. That makes a difference.
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.
One of the biggest shifts I've seen lately is that buyers are far more focused on lifestyle and long-term value than they used to be. It's not just about square footage or location anymore. People are asking how a home fits into the way they live and work. Proximity to community spaces, walkability, home office potential, energy efficiency, these have become priorities. The pandemic accelerated this mindset, and now it's deeply rooted. Buyers are thinking about how flexible a space can be, not just how it looks on move-in day. For real estate professionals, adapting means asking better questions and truly listening. You can't just show up with a list of houses and expect it to stick. You need to understand the client's lifestyle, goals, and values, then guide them toward homes that match, not just on paper, but in how they'll feel living there every day. It's also crucial to stay on top of what matters to buyers now. That could mean getting more familiar with smart home features, understanding school districts at a deeper level, or knowing which neighborhoods support a walkable lifestyle. The more you anticipate what your client hasn't yet said out loud, the better you can serve them.
One of the most notable shifts I've seen lately is the increased intentionality of buyers. People aren't just looking for a house anymore, they're looking for a lifestyle that fits their values. Whether it's walkability, flexible work-from-home space, or energy efficiency, buyers are paying closer attention to how a home supports the way they want to live, not just how it looks or what the comps say. That means real estate professionals need to go deeper. It's not just about knowing the market, it's about knowing your client. Ask the extra questions. Understand what really matters to them beyond bedrooms and square footage. And when marketing properties, highlight the lifestyle features, not just the specs. I'd also say that buyers today expect more information up front. They're doing a ton of research on their own, so agents need to stay ahead of that. Be the resource they can't get from a Google search. Educate them, guide them, and earn that trust early. In a market where people are moving more strategically and less frequently, relationships and expertise matter more than ever. The agents who adapt to that shift are the ones who will thrive long-term.
One of the biggest shifts I've seen lately is how much buyers are prioritizing lifestyle over square footage. People aren't just looking for the biggest house they can afford anymore. They're thinking about walkability, home offices, outdoor space, and how the layout supports daily life. The pandemic changed the way people think about home, and that's stuck. I'm seeing more buyers ask detailed questions about community, work-from-home setups, even how the home "feels" during the day. It's more emotional and intentional than before. For real estate professionals, I'd say the key is to listen more closely and stop assuming what buyers want. What used to be a slam dunk feature five years ago might not hold the same value today. Ask deeper questions. What do they want their mornings to look like? How do they spend their weekends? Match homes to people's lives, not just their budgets. It also helps to stay really plugged in to local neighborhoods. Buyers are choosing vibe over vanity, so knowing the character of each street matters more than ever. If you can make that connection for them, you're not just selling a house. You're helping them build a life, and that's what sticks.
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.
Buyers today focus less on features and more on affordability. The shift is clear. Decisions now center around financial fit, not finishes. Interest rates changed the game. Buyers once driven by lifestyle are now driven by long-term cost. That change affects everything from home size to location. The top concern is not how the home looks but how the numbers line up each month. People adjust their priorities fast. Flexible layouts and extra space matter more when they help reduce living expenses. Instead of aiming for the ideal, many settle for the workable. Practical choices are often more effective than perfect ones. The buying process now includes more questions about total costs and less talk about upgrades. Agents need to meet this change head-on. Focus on simplifying the process. Bring useful information early. Speak in terms that match today's concerns. Buyers want straight answers, not sales talk. Agents who give real guidance backed by numbers stand out fast. The market rewards clarity, not flash.
What's the most significant shift you've seen in buyer preferences in the current real estate market? How would you advise real estate professionals to adapt to this change? The big change we see right now may be the most exciting one: which is that the pendulum is swinging back and people want a little more flexibility - they want open concept, or they want multi-use space! The pandemic's relationship with work-from-home trends has forever altered the way people view their living spaces. Buyers are increasingly seeking homes that can accommodate remote work, home offices and even places to virtual-school. That translates to certain features like dedicated home offices - or at the very least, room for a desk - large kitchens that double as workspaces and access to the great outdoors being in higher demand. We've also seen a preference for homes in the suburbs or less densely populated areas. Many buyers, including millennials and Generation Z, now insist that lifestyle matters more than proximity to urban capital. This has been exacerbated by the trend toward hybrid work, a situation that decreases the necessity of a daily commute and widens the spectrum of places where people can live. One recent deal I oversaw involved a couple who were moving from a high-priced city-center property to a larger suburban home. The ability to work from home full-time was cited as a driving factor in their decision to relocate. The extra room was a way to include both home offices and a gym, which seemed like a great fit to their new life. With these changes, agents need to remain attentive to these evolving trends. No longer is it enough to merely list a home; agents need to be experts in telling buyers how a property can be tailored to accommodate these new ways of living. This translates to lift displays of features that facilitate flexibility — be those multi-functional rooms, good internet connectivity, and outdoor space — and features that make flexibility possible, whether that's proximity to nearby parks or work-friendly cafes where tenants can work remotely if need be. And they should be keeping an eye on other suburban markets and less-familiar locales that are increasingly attracting interest from buyers seeking to escape metro-area sticker shock without giving up all kinds of convenience.