Zillow listings reveal what homebuyers are obsessed with right now

The climate crisis is driving a rise in extreme weather events including hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes across the US.

The increasing frequency and intensity of these storms have encouraged people to seek homes that offer enhanced safety during natural disasters — that are hurricane-resistant, for example. Homes like that may reduce the risk of costly repairs.

Zillow found that mentions of flood barriers in for-sale listings have increased by 22% since 2023, while references to water catchment systems have risen by 19%. The use of the term seismic retrofitting — the modification of structures to enhance their earthquake resistance — is up 20%. Drought-resistant turf yards also appear in listings 14% more frequently than last year.

Homebuyers don't just want a house — they want one equipped with smart, eco-friendly technology that helps reduce their carbon footprint.

Zillow found that the fastest-growing sought-after feature this year is whole-home batteries. These systems, often paired with solar panels, store excess energy for use during cloudy days or power outages. Mentions of this feature in for-sale listings have increased by 62% compared to last year.

Buyers are also showing greater interest in electric vehicle (EV) chargers, which have appeared in 34% more Zillow listings compared to 2023, and induction cooktops, up 5% from last year.

Zillow found that as the pandemic-era dip in home prices fades, so too does some buyers' preference for larger living spaces.

In search of greater affordability, many are now gravitating toward cozier homes that may also be more budget-friendly.

As a result, mentions of "cozy" — sometimes a euphemism for "small" — in for-sale listings have increased by 35% compared to last year.

According to Zillow, as homeowners prioritize mental and physical well-being, "wellness design" is emerging as a major trend in homes.

Data from the company shows that the share of for-sale listings featuring wellness-focused amenities has increased by 16% compared to last year.

One such feature gaining traction with buyers is the wet room, a waterproof space that combines a shower and bathtub into one seamless area, often without a shower curtain or glass divider.

Popular in Europe and Asia for years, Zillow predicts wet rooms may make their way into more American homes.

Young homebuyers will reject the minimalist styles favored by older generations and embrace vintage interior designs featuring antique furniture, floral patterns, and tapestries.

Zillow's data highlights a growing interest in nostalgia-driven design, with mentions appearing in 14% more for-sale listings compared to 2023. Similarly, references to "vintage" have increased by 9%. The company also found that bibliophilic decor and home libraries are gaining popularity, with mentions rising by 22% in listings.

It's not just the "I Love Lucy" set that homebuyers want to channel — many will also aim for "The Gilded Age."

Zillow found that mentions of Victorian-era sculleries — hidden back kitchens used for meal prep and entertaining —have increased by 8% in for-sale listings this year compared to last.