Check out the Outdoor Features That are Adding Value to Properties Across America

Rising property prices as well as the limited supply of new housing units have led to significant changes in the real estate market. In such a scenario, the value of a house is driven up based on a multitude of factors, which range from location and size to its unique features and amenities. Things such as square footage and neighborhood area can impact the demand for property. With an eye on young first-time homebuyers, many sellers are adding outdoor features based on prevalent and emerging trends. As per new research conducted by Zillow, having an outdoor television facility can bump up your home sale price by 3.1% or $10,749 based on the average home. These TV sets are designed to sustain weather conditions and are waterproof but can cost homeowners a substantially high price.

Apart from the TV, an outdoor shower can also propel the sale price by 2.6%, while a bluestone patio can hike rates by 2.3%, and a pizza oven can make a property more appetizing, making buyers pay a price that is 1.9% higher. Zillow arrived at these numbers after an analysis of the sale of homes having these features. Amanda Pendleton Zillow home trends expert said, "This year was really all about the backyard features. It embodies this new lifestyle people want post-pandemic, where their social life is centered around their home, and specifically their yards".

Going further, the research revealed that it's not just features but also the quality of material used in the finishing process. Many of them preferred soapstone, matte black, and quartz, as well as beverage centers. Some of the other features attracting higher home sales include frameless showers, terrazzo floors, picket fences, modern farmhouse styles, artificial turf, fenced yards, Energy Star appliances, and saltwater pools. Pendleton examining the situation said, "We are seeing more competition for homes that have these trendier features". 

In addition to the research conducted by Zillow, a study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) also came to the conclusion that outdoor amenities are highly desired by homebuyers. 3,000 U.S. homebuyers prioritized having more functional space with separate laundry rooms, walk-in pantries, and spacious kitchen areas. Rose Quint, the Assistant Vice President of survey research at the NAHB revealed, "Today buyers are focusing on personalized features they prefer. In 2023, 14% of home sales were for new homes, up from 7% a decade ago". 

Moreover, now homebuyers before making the decision focus on accentuating tech-savvy features including security cameras, video doorbells, programmable thermostats, and advanced HVAC systems. Zillow research highlighted the usage of rounded corners and plant ledges that topped the home feature list and has contributed to sales that were 6.2 days and 5.6 days faster, respectively. People are now more inclined towards using safety and energy efficiency features that not just fasten the sale deals but also attract more number of buyers.

At a time when a large number of people are struggling to find affordable properties across American cities, the only thing that would make buyers pay a premium is a lifestyle upgrade in addition to comfortable accommodation.