NAHB Identifies Top Features and Design Trends for 2022 Across Generations
Home buyer preferences have continued to reverse trends in home building as builders work to respond to new interests in the wake of COVID-19. Increased desire for bigger homes, suburban locations and more outdoor amenities are driving new home design, resulting in a rise in the average size of a new home to 2,524 square feet, and the percentage of new homes with 4+ bedrooms and 3+ full bathrooms to 46% and 34%, respectively.
These interests vary across generations and are primarily driven by millennials and Gen Xers — 36% and 34%, respectively, of whom noted their housing preferences have changed because of the pandemic. In addition to a desire for more space and more bedrooms, millennials and Gen Xers are also looking for homes with modern or contemporary exteriors that are designed for multiple generations. Other changes include an interest in exercise rooms and home offices in their homes, as well as designated bike lanes in their communities.
"With this data, you immediately see that younger buyers have been impacted by the pandemic more than older generations," said Rose Quint, NAHB assistant vice president of survey research during a press conference at the 2022 International Builders' Show in Orlando.
Only 18% of baby boomers, on the other hand, noted a change in their preferences. Baby boomers are interested in smaller homes on smaller lots, preferably in the suburbs. They also have an eye toward energy efficiency; top features unique to this generation include energy-efficient lighting, and ENERGY STAR appliances and whole home certification.
Quint attributed the greater interest in energy-efficient features to prior homeownership.
"Boomers have likely owned a home before, and understand the costs of heating and cooling a home," she noted.
Certain home features do resonate with all generations, however. The top five are:
- Laundry rooms
- Exterior lighting
- Ceiling fans
- Patios
- Walk-in pantries