Homeowners and buyers will prioritize nostalgic, old-world design sensibilities juxtaposed with modern sustainability technologies next year, according to Zillow’s 2025 home trend predictions.
“Technology has enabled homeowners to live more sustainably and more affordably, which is a growing priority for prospective buyers,” Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, said in a press release. “Energy-efficient and climate-resilient home features are quickly gaining popularity as homeowners look to keep costs down, including insurance costs. At the same time, a home is not just a checklist of practical features, it’s a feeling. Homeowners and buyers today are looking to the past to create a sense of warmth, character and comfort in even the most high-tech environments.”
Curious how this blend of old and new might look? Here are five of Zillow’s top forecasts, based on the rising popularity of certain keywords mentioned in for-sale listings this year.
Electric features
Zillow predicts that buyers in 2025 will seek out sustainability and environmental friendliness in the homes they purchase. For example, mentions of whole-home batteries — which store excess energy from solar panels, acting as generators during outages — have increased by 62% in Zillow listings this year. Mentions of solar panels, meanwhile, are up 18%.
Furthermore, listings that mention electric vehicle charging stations have increased by 34%.
Cozy vibes
Buyers are likely to ditch open floor plans in favor of smaller, cozier rooms that serve specific purposes — think dens and dedicated dining rooms, and vibrant colors over stark whites and grays. Listings that mention the word “cozy” increased 35% compared to 2023, indicating that the post-pandemic need for more space is waning.
Old-world style
Zillow thinks that design trends will “go full granny” in 2025, with antique furniture, patterned textiles and florals gaining public favor. Why? Listings mentioning nostalgia rose 14% in 2024, while the word “vintage” increased 9%.
Home libraries and book displays are also on the rise, jumping 22% in Zillow mentions, while sculleries (back kitchens that hide meal prep or clean up while entertaining) are up 8%.
Climate resiliency
It’s no shock that, in the wake of multiple hard-hitting climate disasters in 2024, buyers of the future will seek out homes that can offer a level of protection. In fact, Zillow says that 86% of recent buyers prefer homes that have at least one climate-resilient feature.
Such features include flood barriers, which increased in popularity by 22% compared to 2023; seismic retrofitting, up 20%; water catchment systems, up 19%; and drought-resistant turf lawns, up 14%.
Wet rooms
The latest bathroom trend is the wet room, which turns the entire space into a waterproof oasis with no barrier between the shower and the rest of the room. The design trend lends a “spa-like” feel, which aligns with homeowners’ growing need to prioritize wellness.
Mentions of wet rooms rose 19% in 2024, while mentions of general “wellness features” rose 16%.