When it comes to building a new home in the St. Louis or St. Charles County area, everyone has their own unique set of preferences and priorities. However, there are certain features that are currently desirable among new construction homebuyers. With our experience assisting local new construction homebuyers and some great input from some quality local homebuilders, we’ve put together a list of the most sought-after features that buyers want in newly built homes.
Energy-Efficient Appliances and Windows
With the increasing awareness of climate change and the need to save
money on utility bills, energy efficiency is a top priority for homebuyers.
Energy-efficient appliances, windows, and insulation are all highly
sought-after features.
Open Floor Plans
Many homebuyers are looking for open floor plans that provide a spacious and welcoming environment. This includes interconnected living spaces, high ceilings, and large windows that allow natural light to flood the home.
Smart Home Technology
The rise of home automation has made smart home technology a highly desirable feature. Homebuyers are looking for homes with automated lighting and heating systems, smart locks, and integrated home security systems.
“One of the most desired features in today’s new home is smart home technology and security,” says Chris Reatini of homebuilder Genesis Development Company. “Just about everything now and even more in the future can be controlled by your phone. Homeowners like having the convenience to control their new home with their fingertips. We wire the home for the technology of today and the future. A few of the most popular items include smart thermostats, garage doors, lights, locks, cameras, and security systems. With our smart home app, the possibilities are endless.”
Outdoor Living Spaces
As more
people look to spend time outdoors, outdoor living spaces have become
increasingly popular. This includes patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens that
provide a perfect setting for entertaining guests.
Walk-In Closets
Homebuyers are looking for ample storage space, and walk-in closets are a highly desirable feature. Walk-in closets provide space for storing clothes, shoes, and accessories, while also providing a sense of luxury and convenience.
High-End Kitchen Features
With the growing popularity of cooking shows and gourmet cuisine, high-end kitchen features have become a must-have for potential homebuyers. This includes features such as granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and custom cabinetry.
Mark Murphy from homebuilder Bridgewater Communities told us, “As the metro areas only home builder dedicated exclusively to the villa lifestyle, most of our customers are downsizing from a larger home. While they are looking for less space, most don’t want to feel as if they have “given up” the spacious feel from their previous home. So, this means high ceilings with wider and taller doorways to create the sense of volume, as well as large kitchens, entertaining spaces, bathrooms, and primary bedrooms. Additionally, outdoor entertaining spaces and flexible spaces inside their new villa are important.”
Home Office
With more people working from home, having a dedicated home office has become an essential feature. Homebuyers are looking for spaces that are quiet and comfortable, providing a productive environment for work.
Multiple Bathrooms
Having multiple bathrooms is a highly desirable feature for homebuyers. This includes en suite bathrooms for the master bedroom, as well as half-baths or full-baths for guests.
After years of working with new construction clients, Linda Boehmer says, “We see our new construction clients looking for taller ceilings, transom windows for natural light, low maintenance LVP flooring and high functioning kitchens. Other hot features include laundry rooms that offer more space for laundry needs and storage, oversized kitchen islands with added storage and large seating bars, home offices, screened porches and electrical preparation for electric car chargers. It benefits consumers to research the options. You are only limited by your budget, your imagination and your builder’s menu of options.”
Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems
Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems are a top
priority for homebuyers. This includes HVAC systems that use less energy and
provide better temperature control.
Green Building Materials
Homebuyers are looking for homes that use environmentally friendly building materials. This includes materials such as bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and low-VOC paint.
- - -
By incorporating these features into new construction homes, builders create homes that are more attractive to today’s buyers. If you’re thinking of building a home, or buying a newly built or inventory home, contact The Boehmer Team. We are uniquely qualified to serve new construction homebuyers in the St. Louis and St. Charles County areas of Missouri.
