Buyers Are Prioritizing Natural Light Above Other Home Features

Homebuyers have been gravitating toward homes that optimize outdoor connectivity and that prioritize health and wellness. Sunlight, especially, has been found to be important to today’s homebuyers. According to a recent survey from real estate marketing platform Redfin, 44% of U.S. residents would choose a smaller home with more access to natural light than a home with more square footage.

Additionally, 11% of those surveyed identify sunlight as non-negotiable and one of the most important features of a home. Another 46% of respondents say sunlight is very important to them. Only 3% say sunlight is not important at all.

Homeowners with better lighting feel more satisfied with their living situation

Two-thirds of survey respondents, or about 69%, say the amount of sunlight in their home impacts how satisfied they are with their living situation, including 31% who say it impacts their satisfaction a lot.

For Baby Boomers, natural light is even more important

Baby Boomers, in particular, were more likely to choose a smaller home with more sunlight than a large home lacking light. This was true for 54% of Baby Boomers.

Meanwhile, younger generations are more likely to gravitate toward larger homes. Of those surveyed 35% of Generation Z and Millennials say they would choose a larger home even if it meant giving up natural light. This is likely due to life stage, as younger generations are more likely to be starting families, the report notes.