Trends That Shaped the Housing Market in 2025
From color palettes to design styles, trends in housing tend to evolve quickly, but for homebuyers in 2025, the focus was on quality and longevity. According to housing market platform Realtor.com’s Hottest Home Trends in 2025 report, homebuyers in 2025 were increasingly drawn to features that conserve energy and improve a home’s overall performance.
Energy efficiency is the top priority for homebuyers
Energy efficiency dominated the housing market throughout 2025. For example, demand for plumbing products certified by the EPA's WaterSense program grew by nearly 290% year-over-year while interest in biophilic indoor-outdoor designs that help reduce energy use grew by 162.6% year-over-year. Demand for net-zero-ready homes doubled and interest in electric vehicle charging stations grew by 91%.
As builders and developers respond to the growing demand for these types of features, net-zero-ready homes becoming more attainable for the typical homebuyer. Homes that meet such standards currently have a median list price of $450,000, less than 6% higher than the overall median home price of $424,200.
Buyers also want tech to make their homes more efficient and convenient
Tech-forward home features continued to expand beyond luxury listings in 2025. For instance, demand for built-in coffee systems have increased by 72% year-over-year, smart lighting setups by 70%, and hardwired ethernet by 66%. While many of these features were once reserved for new homes in the luxury market, they are now becoming the standard in midrange homes, as well.
When it comes to design, homebuyers want balance
Buyers want efficient, connected homes, but they also crave a connection to more natural spaces. Wellness-centered and biophilic design elements—features that bring the outdoors in—are growing in popularity alongside smart gadgets and efficient features. According to the report, listings highlighting an indoor-outdoor connection are up by 163% from last year, while listings featuring a coastal modern aesthetic have climbed by 125%.