Why Buyers Are Choosing “Less” to Get More Out of Homeownership in 2025

by Alisha Dalton-Allyn

Over the last few years, home prices have continued to climb, and today’s buyers are getting creative. A new national survey, The America at Home Study, found that more home shoppers are open to making trade-offs to finally get the keys to a place they can call home.

What Buyers Are Willing to Compromise On

Compared to just a few years ago, buyers in 2025 are showing a major shift in mindset:

Smaller homes: 40% are willing to buy smaller homes (up from 21% in 2022)
Smaller or no garage: 33% (up from 22%)
Smaller room sizes: 25% (up from 16%)
Rent-to-own options: 50% (up from 33%)
Modular or manufactured homes: 32% (up from 22%)

The reason? Today’s housing inventory often doesn’t align with what modern buyers really want. Many households now consist of just one or two people, and they’re realizing they don’t need as much square footage to live comfortably.

Wellness Over Size

Instead of chasing bigger homes, buyers are prioritizing how their homes make them feel. Wellness-inspired features are now topping wish lists — things that create a healthier, more efficient, and connected lifestyle.

Here’s what buyers say they’re most willing to invest in:

Upgraded, modern kitchens designed for cooking (29%)
Energy-efficient insulation, HVAC, and lighting (25%)
Whole-house water filtration (22%)
Advanced indoor air quality systems (22%)
Solar battery storage or backup generators (18%)

Community and Connection Matter

It’s not just about what’s inside the home — it’s about the lifestyle around it. Buyers want neighborhoods that encourage health, joy, and connection. The top community features include:

Access to nature and outdoor activities (54%)
Walkability to coffee shops and local spots (49%)
Trails for walking or biking (48%)
Small shaded parks for relaxing (45%)
Larger green spaces and fields (44%)

As Belinda Sward, co-founder of the study, puts it: “Today’s consumers are trading space for experience and connection.”

The Bottom Line

More and more buyers are redefining what “home” means. It’s no longer just about square footage — it’s about quality of life. From flexible spaces to wellness upgrades and walkable communities, today’s buyers are finding value in the lifestyle that comes with their home, not just the walls around it.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Crestview area, I’d love to help you navigate these shifting trends and find what home really means to you.