Home builder Ashton Woods, based in Roswell, Ga., recently surveyed homeowners planning to buy a new home over the next decade to discern current buyer preferences.
The survey finds that living space, hobby rooms, and personalization are now of primary importance. More than 60 percent of homeowner respondents say that they would give up a larger bedroom to have larger living areas. Bonus rooms are also highly coveted: 76 percent of respondents say they would spend more to have a hobby bonus room in the home, The Washington Post reports. Home offices are also valuable to all generations of homebuyers, with 67 percent of respondents saying they want one in their next home.
Personalization is a priority. When choosing a builder, 75 percent of those surveyed said they are more likely to select a builder that offers design options, and 67 percent said they are willing to pay more for those options. Among their favorite options are custom built-ins, decorative ceilings and rustic wood elements. All-white kitchens are now second choice. The survey found an overwhelming majority of buyers prefer natural wood cabinets for their kitchen, pushing white cabinets to second place followed by distressed wood cabinets.
