New home sales are projected to rebound in 2026, according to U.S. News & World Report. So what are the characteristics of the most appealing homes?
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Here are some of the features experts predict buyers will be looking for in 2026.
Eco-Friendly Savings
The cost of energy has gone up for many across the country. On average, electricity costs are 5.5% higher today than they were a year ago, and natural gas is up 13.8%, according to the latest federal data.
Environmental consciousness in homeownership today doesn’t just entail installing solar panels, but sustainable materials and energy-efficient features that save money over time.
“I’ve had clients walk away from beautiful listings only because the home had poor insulation or antiquated systems that translated to high utility bills,” said Omar Reiner, licensed realtor, entrepreneur and president of Florida Cash Home Buyers, LLC.
Melanie Musson, a real estate finance expert with Quote.com, shared more detail, saying, “Solar panels, geothermal heat pumps and other energy-efficient features will be popular. There’s less incentive for people to pay for these upgrades without a tax credit, so it’s a benefit if a house already has energy-saving products.”
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Every Square Footage Counts
Thoughtful use of square footage, rather than just a large square footage itself, will drive appeal for homebuyers. So buyers may shun long, unused hallways and awkward nooks and crannies.
“We will see a shift in which thoughtful design starts to matter more than size, for its own sake. As I frequently tell clients, ‘The homes that age well in value are the ones that age well in how people live,'” said Evan Harlow, a Realtor at Maui Elite Property.
Homes With Smart Features
Features like smart thermostats (think: Nest) are no longer a buyer’s luxury but have become an expectation. Whether it’s video doorbells, integrated entertainment systems, automated lighting, or something else, buyers see the convenience and value of these popular features.
The U.S. smart home market size was $36.38 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $403.09 billion by 2034, according to Precedence Research.
Flexible Room Plans
Multifunctional spaces that facilitate multitasking and adaptability depending on your needs are in demand. While this doesn’t necessarily mean an open floor plan, it does mean flexible use of practical space.
“You might use a room as an office now, then easily transition that to a separate area for senior parents as they age or for adult children as they find their way in the world,” said Reiner. “It is getting harder and harder for young adults to come up with the money for a home of their own, but they don’t relish the ‘living with my parents‘ title, either.
“Homes with a layout that allows the homeowner to live in one portion and loved ones to have separate space for themselves, all under one roof, negate the need to move when situations change.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Types of Homes That Will Be in Demand in 2026
