Realtor.com’s latest Hottest Home Trends Report indicates a significant shift in buyer preferences for 2026, with sustainability and energy efficiency taking center stage. Opulent features are on the decline as homeowners increasingly prioritize cost-saving, waste-reducing, and energy-conserving elements in their properties. This trend suggests a growing awareness of environmental impact and a desire for more resilient and self-sustaining homes.
Key Takeaways
- WaterSense fixtures are seeing a dramatic surge in popularity.
- "Net-zero ready" homes are doubling in prevalence and becoming more accessible.
- Electric vehicle charging and outdoor low-voltage lighting are on the rise.
- Biophilic design, blurring indoor and outdoor spaces, continues to grow.
- Luxury market trends include "coastal modern" aesthetics and specific high-end finishes.
- Traditional luxury features like formal dining rooms and infinity pools are losing favor.
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Features
The report highlights that eco-friendly features are no longer niche but are becoming mainstream. WaterSense fixtures, designed to reduce water usage by over 20%, have seen an impressive 289.6% increase in listing descriptions. "Net-zero ready" homes, which generate as much energy as they consume, have doubled in popularity, with a median listing price of $449,700, making them attainable for a broader range of buyers.
Other notable eco-conscious trends include a 91.6% rise in electric vehicle charging stations and a 91.1% increase in outdoor low-voltage lighting. Anthony Smith, senior economist at Realtor.com, noted, "We’re seeing homeowners prioritize features that make their properties more efficient, resilient and self-sustaining. Buyers increasingly view eco-friendly upgrades as both a lifestyle choice and a smart financial investment—especially as energy costs and climate concerns become part of everyday decision-making."
Biophilic Design and Luxury Trends
Beyond pure energy efficiency, biophilic design, which emphasizes the connection between indoor and outdoor living, is predicted to become even more prominent, with a 162.6% increase in related keywords. This trend suggests a desire for more natural light and seamless integration with the environment.
In the luxury market, the "coastal modern" aesthetic, characterized by clean lines, organic materials, and abundant natural light, is rapidly gaining traction, with a 125.6% rise in mentions and a median listing price of $1,275,000. Other luxury trends include aged metal accents, Zellige tile, gas ranges with griddles, and cold plunges, all commanding prices over $1 million.
Declining Trends
Conversely, Realtor.com identified features that are experiencing a decline in popularity. Opulent elements such as formal dining rooms (down 25.3%), infinity pools (down 24.7%), three-car garages (down 19.1%), and "Old-World European" design (down 18.4%) are becoming less desirable among homebuyers.