Homeowners

The Home Features That Buyers Are Willing to Pay More For in 2026

For years, the formula for increasing a home’s value seemed simple: update the kitchen, refresh the bathrooms, maybe add some curb appeal, and call it good. But today’s homebuyers have a different mindset, and they’re willing to invest real money.

Certain home features can increase sale prices by as much as 5.4% more than expected, or roughly $19,500 on a typical home, according to Zillow research.

This indicates that buyers aren’t just considering size or location anymore. They’re valuing how a home functions, how it feels, and perhaps most importantly, how much work it saves them after closing.

So, what should buyers and sellers learn from this shift? Here’s what you need to know and how to apply it.

Lifestyle features are where homebuyers are spending money

If one category stands out in the data, it’s lifestyle-driven features. These are the elements that buyers are willing to spend the most on.

A private dock leads the list, increasing prices by 5.4%. Outdoor kitchens are close behind at 4.4%, with features like outdoor showers, fireplaces, and waterfront locations also adding clear value. Even a simple word like “cottage” in a listing can raise a home’s price. 

The reason isn’t hard to understand.

“After years of busy schedules and screen time, buyers are drawn to spaces that encourage slowing down, where they can picture sunset dinners by the water or s’mores around the fire,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, in a statement.

For buyers, the key is understanding what you’re truly paying for with these features. If lifestyle is important to you, the premium might be worth it. If not, avoiding those expenses could help you save.

In the kitchen, materials are doing the talking

The kitchen has long been the centerpiece of a home’s value, but what’s changing is how buyers evaluate it. It’s no longer enough for a kitchen to look modern. Buyers now focus more on the materials used and what they imply.

Quartzite countertops now outperform almost every other surface, helping homes sell for 5.3% more than expected. That’s higher than quartz, marble, and other popular options.

Why the shift? Buyers want materials that combine two features: stylish design and everyday durability. Quartzite offers both as a luxurious, natural stone choice known for its exceptional durability (it’s harder than granite) and a marble-like look. It appears high-end and indicates that the kitchen won’t need to be renovated anytime soon.

Buyers looking for premium materials may be able to justify an offer with high-end details with real longevity. If they don’t, you may be better off negotiating or planning your own upgrades once you own the home.

Personal touches are no longer a liability on a home

For years, home sellers were advised to remove personality and maintain a neutral appearance to attract the largest number of buyers. However, that advice is beginning to change.

Today, homes featuring custom or bespoke elements are selling for about 3.2% more than expected. Buyers are responding to spaces that don’t feel generic.

That might mean a built-in workspace that feels seamlessly integrated into a design instead of appearing stuck in a corner, or even a more niche feature like a golf simulator. What matters is that the space feels finished and purposeful.

“I notice more requests for custom-made lighting and artisan pieces, where each detail tells a personal story rather than matching a catalog image,” said Reinis Butka, an expert in interior design at Luminesy.com in Scottsdale, Ariz.

For buyers, the lesson is to tell the difference between useful personalization and overly specific tastes. If a feature clearly adds value to your life, it might be worth paying for. If not, it could hinder resale later.

Turnkey homes are commanding a clear premium

If there’s one key point from the report that stands out, it’s that buyers are increasingly valuing homes that are move-in ready from day one.

Turnkey homes sell for nearly 3% more than expected, and remodeled homes also fetch a premium. Meanwhile, fixer-uppers are trending in the opposite direction, selling for about 14% less. 

That gap reflects the realities of today’s market.

“Homes that are already updated and thoughtfully designed can command higher prices because buyers can roll those costs into their mortgage, rather than paying for expensive improvements after closing,” said Kara Ng, Zillow senior economist, in a statement.

Indeed, paying more up front may cost buyers less in the long run if it avoids renovation expenses and delays. But if you have the time, budget, and appetite for a project, a fixer-upper could still offer a path to value.

For homeowners, smart financing can pay off

For homeowners, this shift provides a straightforward guide to stand out in the market. If you’re getting ready to sell, the aim isn’t to overhaul everything, but to focus on updates that show the home is finished and easy to live in. 

That might mean upgrading key materials, improving outdoor living space, or addressing the small details that make a home feel move-in ready.

Using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a strategic way to fund those improvements upfront. Homeowners may be able to tap into their equity, borrow only what they need, and then repay the loan over time. This allows you to invest in features buyers are actively paying more for and potentially recoup that cost at sale.