New technology, old-world style: Zillow reveals 2025's home trends

Rhea-AI Summary

Zillow's 2025 home trends highlight a blend of modern technology and nostalgic charm. Emerging trends include whole-home batteries, cozy living spaces, and home libraries. Mentions of whole-home batteries surged by 62%, and solar panels by 18%. Electric vehicle chargers are up by 34%, and induction cooktops by 5%. The term 'cozy' increased by 35%, indicating a preference for smaller, purpose-driven rooms over open floor plans. Nostalgic elements, such as floral patterns and antique furnishings, rose by 14%, and vintage mentions by 9%. Home libraries and Victorian-era sculleries are also gaining popularity. Climate resilience features are crucial, with mentions of flood barriers up 22%, seismic retrofitting by 20%, and water catchment systems by 19%. Drought-resistant turf yards increased by 14%. Spa-inspired wet rooms are appearing 19% more often, reflecting a growing focus on wellness design.

Positive

• Mentions of whole-home batteries surged by 62%.
• Solar panels appear 18% more often in listings.
• Electric vehicle chargers are up by 34%.
• The term 'cozy' increased by 35%.
• Nostalgic elements rose by 14%, and vintage mentions by 9%.
• Home libraries are up by 22%.
• Flood barriers are up 22%, seismic retrofitting by 20%, and water catchment systems by 19%.
• Drought-resistant turf yards increased by 14%.
• Spa-inspired wet rooms are appearing 19% more often.

Negative

• None.

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Whole-home batteries, cozy living and home libraries are emerging trends, according to Zillow data 

SEATTLE, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zillow® is unveiling its data-driven predictions for the trends that will define our homes in the new year. In 2025, homeowners and buyers will blend the latest technology with nostalgic, old-world charm to create comfortable, sustainable and climate-resilient homes. That means features such as whole-home batteries and EV chargers will coexist with cozy home libraries, vintage fixtures and 19th-century sculleries.   

"Technology has enabled homeowners to live more sustainably and more affordably, which is a growing priority for prospective buyers," said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert. "Energy-efficient and climate-resilient home features are quickly gaining popularity as homeowners look to keep costs down, including insurance costs. At the same time, a home is not just a checklist of practical features, it's a feeling. Homeowners and buyers today are looking to the past to create a sense of warmth, character and comfort in even the most high-tech environments."  

Zillow identified five emerging trends by looking at hundreds of home features and design styles mentioned in millions of for-sale listings in 2024, then identified the keywords showing up far more frequently than a year ago. When certain features appear in a rising share of listings, it's a signal that they are in demand and desirable to a buyer. Real estate agents are uniquely attuned to what buyers want, and savvy agents will highlight those features when marketing a home for sale.

Electric features: Today's home buyers are looking to live their values, seeking out homes with sustainable and environmentally friendly features. Mentions of whole-home batteries have surged by 62% since last year, the fastest-growing feature in this year's analysis. Whole-home batteries store excess energy from solar panels, acting as a generator during a power outage or when the sun isn't shining. Solar panels are appearing 18% more often in for-sale listings on Zillow, as are the terms "sustainable" and "green." 

It's not just solar power. Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are appearing in 34% more for-sale listings on Zillow today than a year ago. And electric ranges are gaining traction, too. Mentions of induction cooktops are up 5%.

Cozy vibes: The term "cozy" is no longer a negative real estate euphemism — it's a sought-after design trait. Listings mentioning "cozy" have increased by 35% compared to last year. Yes, home buyers are embracing smaller, cozier spaces for affordability and sustainability, and rejecting the cavernous open floor plans and pandemic-era need for more and more space. The great room has been replaced by smaller, cozier, color-saturated rooms that serve a specific purpose, such as dens and dining rooms.  

Old-world comeback: Move over, Grand Millennial style. 2025 is set to go full granny, with floral patterns, tapestries, antique furnishings and chintz making a strong return. Nostalgia is a growing trend, appearing in 14% more listings than in 2023, while "vintage" mentions are up by 9%. Additionally, bibliophilic decor and home libraries are on the rise, showing up 22% more frequently in listings on Zillow. The Victorian-era scullery is also making a 21st-century comeback. This second kitchen, or back kitchen, where entertainers can hide the dirty work of meal prep and cleanup, is appearing in 8% more listings today than a year ago. 

Climate resiliency: With climate-related disasters becoming more frequent, sellers are highlighting features that offer some degree of protection, and buyers are seeking them out. Zillow research finds that 86% of recent home buyers say it's very important that a home have at least one climate-resilient feature. 

The share of for-sale listings on Zillow that mention flood barriers is up 22% compared to last year, seismic retrofitting is up 20%, and references to water catchment systems are up 19%. Drought-resistant turf yards are showing up 14% more often compared to a year ago. 

Spa-inspired wet rooms: This luxurious design element, most often found in high-end hotels, is the latest spa-inspired upgrade to start showing up in homes. A wet room combines the shower and bathtub into one waterproof space without the usual shower curb or enclosure. Wet rooms are being featured 19% more often in listings on Zillow. 

This 2025 bathroom trend is part of a growing emphasis on wellness design. As buyers become increasingly attuned to the ways their home impacts their physical and mental well-being, the share of for-sale listings that mention wellness features is up 16% compared to last year.    

About Zillow Group
Zillow Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: Z and ZG) is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and more people. As the most visited real estate website in the United States, Zillow and its affiliates help people find and get the home they want by connecting them with digital solutions, dedicated partners and agents, and easier buying, selling, financing, and renting experiences. 

Zillow Group's affiliates, subsidiaries and brands include Zillow®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans℠, Zillow Rentals®, Trulia®, Out East®, StreetEasy®, HotPads®, ShowingTime+℠, Spruce®, and Follow Up Boss®. 

All marks herein are owned by MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). © 2024 MFTB Holdco, Inc., a Zillow affiliate.

 

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SOURCE Zillow Group, Inc.

FAQ

What are the key home trends for 2025 according to Zillow?

Zillow's key home trends for 2025 include whole-home batteries, cozy living spaces, home libraries, climate resilience features, and spa-inspired wet rooms.

How much have mentions of whole-home batteries increased in Zillow listings?

Mentions of whole-home batteries have surged by 62% in Zillow listings.

What is the increase in mentions of electric vehicle chargers in Zillow listings?

Mentions of electric vehicle chargers are up by 34% in Zillow listings.

How has the term 'cozy' trended in Zillow listings for 2025?

The term 'cozy' has increased by 35% in Zillow listings for 2025.

What climate resilience features are becoming more common in home listings?

Flood barriers, seismic retrofitting, and water catchment systems are becoming more common, with mentions up by 22%, 20%, and 19% respectively.