“At this time’s consumers aren’t simply on the lookout for a home – they’re on the lookout for a way of group,” stated Chris Lim, REMAX’s chief progress officer. “It’s the job of actual property professionals to assist potential consumers discover properties and neighborhoods that meet their monetary wants whereas additionally supporting the best way they need to reside.”
Affordability and facilities
Financial uncertainty and rising housing costs remained the highest limitations amongst respondents. About three-quarters (78%) stated extra inexpensive house costs would immediate them to purchase inside six months.
Decrease mortgage rates had been the second-most influential issue. However lower than 10% of consumers stated that rates of interest dropping to a spread of 5% to six% would considerably velocity up their timeline.
Older consumers between the ages of 60 to 65 positioned the very best significance on affordability when deciding on a neighborhood.
Patrons — particularly Gen Z and millennials — stated they’re keen to spend extra for neighborhoods that supply lifestyle-enhancing facilities.
Sixty p.c of respondents stated they might pay a premium for options reminiscent of group swimming pools and gymnasiums, whereas three-quarters of those consumers had been keen to pay at the least 5% extra for a house with these choices.
Grocery shops, procuring areas, eating places and outside areas topped the record of fascinating facilities. The least vital facilities had been bike-share applications, gyms, electrical automobile charging stations, nightlife and coworking areas.
Neighborhood issues
Youthful consumers positioned robust worth on group and neighborhood character.
Seventy-one p.c of all respondents stated they might pay extra to reside in an space recognized for pleasant neighbors and excessive group engagement.
Greater than half of respondents most well-liked to purchase within the suburbs, whereas 32% are trying in city areas.
About 53% say future improvement — together with new retail areas or transit choices — performs a serious position of their determination, citing long-term livability and property values.
Almost 40% listed “sense of group” or “neighborhood vibe” as a precedence.
Security, comfort drive location desire
Security remained a prime issue — with practically 80% citing it as important. Affordability and the kind of housing accessible adopted intently behind.
Geographic comfort additionally issues. Fifty-eight p.c stated proximity to work is vital, whereas many additionally valued closeness to procuring, leisure, eating places and colleges.
The survey was performed by Pollfish in the course of the fourth quarter of 2025 and included responses from 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 to 65 who’re planning to purchase a house within the subsequent 18 months.
