With the pandemic in mind, 2021 has brought about new desires for new homebuyers all over the nation. While architectural styles and design trends are still important, it should be no surprise that buyers are seeking healthier homes. All throughout the Triangle, we’re seeing a shift as builders are placing an emphasis on health and wellness by incorporating both into their core design systems. Experts predict that this isn’t a temporary thing either due to COVID-19 – we can expect to see healthier homes that are here to stay.
Taylor Morrison, one of the nation’s largest home builders, recently decided to make whole-home air filtration and water filtration, standard in all its homes and began a LiveWell initiative in response to research and ongoing news coverage featuring the global pandemic and the importance of air circulation. According to surveys, 40% of millennials and 35% of Gen X buyers are interested in healthier homes.
In 2020, people spent much more time in their homes, with research showing that as many as 23 million people – approximately one-tenth of working-age adults in the U.S.- are planning to move. To take it a step further, roughly 30% were interested in moving in order to have a dedicated home office. If this doesn’t showcase pretty significant change in home requirements, we don’t know what does.
While energy efficiency used to be the main priority, builders are finding that this comes naturally when taking the approach to instead ensure a healthier home. Since roughly 90% of time is spent indoors, it’s important to focus on air quality and making buyers feel like the air they are breathing is fresh. Although natural ventilation is good and well from windows and doors, stricter energy codes call for tighter homes and updated practices. In addition to circulating fresh air, filtering the air to screen out dust and allergens also plays a large role in air quality. As a usual part of the HVAC system, filters can actually be upgraded to remove minute virus particles. Speaking of air, the traditional ceiling fan is in the spotlight right now. According to the 2021 edition of NAHB’s “What Home Buyers Really Want,” 83% of recent and prospective buyers expressed enthusiasm as being one of the most desired features in a home.
Speaking of desirable features, outdoor spaces are right up there with ceiling fans. Eighty-two percent of respondents wanted a patio, 81% wanted a front porch, and 75% were interested in a rear porch or deck according to the NAHB’s survey.
Thankfully, we have plenty of new home communities with amazing outdoor spaces that you can check out. No matter what you desire – from a screened in porch to a healthier home – there are new options all over the Triangle to take advantage of right now.
By Kendra Stowe