Homes featuring desirable lifestyle amenities and move-in ready finishes are commanding higher prices, selling for an average of 5.4% above expected values, according to a recent Zillow report. This premium translates to approximately $19,500 on a typical home, indicating a strong buyer preference for properties that offer immediate comfort and enhanced living experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Homes with lifestyle-driven amenities and move-in ready finishes sell for up to 5.4% more than expected.
- Specific outdoor features like docks, outdoor kitchens, and fireplaces significantly boost sale prices.
- The "cottagecore" aesthetic and personalized features are increasingly appealing to buyers.
- Quartzite countertops are preferred over other natural stone options.
- Turnkey and remodeled homes are favored, while fixer-uppers see a significant price reduction.
The Appeal of Lifestyle Amenities
The Zillow report highlights several amenities that are particularly attractive to buyers. Homes featuring a dock sell for 5.4% more than anticipated. An outdoor kitchen can add 4.3% to the sale price, while an outdoor fireplace contributes an additional 2.8%. These features cater to a desire for enhanced outdoor living and entertainment spaces.
The "cottagecore" aesthetic, often associated with the word "cottage" in listings, brings a 3.2% sale premium. Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, notes that this trend taps into a desire for homes that offer an escape from daily life, encouraging buyers to pay more for features that make everyday living feel like a getaway.
Material and Design Preferences
When it comes to countertops, buyers are showing a strong preference for quartzite, with homes mentioning this material selling for 5.3% more than expected. This preference surpasses that for quartz, soapstone, marble, or onyx.
Personalized features are also gaining traction. Listings that highlight custom elements sell for 3.2% more. Homes with a gourmet kitchen designed for avid cooks see a 3% premium, and even niche features like a golf simulator can add 2.7% to the sale price. This suggests buyers are willing to pay more for homes that align with their hobbies and passions.
The Value of Turnkey Homes
Buyers are increasingly seeking homes that require minimal immediate work. Turnkey properties sell for 2.9% more than expected, and remodeled homes fetch a 2.2% premium. Conversely, fixer-upper homes are selling for a significant 14% less than expected.
Kara Ng, Zillow Senior Economist, explains that when affordability is a concern, buyers are hesitant to take on additional expensive projects. Homes that are already updated and thoughtfully designed can command higher prices because buyers can incorporate these costs into their mortgage, avoiding large out-of-pocket expenses after closing.