Home buyer preferences are changing as families continue to prioritize health features and additional living space post-pandemic, pushing the average size of a new home to 2,524 square feet, and increasing the percentage of new homes with 4+ bedrooms and 3+ full bathrooms to 46% and 34%, respectively, NAHBNow reports. In addition to extra living space, homeowners are also reporting a growing desire for multi-functional rooms, energy-efficient design features, and outdoor living amenities.
As homeowners rethink their design priorities, builders are finding creative ways to enhance new homes with ultra-efficient technology, gyms, larger home offices, and flex rooms that appeal to all generations.
These interests vary across generations and are primarily driven by millennials and Gen Xers — 36% and 34%, respectively, of whom noted their housing preferences have changed because of the pandemic. In addition to a desire for more space and more bedrooms, millennials and Gen Xers are also looking for homes with modern or contemporary exteriors that are designed for multiple generations. Other changes include an interest in exercise rooms and home offices in their homes, as well as designated bike lanes in their communities.