Thinking Differently About the Forever Home

Americans have entered a true 'forever home' era: buying later in life, planning to buy once, and refusing to move until the numbers make sense. Nearly three in four Americans (74%) say owning a home remains a major life aspiration. That shift is reshaping what people actually want in a home, especially when they consider the priorities in their 'forever home.'



Flexible, Functional Layouts
Open floor plans remain essential, but today's buyers want spaces that feel intentional, not cavernous, balancing open sightlines with subtle separation between living, dining, and kitchen areas. Buyers are looking for functional lifestyle zones, with flex rooms being used for home offices, gyms, guest rooms, or hobby spaces. Buyers want spaces that adapt to them, not the other way around.



Indoor-Outdoor Living
The thoughtful use of outdoor spaces and their connection to indoor spaces remains a top priority. Rather than large open yards, buyers are searching for properties with:

• Outdoor cooking and eating areas
• California rooms, and roof decks that can host gatherings
• Sunrooms
• Screened-in patios
• Indoor gardens

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
Energy-efficient homes are no longer a bonus, they're a priority. Buyers want lower utility bills, better insulation, high-performance windows, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. Sustainable materials like bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood, recycled glass tiles, and high-performance finishes are increasingly expected as standard.



Smart Home Technology
Smart homes are no longer futuristic, they're foundational and buyers want to know their homes will stand up to evolving technology. Hidden charging stations, smart lighting, connected furniture, and built-in tech upgrades that work with the growing connected system are desired, especially if it's easily hidden in the home. In the kitchen, tech-forward appliances and integrated lighting systems are highly sought-after by buyers across the country.

Aging in Place
As homeowners look to stay in their homes longer than they did in the past, considerations for flexibility and aging-in-place are taking center stage. While buyers typically plan on staying for 15 years or more, life brings unexpected changes. Studies show that 89% of older Americans want to live in their homes independently and as long as possible. Features like wider doorways, step-free entries, and accessible bathrooms are becoming more commonplace in new construction.



ADUs & Multi-Generational Flexibility
ADUs (accessory dwelling units) remain extremely popular, both for family flexibility and rental potential. Renovations that pay off in multiple ways (like spaces that support day-to-day living and generate income) are shaping priorities, and with many Gen X and Millennials with aging parents, space to share with family is becoming a top priority when it comes to a forever home.

The modern forever home buyer is informed and intentional. From flexible floor plans and smart home integration to energy efficiency, aging-in-place design, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, today's priorities reflect a clear shift: buyers want homes built for the long haul. Whether it's a spa-inspired primary suite, a multifunctional flex room, or an ADU for future family needs, the defining theme is adaptability - a home that evolves with life's changing demands.