The pandemic has been going on for a year, now, and nothing is the same as it used to be that includes the real estate market. This year has brought a lot of changes – some of them good, others not so much, and among these radical changes are people’s preferences and priorities when it comes to the features they look for in a home. From space to amenities, how has the pandemic changed what people are looking for in a new home?
Buyers want more privacy
If there’s one thing the pandemic has highlighted, it’s the fact that living in the heart of the city is often too crowded for comfort. If you’re on the outskirts or out in suburbia, you have some room to breathe. But for people living in downtown Las Vegas, there’s less space, they’re in pretty close proximity to the neighbors, and the expectation of privacy stops being a priority.
Well, with so much time spent at home and trying to stay away from other people, it’s become apparent to buyers that privacy and space away from others is actually very important to them. That’s why they’ve made some changes.
The average home buyer in 2021 is looking for a home that’s farther away from the city, that’s more spacious than an apartment, and that has some features that ensure privacy. It can’t share walls with other homes, have windows that look out into the neighbor’s house – and vice-versa! – or have a yard that’s not fenced in and private. People value their privacy and comfort more than ever before.
At-home entertainment is a must
And speaking of staying home, there’s been a lot of time that we’ve all needed to fill, so entertainment has also been a priority over the past year. Some people just bought a bigger TV or a gaming console. Others decided to invest more in their entertainment and convenience.
That’s why buyers are looking for houses that have at-home entertainment built-in and made easy. From smart home hubs like Amazon Echo to elevated sound systems, home cinema set-ups, and high-speed internet to support all those gadgets, the 2021 buyer is not shy about putting themselves and their comfort first.
Especially in a state like Nevada, which relies so much on fun and over-the-top entertainment, finding a home that’s decked out with the latest devices and entertainment should not be difficult.
Remote workers need an office space
Another major development that has come as a result of the pandemic is the seismic shift to remote work. A significant part of the workforce has been working from home for a year, and they’ve realized that in most houses, there simply isn’t enough space to dedicate to working full-time, in addition to regular everyday life.
That’s why so many are looking for larger homes, with at least an additional bedroom that can be turned into a home office. The home office is the single most sought-after feature in homes these days, and is rumored to be the primary function buyers will be looking for in the next few years, as we settle into this long-term change.
Ideally, most want a completely separate space away from the center of the home, with natural light, and enough room for a desk, a comfortable, supportive chair, and storage space. If you’re going to move your work into your home, you have to ensure that you have all the amenities.
Home gyms are on the rise
At-home gyms were already popular among the wealthy, who could afford it and fit this feature into their homes. Why work out with other people, when you can do so in the comfort of your home? The pandemic has given many no choice, so they’ve taken it upon themselves to invest in gym equipment and set up a home gym.
The only problem? Equipment takes up a lot of room, so a dedicated space is ideal. This has normalized home gyms as an aspect of comfort and convenience, and buyers are now looking to integrate this into their homes, long-term.
Whether it’s an extra bedroom to turn into a gym or a bigger garden to accommodate a yoga class out in the fresh air, buyers are prioritizing being able to exercise in their homes.
Bottom line
That the pandemic transformed the Las Vegas real estate industry is not unexpected. The process of buying and selling homes has definitely changed this year, with some new aspects sticking around long-term. In that regard, it shouldn’t be surprising that it’s also changed what people look for in a home.
Spending so much more time at home has forced us to bring home a lot of other aspects of our life, including work, exercise, or entertainment, all of which need their space. Not to mention the need for distance and privacy from neighbors. The 2021 buyer is looking for a bigger, multi-functional, private home – that will suit the new lifestyle we’ve accustomed ourselves to.
Emily Miller, Writer for BroadBandSearch.net
