Smarter, Not Bigger, Is Better

The downturn in the real estate market is apparently convincing many consumers to rethink their priorities. Among them, homebuyers are now telling builders that more efficiently built living spaces, energy-efficient designs, and flexible floor plans are features that they want in a home.

A study released at the International Builders Show in Orlando recently showed 91% of consumers stating that they would choose a highly energy-efficient home with lower utility bills over a home without energy-efficient features that cost them 2-3% less.

Consumers also stated that the two items that would most influence their decision to purchase a new home were the living spaces and the energy-efficient features of their home. In terms of living spaces, these homebuyers prefer flexible living spaces that accommodate modern lifestyles.

In the survey, buyers further stated that they don’t necessarily prefer larger houses. Instead, they would prefer a smaller house with higher-quality amenities to a bigger house with fewer amenities.