Homebuyers Increasingly Seek Out Sustainable Features

Homebuyers and homeowners are placing greater importance on sustainable features—especially those that help cut costs or save money—when choosing or renovating a home, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Residential Sustainability Report. The study shows that 42% of real estate agents dealt with at least one property featuring eco-friendly features in the past year.

Additionally, the number of agents who said clients never ask about green home features fell sharply from 57% in 2024 to just 29% in 2025, and interest in sustainable features is still growing. About 42% of agents say clients rarely ask about these types of features. Meanwhile, 21% say clients ask sometimes, and 6% report that clients always ask about these features.

"Housing affordability continues to challenge homebuyers, so sustainability can sometimes be pushed to the back burner as buyers search for the ideal home," said Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research. "However, many still seek sustainable home features to reduce their environmental impact as well as heating, cooling, and commuting costs."