Home features are not simply about aesthetics; they also involve the practicality of maintaining these features in relation to average home prices. The housing market’s “must-have” features evolve rapidly, with trends from years past potentially reducing your home’s value when it comes time to sell. Many external and interior features enhance the livability and enjoyment of a house, but may not directly affect real estate value or square footage, which are key factors in determining home prices.
Below are the top features that have experienced a significant decrease in popularity over the past year, based on data from Redfin, along with reasons why they are no longer deemed advantageous for your home’s overall value.
**Front Porch**
– Average home price with this feature: $425,000
– Percentage of homes for sale: 1%
While front porches have traditionally been a sought-after feature for relaxation, they are losing popularity due to the shift towards indoor entertainment and leisure activities. Additionally, traditional porches lack privacy and can be costly to build without adding significant square footage to the home.
**Foyer**
– Average home price with this feature: $549,900
– Percentage of homes for sale: 1%
Although a foyer serves as a practical space for welcoming guests and storing belongings, it may not substantially impact the overall value of the home, particularly in the context of budget starter homes. The lack of privacy from the entrance is also a concern for some buyers.
**Ceramic Floors**
– Average home price with this feature: $479,919
– Percentage of homes for sale: 1.1%
Ceramic floors are losing popularity as newer materials like luxury vinyl and hardwood are preferred for their modern look and ease of maintenance. The perception of ceramic tiles as outdated and less cozy has contributed to their decline in demand.
**Granite Counters**
– Average home price with this feature: $498,000
– Percentage of homes for sale: 1.5%
Once considered a luxurious feature, granite counters have become commonplace in new constructions, diminishing their allure and impact on home prices. The trend has shifted towards waterfall counters, further reducing the appeal of granite.
**Natural Gas Utilities**
– Average home price with this feature: $430,001
– Percentage of homes for sale: 1.5%
Despite being potentially cost-effective, natural gas utilities have become less popular due to concerns about price volatility and indoor air quality. These factors have led to a decline in demand for homes with natural gas connections.
**Master Bathroom**
– Average home price with this feature: $449,900
– Percentage of homes for sale: 1.5%
While master bathrooms were once a trendy addition, their appeal has waned, especially for families with children, as they often require passing through the bedroom to access. This design may not be practical for resale value.
These insights shed light on the shifting
In the realm of home aesthetics, certain features like bathrooms with stylized adornments have waned in popularity due to their lack of practicality, prompting builders to adjust their plans in order to enhance property value.
Carpeting, a once common flooring choice cherished for its warmth and affordability, has dwindled in favor as it is prone to quick soiling and challenging maintenance, especially when compared to the timeless appeal of hardwood floors that are currently en vogue.
In the case of master bedrooms, once considered a staple in older constructions for their grandeur rather than functionality, the trend has shifted towards maximizing space efficiency in modern buildings, causing the allure of expansive master suites to diminish over time.
Newly constructed homes, often valued based on size rather than quality, have seen a decline in popularity as builders strive to cut costs through alternative methods, despite advancements in construction technology. Many homebuyers still hold a preference for traditional houses, perceiving them as more robust and enduring compared to newer constructions.
Basements, a common feature in homes, particularly in regions with harsh winter climates, have been losing favor in other areas where they are typically utilized for storage or extra living space, which is often deemed impractical. As a result, basements are gradually becoming less desirable in the eyes of potential homebuyers.
For more insights on declining home features and their associated costs, check out the original article on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Home Features That Have Decreased the Most in Popularity (And How Much Homes with Them Cost).
