Insights from Realtor.com’s Hottest Home Trends in 2025 analysis of listing data, with perspective from the Get Dwell team
As the housing market continues to evolve, so do the features that matter most to homeowners and buyers. Realtor.com® recently released its annual analysis of the most-mentioned home features in for-sale listings. The results point to a clear theme: people are looking for homes that are efficient, connected, comfortable and designed for the way we truly live today.
While many of the fastest-rising features in the Realtor.com study are still “Rare” or “Occasional,” the most important trends for buyers and sellers in real-world markets are the ones showing movement within the Widespread category. These are features that already appear in a large share of listings and still posted notable year-over-year growth. When something is both common and growing, it signals a mainstream shift in buyer expectations rather than a luxury outlier.
At Get Dwell, we follow these trends closely because they shape how we help our clients plan upgrades, improve their homes, and prepare their properties for the future. Below is a look at the most meaningful mainstream trends — features that already show up broadly across the market and continue to grow in popularity.
1. The Home Office Is Here to Stay
Listings mentioning a home office or Zoom room grew 56% this year. Even as life continues to normalize post-pandemic, remote and hybrid work remain part of daily life for many families. Homeowners want quiet, well-organized workspaces — not just an improvised corner of the kitchen.
What this means for your home:
A small den, unused bedroom, or basement nook can be turned into a functional office with better lighting, electrical upgrades and simple built-ins.
2. Fenced Yards Are in High Demand
Fully fenced yards jumped more than 61% in listings. Privacy and safety continue to be top priorities — especially for families and pet owners.What this means for your home:
What this means for your home:
Repairing or upgrading fencing remains a high-ROI improvement that helps your property stand out to future buyers.
3. Home Gyms (and Pickleball!) Keep Growing
Home gym mentions increased 91%, showing how much homeowners continue to invest in comfort, wellness and convenience. Pickleball — now a full-blown lifestyle amenity — jumped 52% in listing mentions.
What this means for your home:
Spare rooms, garages and basements are ideal for fitness zones with padded flooring, mirrors and storage. Even small backyards can incorporate a compact pickleball or multi-use court — an increasingly popular amenity for families and active homeowners.
4. EV Charging Has Become a Must-Have
Home listings mentioning EV charging grew 92%. As more households switch to hybrid gas/electric vehicles and all-electric vehicles, charging at home has become an expectation, not an upgrade.
What this means for your home:
Installing a charger is now one of the most common electrical improvements our Get Dwell team handles.
5. Indoor–Outdoor Living Is Surging
Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment. The use of indoor–outdoor features — large sliding doors, glass walls, natural light and covered patios — rose 163%, one of the biggest increases in the entire study.
What this means for your home:
Even modest changes, such as replacing outdated patio doors or improving exterior lighting, can dramatically enhance natural light and the way your home flows.
6. Outdoor Living Spaces Continue to Expand
Covered patios and loggias saw a 14% rise, and outdoor living continues to be one of the strongest categories overall. Homeowners want outdoor areas they can enjoy for more months of the year — and they want those spaces to feel like a true extension of the indoors.
What this means for your home:
Patios, pergolas, decks and thoughtful landscaping remain among the most cost-effective ways to expand your living space.
Seamless transitions matter: designing outdoor areas such as patios, decks or built-in seating to complement the interior creates a cohesive and expanded living environment. Whether you’re upgrading an existing deck or building a new one, a smooth indoor-to-outdoor transition brings comfort, function and real value to everyday living.
7. Spa Oasis Bathroom Remodels Are Still Hot
Freestanding soaking tubs, a hallmark of spa-inspired bathrooms, rose 36% in listing mentions, making them one of the strongest widespread trends in the 2025 analysis. Homeowners continue to prioritize relaxation, wellness and calm, even in smaller or older homes.
What this means for your home:
A freestanding tub instantly creates a spa-like retreat and can be integrated into both modern and traditional bathrooms. Paired with updated lighting, better ventilation, fresh tile or heated floors, these upgrades help create a personal oasis that adds comfort and long-term value.
What’s Driving These Shifts?
Across all categories, the trends tell a clear story:
- We’re spending more time at home.
- We want flexible, functional spaces.
- Wellness — both personal and environmental — matters more than ever.
- Outdoor living and convenience have become everyday priorities.
These aren’t luxury-only trends — they’re shaping how the average homeowner thinks about comfort, efficiency and long-term value.
How Get Dwell Can Help
Whether you’re planning to stay in your home or preparing to list, small improvements can make a meaningful difference. Our team can help with:
- Home office conversions
- EV charger installation
- Fencing, patios and outdoor lighting
- Deck upgrades and new deck construction
- Basement improvements
- Home gym and pickleball setups
- Seamless indoor–outdoor transitions
- Spa bathroom updates, including freestanding tubs
- Energy-efficient and healthy-home improvements
- General repairs and maintenance that keep your home healthy
If you’d like to explore any of these trends, reach out to us here or schedule a full Whole Home Assessment to prioritize what’s best for your property — we’re always here to help.