As the real estate market continues to evolve, understanding what buyers prioritize in their next home is crucial. A recent Bright MLS survey of nearly 700 prospective buyers sheds light on the features that are most important to them—and where they are willing to compromise. Whether you’re looking to sell or buy, this information can help you make smarter decisions in 2025.
Move-In Ready Homes Are the Top Priority
One of the most significant takeaways from the survey is that buyers are looking for homes that are “move-in ready.” More than half of the respondents (56%) said that finding a home that doesn’t require repairs was “very important,” with another 38% calling it “somewhat important.” The desire for a turnkey property is strong, as many buyers want to avoid the hassle of renovations and repairs. However, nearly 55% of buyers indicated they were open to compromising on this feature, particularly if they’re first-time buyers. As Redfin Senior Economist Elijah de la Campa notes, starter homes are no longer what they used to be, and many buyers may have to settle for a smaller or older home.
The Right Number of Bedrooms Comes First
When it comes to the layout of the home, buyers are clear about their needs. The survey revealed that 53% of buyers consider having the right number of bedrooms “very important.” In addition, many buyers are looking for a home with a garage and a primary bedroom that includes an en-suite bath. Interestingly, overall home size came in fourth on the list of priorities, with nearly 75% of buyers willing to purchase a smaller home if necessary.
Kitchens and Home Offices: Not as Important as They Once Were
The kitchen, which has traditionally been a focal point in home listings, doesn’t hold the same importance for today’s buyers. Only 24% of survey respondents said that finding a home with an upgraded kitchen was “very important.” This shift may surprise sellers who are often inclined to highlight kitchen features in their marketing efforts.
Similarly, home offices—once a coveted feature during the pandemic—are now less of a priority for many buyers. While a home office was considered “very important” by just under 19% of respondents, 45.5% stated it wasn’t important at all. The decline in remote work opportunities has made this once-essential space less desirable.
Outdoor space, which was highly sought after during the pandemic, also saw a decrease in demand. While 31% of buyers still consider a large yard to be very important, a well-designed outdoor space only ranked as a top priority for 24%.
Location Still Matters, but Buyers Are Flexible
Location remains a key factor in home-buying decisions, particularly when it comes to commute times. Over half of the respondents (54%) said that how close the home is to their place of work is “very important.” Walkability also ranked highly, with 36% of buyers considering it a top priority, followed by good school quality. While proximity to shopping, dining, and family was also important, these factors were less influential in comparison to commute times and walkability.
Interestingly, buyers are willing to compromise on location. Over 64% of respondents said they would consider purchasing a home outside their preferred neighborhood if it meant meeting their other priorities, such as budget or size.
Budget Remains a Key Consideration
Despite rising mortgage rates, many buyers are still motivated to move forward with a purchase. However, sticking to a budget remains a significant concern. Only 39% of buyers indicated that they would stretch financially to afford a more expensive home, highlighting the importance of offering listings at the right price.
The Bottom Line for Sellers
As the market continues to shift, it’s clear that offering a move-in ready home in a location with a reasonable commute will help attract potential buyers. Sellers should also consider emphasizing the right number of bedrooms, quality bathrooms, and an inviting atmosphere—rather than focusing heavily on things like upgraded kitchens or home offices.
For buyers, 2025 may be the year to get serious about finding a home. Although the market remains somewhat slow, with many homes sitting on the market longer than expected, prospective buyers are still out there, ready to find the right fit. By understanding what today’s buyers want—and what they’re willing to compromise on—you can make a smarter, more informed decision when buying or selling your next home.