The Real Estate Trends in 2024 Highlight on Wellness

Zillow recently unveiled its predictions for the top real estate trends in 2024, with a notable focus on wellness-related features.  (source from: Forbes)

This comes as homeowners increasingly recognize the profound connection between their living spaces and overall quality of life, a sentiment reflected in both home improvement and resale data.

The highlighted trends include:

1. Sensory Gardens and Pathways:

• Zillow noted a remarkable surge in the popularity of sensory gardens, with a 314% increase in listings mentioning these features compared to the previous year.
• Amanda Pendleton, a Zillow home trends expert, linked this trend to the heightened importance of outdoor spaces due to extended periods spent at home during the pandemic.
• Megan Majd from Compass in Los Angeles emphasized the growing demand for outdoor spaces that engage all five senses, catering to families and work-from-home professionals seeking both educational and tranquil environments.

2. Cold Plunge Pools:

• Zillow identified cold plunge pools as the hottest wellness trend for 2024, with a 130% increase in listings featuring at-home plunge pools compared to the previous year.
• Pendleton highlighted the accessibility of this trend, with portable plunge pools available at various price points, making wellness features more attainable.
• Sally Forster Jones with Compass in Los Angeles noted the perception of cold plunge pools as a new requirement in higher-end markets, driven by a focus on health and well-being.
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3. Pickleball Courts:

• Zillow reported a 64% increase in nationwide mentions of pickleball in listings compared to the previous year, identifying it as a sought-after amenity in backyards and neighborhoods.
• Pendleton emphasized pickleball's accessibility and appeal to all ages, providing both fitness and social interaction benefits.
• Taylor Middleton, a real estate agent with Douglas Elliman, sees pickleball courts as having enduring appeal and enhancing property value over time, aligning with the evolving expectations of wellness-conscious buyers.

4. Murals:

• Zillow observed an 18% increase in the presence of murals in for-sale homes, signaling a departure from bland interiors toward personalized and visually impactful spaces.
• Amanda Pendleton noted the rising trend of personalization in interiors, with murals serving as conversation starters and contributors to overall ambiance.
• Todd Davis, a Compass agent in Orange County, sees murals as potential assets, particularly for younger homebuyers, while architect William Court emphasizes their unique and personal nature but notes that their impact on real estate value may be limited.

In conclusion, these trends underscore a growing recognition of the integral role that wellness and personalization play in shaping the preferences of today's homebuyers.