A new trend for home buyers seems to be the sacrifice of property size to afford homeownership, as the average size of a newly constructed house drops to its lowest level in 13 years—2,479 square feet, according to new research from the National Association of Home Builders.
While buyers may accept a smaller home, they are also prioritizing other key areas, such as:
- Laundry room
- Patio
- Energy Star windows and appliances
- Ceiling fan
- Garage storage
- Walk-in pantry
- Landscaping
- Table space in the kitchen
And they are also leaning towards homes with upgraded technology features:
- Security cameras and security systems
- Programmable thermostat
- Video doorbell
But let’s not forget some of those items that seem to appear on many buyers’ wish lists:
- Quartz or engineered stone for kitchen countertops
- Lighting control system
- Outdoor fireplace and kitchen
- Built-in seating in the kitchen