Understanding the Latest Home Trends
Certain features in housing can be a make-or-break for closing a deal or securing a higher sales price. A new analysis by Realtor.com reveals which housing trends are gaining traction among sellers and buyers. The real estate company analyzed listing data to examine how often specific home features appear in active for-sale descriptions year over year. Each feature’s percentage change reflected shifts in how frequently those features were highlighted in listings.
Fast-Growing Trends in Home Features
By the numbers, the most significant jump went to WaterSense fixtures, which were referenced 289.6% more often in listing descriptions year over year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, WaterSense-labeled products and services are certified to use at least 20% less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models.
A for sale sign is seen in front of a house in a Spring Branch neighborhood in Houston, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (Credit: Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Realtor.com said listings that include this feature are on the higher end, with a median price of about $628,000. These fixtures are also categorized as “rare,” which means they appear in only a small fraction of homes.
Biophilic Design and EV Charging
This was followed by Biophilic (indoor/outdoor) – the second-highest increase over the past year at 163% year-over-year. This category includes features that blur the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, such as large sliding or folding glass doors, interior courtyards, and living walls, creating stronger visual and physical connections to nature. EV charging also ranked high on the list at No. 5 with 91.6% more listings featuring the description and was categorized as “widespread” in homes.
The Fastest-Growing Real Estate Trends
See the full report here.
Efficiency Takes the Lead
Dig deeper, of the five fastest-rising features, four were tied to efficiency or “green” living. These fixtures help homeowners lower utility costs while reducing environmental impact. Beyond the top five, another standout theme emerged from smart home features. Built-in coffee systems, smart lighting scenes, and hardwired ethernet/Cat6 were featured in spots 6 through 15 and speak to the desire for homes that are both convenient and reliable, especially as remote work and digital lifestyles remain prevalent.
“A strong network and automated controls have become just as much a selling point as square footage,” the report said.
What’s Out?
At the other end of the spectrum, formal dining with built-ins saw one of the steepest drops, down 25.3% from last year. As open-concept layouts have become the default in modern design, and dedicated dining rooms are less likely to be spotlighted unless specifically requested.
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Three-Car garages (-19.1%) and Old-World European aesthetics (-18.4%) also trended downward, suggesting a broader shift toward modern, natural, and functional design, rather than ornate or oversized features.
Source of the Information
The information for this story was provided by Realtor.com’s analysis, which drew on active for-sale listings on their website from 2024 and 2025 (comparing January–September 2024 to January–September 2025). It measured how frequently specific home features appeared in property descriptions to identify emerging and declining trends. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the latest trends in home features show a significant shift towards efficiency, sustainability, and smart home technology. Homebuyers are looking for features that not only save them money but also reduce their environmental impact. As the real estate market continues to evolve, it’s essential for sellers and buyers to stay informed about the latest trends and features that are in demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the fastest-growing trends in home features?
A: The fastest-growing trends in home features include WaterSense fixtures, Biophilic design, EV charging, and smart home technology.
Q: What is WaterSense, and how does it benefit homeowners?
A: WaterSense is a label given to products and services that use at least 20% less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models. It benefits homeowners by reducing their water and energy bills while also reducing their environmental impact.
Q: What is Biophilic design, and how does it benefit homeowners?
A: Biophilic design refers to the incorporation of natural elements and materials into a building’s design to create a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. It benefits homeowners by improving their mental and physical health, increasing their productivity, and enhancing their overall quality of life.
