“Homeownership stays one in every of life’s most monumental transactions, and as we speak patrons are approaching that life objective with new expectations,” mentioned Ginger Wilcox, president of Higher Properties and Gardens Actual Property. “Excessive obstacles to entry have created a era of patrons who know what they need and received’t accept much less. These insights can assist sellers and brokers make design and presentation decisions that resonate with fashionable patrons who’re keen however more and more discerning.”
The report highlights six key themes influencing homebuying choices, together with;
The brand new starter residence: With the common first-time homebuyer nearing age 40, affordability is now not the one precedence. Patrons desire a smaller footprint with significant design, pure magnificence and personalization — a high precedence for practically half of respondents.
Paint colours that promote: Forty p.c of patrons say paint colour strongly shapes their first impression, with one other third saying it captures their consideration. Earth-inspired tones and basic neutrals are gaining affect in how patrons understand worth.
Influencer-driven design: Social media is reshaping want lists, pushing options resembling organized pantries, studying nooks and artisan kitchens from viral tendencies into real-world expectations.
Structure issues greater than measurement: Eighty-six p.c of patrons say versatile layouts assist them see previous sq. footage. Performance, circulation and multipurpose areas for work and household life now outweigh uncooked measurement.
Craftsmanship counts: Patrons are more and more centered on high quality. Customized millwork, pure supplies and artisanal particulars are seen as definitely worth the funding.
Curb attraction 2.0.: Practically half of patrons say they received’t purchase a house that doesn’t really feel proper the second they stroll in — and that impression begins on the curb. Native landscaping, natural textures and balanced, welcoming entryways are main exterior tendencies.
BHGRE additionally introduced the consumer-selected 2026 Paint Colours of the 12 months; Calming Coastal Blue for interiors and Comfortable Stone Grey for exteriors.
To assist its community translate the findings into motion, the model can even launch an Agent Playbook designed to indicate the right way to use these tendencies to higher place listings and information shoppers.
Highlights from the playbook are set to incorporate steering on positioning starter houses as “good” reasonably than small, utilizing paint and lighting to create a move-in-ready sense of heat and staging properties with social-media-friendly options in thoughts.
The complete report might be discovered here.
