Home Buyers Are Choosing Wellness and Connection Over Square Footage

Rising home prices are reshaping what today’s buyers want—and what they’re willing to give up to get it. The latest America at Home Study reveals that buyers in 2025 are increasingly open to trading space for features that promote health, flexibility, and a sense of community.

Since the first survey wave in 2020, nearly 16,000 respondents have shared how their housing preferences are evolving. The trend is clear: smaller homes are no longer a compromise—they’re a lifestyle choice.

Smaller Spaces, Smarter Living

Compared to 2022, a growing number of buyers are embracing compact living.

• 40% are willing to buy a smaller home (up from 21%)

• 33% would accept a smaller or no garage (up from 22%)

• 25% would accept smaller room sizes (up from 16%)

• 50% are open to a rent-to-own model (up from 33%)

• 32% would consider modular or manufactured housing (up from 22%)

  
  

With 64% of households now consisting of one or two people, it’s no surprise that many are rethinking what “enough space” really means. Flexibility and wellness now outweigh the desire for extra square footage.

Wellness Over Size

When it comes to home features, buyers are prioritizing those that enhance well-being, energy efficiency, and sustainability.Top upgrades buyers are willing to invest in include:

• A modern, well-equipped kitchen for healthy cooking (29%)

• Energy-efficient systems like HVAC, lighting, and insulation (25%)

• Whole-house water filtration (22%)

• Always-on air quality systems (22%)

• Solar battery or backup power (18%)

  
  

Communities That Foster Joy and Belonging

Today’s buyers aren’t just shopping for homes—they’re searching for communities that nurture connection. The top neighborhood amenities buyers crave include:

• Access to nature and outdoor activities (54%)

• Walkability to coffee shops and casual dining (49%)

• Trails for walking or biking (48%)

• Small parks with seating and shade (45%)

• Large green spaces (44%)

“Consumers are trading home and yard size for parks, trails, and everyday places where they feel known,” says Belinda Sward, co-founder of the America at Home Study. “That everyday connection to nature and neighbors drives belonging, well-being, and a sense of safety—the primary way people define home.”