The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported home buyer preferences have continued to reverse trends in home building, responding to new interests including a desire for bigger homes, suburban locations, and more outdoor amenities.
Such changes have resulted in building of bigger new homes:
- The average size is now 2,524 square feet
- 4+ bedroom homes have risen to 46 percent
- 3+ full bathrooms are up to 34 percent
The NAHB believes these trends are driven by the Millennials and Gen X generations seeking more space and bedrooms. Yet, as more of the “sandwich” generations reside under one roof, younger new home buyers are also driving a need for homes suited to accommodate multi-generation family members.
Baby Boomers, on the other hand, typically are interested in smaller homes on smaller lots in the suburbs. This generation likely owned one or more homes previously and wishes to avoid the rising heating / cooling costs for big homes. Not surprisingly, they have a greater interest in energy-efficient features, including lighting, appliances, and whole home certification.
The need for more space is not limited to the indoors. Buyers continue seeking spacious yards and room to breathe. People of all generations seek nearby community amenities like:
- walking and biking trails,
- fire pits and,
- patios, which now are seen in 63 percent of single-family homes.
Finally, the latest top home design trends are not limited to newly constructed homes. The NAHB also expects residential remodeling activity to increase six percent in 2022 following a growth rate of ten percent in 2021 as people continue to use their home for more purposes such as offices, schools, and gyms.
For relocating families, understanding these home design trends can help them select more marketable homes should the need arise for a future relocation. Staying current with living accommodations, whether purchasing new or upgrading existing homes, contributes to the overall value and curbside appeal.
NEI Account Executives share these types of insights with the relocating families they counsel every day. Being an educated buyer is smart for the relocating family and also benefits employers if they need to relocate the family again.