As home prices continue to climb, today’s buyers are shifting priorities. Instead of focusing solely on square footage and yard size, more people are making trade-offs that prioritize wellness, flexibility, and connection over traditional home features.
According to the latest America at Home Study, which surveyed nearly 16,000 U.S. residents across four waves since March 2020, homebuyers in 2025 are increasingly open to living in smaller, more adaptable homes—as long as those homes support a healthier lifestyle and meaningful experiences.
Buyers Are Willing to Trade Space for Well-Being
With affordability challenges still top of mind, many buyers are now embracing smaller homes, minimal garages, and multi-functional spaces.
Key 2025 Trade-Off Trends:
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Smaller home: 40% of buyers are willing to downsize (up from 21% in 2022)
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Smaller or no garage: 33% (up from 22%)
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Smaller room sizes: 25% (up from 16%)
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Rent-to-own model: 50% (up from 33%)
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Modular or manufactured homes: 32% (up from 22%)
This marks a significant shift in how buyers are thinking about their homes. As Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki, co-founder of the America at Home Study, points out:
“A lot of the housing stock isn’t fitting what Americans increasingly say they’re looking for.”
Wellness-Focused Features Are a Top Priority
Rather than maxing out on square footage, many homebuyers are seeking wellness-inspired features that promote healthier living, lower utility bills, and support sustainability.
Most Desired In-Home Features in 2025:
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A modern, well-equipped kitchen for cooking at home (29%)
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Efficient insulation, HVAC, and energy-saving appliances (25%)
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Whole house water filtration systems (22%)
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Always-on indoor air filtration (22%)
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Solar battery storage or back-up generators (18%)
These upgrades show that buyers value health, cleanliness, and cost-efficiency—especially in smaller living spaces.
Community Connections Are Driving Real Estate Decisions
Today’s buyers aren’t just rethinking what’s inside the home—they’re also reconsidering what’s outside. The latest survey reveals a deep desire for connection, nature, and neighborhood engagement.
Most Valued Community Amenities:
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Access to nature for outdoor recreation (54%)
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Walkability to coffee shops and eateries (49%)
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Walking and biking trails (48%)
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Small parks with seating and shade (45%)
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Large open green spaces (44%)
Belinda Sward, co-founder of the America at Home Study, sums it up well:
“Today’s consumers are trading space for experience and connection… A sense of everyday connection to nature and neighbors drives values, belonging, and well-being.”
What This Means for Buyers and Agents
If you’re in the market for a home—or helping clients find one—it’s time to redefine what makes a home valuable.
Instead of just focusing on square footage or lot size, consider:
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Does the home offer flexibility in how rooms are used?
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Are there health-forward features like clean air systems or filtered water?
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Is the neighborhood designed for connection and walkability?
These elements aren’t just trendy—they’re becoming the new standard.
Final Thoughts: Experience Over Excess
As housing preferences evolve, it’s clear that wellness, flexibility, and connection are shaping the future of real estate. Today’s buyers are proving that bigger isn’t always better, and that the best homes are those that support a better way of living.
Whether you’re building, buying, or selling—knowing what matters most to buyers in 2025 can help you make smarter, more intentional decisions.
Need help navigating today’s changing market?
Contact us for expert advice or personalized home search strategies.