The home trends Zillow says will dominate in 2025
Seattle / Washington
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Seattle / Washington 〰️
Image: Unsplash
TL;DR: Zillow analysed millions of real estate listings and found five key trends shaping the homes of tomorrow.
So what? In 2025 a “dream home” needs nostalgic design elements—and cutting edge tech.
Imagine a home where solar-powered batteries hum quietly in the background, Victorian-inspired sculleries keep the kitchen tidy, and cozy nooks invite you to curl up with a good book. This blend of cutting edge sustainability and vintage charm is what buyers will be looking for in 2025, according to American prop-tech giant Zillow’s latest trends report.
By analysing millions of real estate listings, Zillow identified five key trends shaping the homes of tomorrow. Buyers are gravitating toward features that combine modern practicality with emotional comfort, signalling a shift away from sterile minimalism toward spaces that feel personal, functional, and resilient in the face of a changing world.
Homebuyers in 2025 will prioritise eco-friendly tech like solar batteries and EV chargers alongside nostalgic design elements and cozy layouts. The result? Homes that are as sustainable as they are welcoming.
1. Whole-Home Batteries and Eco-Friendly Tech Surge in Popularity
Sustainability is no longer a luxury—it’s a must-have.
Mentions of whole-home batteries soared 62% in Zillow listings, making them the fastest-growing feature of 2025. These systems store solar energy for backup use, helping homeowners reduce utility costs and weather outages.
Listings featuring solar panels increased by 18%, while EV chargers appeared in 34% more homes, reflecting buyers’ demand for all-electric living.
Even kitchens are going green, with mentions of induction cooktops rising 5%.
Energy efficient upgrades are becoming standard, as buyers seek to align their homes with their values amidst rising energy costs and climate risks.
Image: Unsplash
2. Cozy, Purpose-Built Spaces Replace Open Floor Plans
The era of cavernous great rooms is over.
Listings mentioning “cozy” rose 35%, signaling a desire for smaller, defined spaces like dens, dining rooms, and reading nooks.
Bold, colour-saturated interiors are gaining popularity, replacing stark minimalism with warmth and personality.
Compact homes are also practical—lower heating, cooling, and furnishing costs make them more affordable and eco-friendly.
This shift reflects a post-pandemic desire for intimacy and functionality in living spaces where every room has a purpose.
3. Nostalgia and Vintage Design Trends Take Over
Old world charm is making a big comeback.
Mentions of “vintage” increased by 9%, while listings referencing nostalgia rose 14%, showing a growing preference for homes with character and history.
The home library, up 22%, is a standout feature for 2025, catering to book lovers and those looking to carve out calm, tech-free zones.
Even the Victorian-era scullery, a secondary kitchen for meal prep and cleanup, is making a surprising comeback, appearing in 8% more listings.
This trend reflects a desire for personal, story filled spaces in an increasingly digital world.
Image: Unsplash
4. Climate Resilient Features Become Essential
As natural disasters increase, buyers want homes that can weather the storm.
Mentions of flood barriers grew 22%, while seismic retrofitting and water catchment systems rose 20% and 19%, respectively.
Features like drought-resistant turf yards saw a 14% increase, indicating a growing need for water-conscious landscaping.
Zillow reports that 86% of buyers now prioritise climate-resilient features, as homeowners seek protection from rising insurance costs and the impacts of extreme weather.
5. Bathrooms Become Wellness Sanctuaries
Spa inspired features are turning bathrooms into retreats.
Wet rooms, which combine a shower and tub in a seamless waterproof space, appeared in 19% more listings, making them a standout luxury feature for 2025.
Wellness-related upgrades, like heated floors and steam showers, rose by 16%, showing buyers’ focus on comfort and relaxation.
This trend is part of a broader movement toward wellness centred home design, where spaces are tailored to physical and mental well-being.
Image: Unsplash
Connecting the Dots—Why Buyers Want It All
Zillow’s data reveals that buyers are seeking balance in their homes: advanced energy systems for sustainability, climate-resilient features for security, and vintage-inspired designs for comfort. These trends highlight a broader cultural shift—buyers want homes that are practical but also deeply personal, spaces that align with both their values and their lifestyles.
Looking ahead, these trends may push builders and designers to think differently. As demand for eco friendly and character filled homes grows, we could see more innovations in energy storage, modular home layouts, and even pre-fabricated vintage-inspired designs. Meanwhile, homeowners investing in these features today may see stronger returns as buyers increasingly prioritise these amenities.
Zillow’s 2025 report underscores one thing: the future of home design isn’t just smart or sustainable—it’s human.
