When searching for a home, you first and foremost want to find the property that suits your own needs. However, resale value is also an important consideration for many buyers. Real estate is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so it can be wise to look for a home that will hold its value.
Some home features have always been and will always be popular with buyers. Other features rise and fall in popularity as society and culture changes. Predicting the future resale value of a home can be difficult, but there are several key features that will most likely be desirable for future home buyers. If you’re looking for a future-proof house, here are some qualities to keep an eye out for:
Flexible Floor Plan
A flexible floor plan is one of the best features that will stand the test of time. For the main living area, many homeowners prefer an open concept that melds together the kitchen, dining room, and living room. However, for the rest of the home, adaptability is key.
Look for homes with rooms that can lend themselves to multiple purposes. For instance, a small bonus room could serve as an office, a playroom, or even a home gym. Sliding doors that convert an open concept into a more private layout are highly desirable, too. The more adaptable the floor plan is, the wider the pool of prospective buyers will be.
Energy Efficiency
Eco-friendliness becomes more relevant every year, and energy-efficient features will soon become the baseline for home design. Not only do efficient homes reduce your utility costs today, but they’ll also hold their value in the future.
Solar Panels
Solar panels can greatly reduce your electricity costs, so they’ll pay for themselves over time. In some states, solar panels are even required on new builds. Solar panels need little maintenance and can last from 25 to 30 years, making them a valuable long-term investment.
Insulation
Proper insulation keeps your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. With energy costs rising across the country, a well insulated house is a great investment.
If you want to evaluate your current house’s insulation, consider getting a professional home energy audit. If you’re in the market for a new home, you can get the insulation assessed by a home inspector.
Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can be responsible for a lot of lost energy. ENERGY STAR or other energy-efficient windows and doors are an excellent investment. They can reduce your heating and cooling costs and increase your home’s value.
Appliances
Any new appliance can help to preserve or increase your property value, but energy-efficient appliances are especially beneficial for future-proofing your house. Efficient appliances reduce utility costs and usually have a longer lifespan than traditional models.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology is the future. Every year, more and more homeowners adopt smart home systems, and properties that are equipped for smart home devices will be very appealing to buyers in the coming years.
Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is one of the most popular smart home upgrades today. It allows you to remotely program and control your home’s heating and cooling systems. You can fine-tune the temperatures from room to room and set a schedule for temperatures to adjust based on the time of day.
Smart Security
Smart home security systems allow you to remotely monitor your house through a network of cameras, alarms, motion sensors, and other devices connected to the internet. This industry is rapidly growing, with millions of households using at least one smart security device every year.
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting is a luxury that will likely become commonplace in homes in the coming decades. With a smart lighting system, you can remotely adjust the brightness of your lights, set a lighting schedule, or set voice commands for your lights.
Replacing traditional light bulbs with smart bulbs is the easiest way to incorporate smart lighting. However, homes with a comprehensive smart wiring system may hold even more value. Smart wiring needs to be installed by a professional, but it allows all of your home’s wires to support smart devices.
Laundry Room
A dedicated laundry room is one of the most desirable features for home buyers. Homeowners want a laundry room with plenty of storage so that they can hide away their dirty clothes and have enough space to fold and organize their clean clothes.
If you’re in the market for a new home, look for properties that either already have a laundry room or have a space that could be converted into a laundry room. Most homeowners prefer a laundry room on the first floor, but a laundry room in the basement may allow for more storage space.
Outdoor Features
Outdoor spaces are popular today and will continue to be popular with buyers in the future. When searching for a future-proof home, look for properties that have functional outdoor living areas or have spaces where a porch, deck, or patio could be installed.
Think about other features that support outdoor living, too. For instance, trees that provide shade in the yard can be very valuable. Outdoor lighting is another great feature for future-proofing a home.
Aging in Place Opportunities
Whether you plan to sell your house before you reach your senior years or stay in the home for the rest of your life, a property that allows for aging in place is a good investment. The population in the United States is aging, so accessible homes are becoming highly sought-after.
Single-Floor Living
Single-story houses are popular among older home buyers who struggle to go up and down stairs. If you prefer a multi-story home, consider looking at properties that have at least one bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. This way, the house is still accessible for older buyers.
Walk-In Shower
Walk-in showers are much safer than bathtubs for seniors. If you plan to age in place, a house with a walk-in shower can support your own safety and independence. If you plan to sell the home one day, a walk-in shower will be a marketable feature.
Wide Doorways
Wide doorways and hallways are easier to navigate for individuals who use walkers or wheelchairs. Homes with this feature generally have good resale value, so keep this in mind when you’re in the real estate market.
Future-proof homes have features that will stand the test of time. As our society’s priorities shift toward technology, sustainability, and versatility, houses that embrace these features are likely to hold their value for decades. If resale value is an important consideration in your home search, look for properties that have these qualities or can be renovated to include them.
