The most desirable property features for homebuyers in 2025
Forget exposed brick walls and fireplaces, new research has revealed the latest must-haves for homebuyers looking ahead to 2025.
Based on Google search trends, research by housebuilder St. Modwen Homes highlights some surprising shifts. The top feature? Driveways. With a whopping 309% spike in searches compared to last year, we're prioritising space for cars, reflecting a growing focus on convenience and practicality.
Also topping the list are home offices (+232%), showing a continuation of the WFH trend and an increase in hybrid working, along with the preference for corner plots (+89%) for those craving a little extra outdoor space and more potential to extend.
It's not just about home features though, as proximity to farm shops is also on the rise (+83%), showing a desire for fresh, locally sourced produce. Storage also appears to be a necessity, with garages (+49%) and built-in bookshelves (+30%) featuring on the list.
See the top 10 below:
Driveway +309%
Home office +232%
Corner plot +89%
Nearby farm shop +83%
Semi-detached properties +80%
Local butchers +49%
Garage +49%
Study nook +33%
Built-in bookshelves +30%
Detached properties +27%
But not all features are as popular as they once were. According to the study, exposed brick walls have seen a dramatic decline in demand (-67%), while the appeal of period features (-35%), home gyms (-18%), and fireplaces (-18%) are also waning. Even once-luxurious touches like underfloor heating and spiral staircases are seeing a dip in interest.
"Homebuyers today have moved away from simply seeking out traditional aesthetics. Instead, they are focusing on practical, future-proofed elements that align with their evolving lifestyles," says Jo Winston from St. Modwen Homes. "Features like home offices and electric car charging points reflect this shift toward a more forward-thinking approach to home design.
"Overall, we're witnessing a transition where homeowners want their living environments to be adaptable, multifunctional, and reflective of their values – whether that’s convenience, sustainability, or the desire for a more connected and comfortable lifestyle."
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