Homeowners

Homebuyers and Home Sellers Take Note: The 10 Fastest Growing Home Trends

January 23, 2026

Remember when “granite countertops” where once mentioned in seemingly every property description while “open concept kitchens” were all the rage in the early 2010s?

Home design has long shaped what buyers want in a home and what sellers highlight when it comes time to list their property.

Today, sustainability and nature-driven aesthetics are what home sellers point out to entice buyers, according to new data from Realtor.com’s Hottest Home Trends Report. (The data is based on a review of active Realtor.com for-sale listings, tracking year-over-year changes in the frequency of specific feature mentions from 2024 to 2025, the most recent data available.)

While lavish perks have taken a backseat, eco-savvy features and grounded design language are skyrocketing.

“Sellers can use this information to guide renovation decisions that enhance both appeal and return on investment,” said Anthony Smith, senior economist at Realtor.com. “Buyers can use these trends to think beyond the initial purchase and consider long-term ownership value.”

Many homeowners hoping to renovate or plotting their home selling strategies fund improvements and updates tap into their home equity with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), cash-out refinance, or second mortgage. These loans allow homeowners to borrow against the value of their homes to pay for the work.

Here is how to future-proof your home and lean into the design wave ahead.

1. WaterSense fixtures are in demand

Smart water use is top of mind for many sellers and buyers. WaterSense fixtures topped the trends list, with a staggering 289.6% year-over-year increase in listing mentions.

WaterSense are products like toilets, showerheads, and faucets that are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be at least 20% more water-efficient than standard models.

Showering, washing, and flushing more efficiently is vital to many homeowners’ bottom lines. In many regions, water bills are rising. Cities like Phoenix and Austin, Texas are preparing for long-term supply pressures. Installing WaterSense products can trim monthly costs in a way buyers increasingly appreciate.

Think of it like swapping incandescent bulbs for LED lighting 10 years ago. A simple switch saves money over time and signals a home that is built with foresight.

2. Biophilic and indoor-outdoor living are hot

The second-fastest-growing feature in homes are biophilic and indoor-outdoor design. This trend is up 163% year-over-year. Translation: walls are disappearing. Sliding glass partitions, internal courtyards, and even moss-covered accent installations are dominating architecture.

Why now? After years of screens, Americans are reconnecting with nature and gravitating toward air, greenery, and sunlight.

For homeowners who want to borrow from the look without going full greenhouse, start simple. Use tone-on-tone earth palettes, organic-shaped decor, linen textures, and houseplants to bring the outside in.

Homeowners can also replace one solid door with glass or introduce natural stone in small doses.

3. Coastal modern design is trending

A airy open home

By now, you may have heard of the Coastal Grandma design craze. The décor blends breezy neutrals and soft cottons. Coastal Modern is the evolution of the peaceful aesthetic with clean lines, sun-washed palettes, pale wood, and relaxed, but elevated, styling.

After years of maximalist color trends and bold rooms, this signals a collective return to ease. Luckily, Coastal Modern is easily attainable for those who don’t live near any body of water, especially ranches and newer builds with airy living spaces.

“People want to feel something when they walk into their spaces,” said real estate broker Chris Murphy, founder of Washington’s Waterfront Homes at Compass in the state’s greater Puget Sound area. “They’re looking for color, texture, and emotion.”

To tap into the look without gutting your place, paint walls in warm whites, layer natural fibers underfoot, and trade heavy furniture for pieces with air underneath. You can also incorporate subtle coastal nods like textured ceramics, driftwood-toned frames, or softly ribbed glass.

4. Net-zero ready homes are gaining in popularity

A decade ago, staging was about throw pillows and overflowing fruit bowls. Now, your energy audit might impress buyers more. With utility costs creeping up in many states, buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that promise lower monthly overhead.

Indeed, mentions of net-zero ready homes rose 198% in listings, signaling mainstream momentum. These homes use insulation, high-efficiency HVAC systems, solar-ready wiring, and smart-energy management to approach or achieve net neutrality in power use.

In a nutshell, these are all future-proof investments.

Even if you are not installing solar panels tomorrow, prepping your property for renewable energy pays off. Consider upgrading insulation in attics and basements, investing in energy-efficient windows, or installing a heat-pump system.

“Prioritizing efficiency-based features, can help reduce ongoing utility costs while positioning the home to be more futureproofed,” said Smith.

5. Homebuyers are seeking homes with EV-charging capabilities

A family charging their electric car

EV-charging mentions in listings surged 175% as many buyers now see a charging station for an electric vehicle as a must-have. Whether you drive electric or not, wiring your garage or parking pad for future charging is smart resale strategy.

“The definition of what makes a home modern has completely evolved,” said Smith.

If you are planning wiring upgrades, adding a 240-volt circuit is often a straightforward project for a licensed electrician.

How to finance home renovations and upgrades smartly

Of course, embracing eco-efficiency often means making smart use of your home’s financial backbone.

Many homeowners fund improvements like WaterSense plumbing, EV wiring, or larger renovations through a home equity loan.

A HELOC can work well for phased projects. A cash-out refinance may make sense for a major overhaul if the rate you locked in when you bought still looks good.

And a second mortgage can bridge the gap for owners who built up serious equity during recent home price gains. The logic is straightforward. Upgrades that lower utility costs and boost resale value can earn their keep over time, making the financing well worth the payoff.

“Today’s buyers are gravitating toward functionality, energy efficiency, and natural materials, elements that make homes feel both modern and enduring,” said Smith.