The pandemic has altered every facet of our lives. Staying home has brought changes in our daily routines and what we need from our living space. In the new normal, our homes have become offices, gyms, classrooms, and recreation centers.
Having to shelter in place has made homebuyers rethink what they want for their home. With real estate rebounding, homebuyers are looking for features that will allow them to adapt to the new normal and make them feel safer and healthier.
Here are some of the top features that will be in demand among buyers post-pandemic:
Home office
Working from home accelerated during the pandemic and by 2025, an estimated 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely, an 87% increase from the pre-pandemic level.
More often than not, those working from home are using their dining tables, beds, or their couches when conducting their business. According to a survey, 53% preferred buying a house with a dedicated home office instead of an additional bedroom.
Those looking for a new home may prefer two separate spaces, one for work and the other for family life. The home office is in demand and buyers are looking into houses that have space that can be converted into an office. Home office space must be fully functional with adequate space, lighting, and good acoustic qualities (quiet). A thoughtfully designed workspace increases productivity and goes some way in maintaining a work-life balance. Besides, Lake Chelan is a good place for work-from-home professionals.
Outdoor living space
With social distancing, we are missing out on the social connections and reshaping our ways to engage safely with friends and neighbors. Homebuyers are taking a new interest in the outdoor areas of their homes.
Whether it’s a balcony, patio, garden or landscaped backyard, homebuyers will look to outdoor spaces for fresh air, somewhere where they can be outside yet still remain safe.
Exterior elements such as outdoor kitchen, fireplace or built-in grill and elements of water and natural light are additional features that have become more desirable.
Home Gym
The pandemic shone a light on health and wellness and homebuyers realized the value of a home gym as an amenity. Roughly 47% of homebuyers cited a home exercise room as either desirable or essential. In fact, nine out of 10 Americans say they will continue exercising at home even after the pandemic.
A home gym can now feature smart exercise equipment like Peloton bikes, a smart treadmill, and a resistance weight machine, replicating the gym experience at home.
Expanded kitchen
According to a survey 47% of people asked said they ate more home-cooked food during the pandemic and purchased more shelf-stable foods. Post COVID-19, one feature that will trend among homebuyers is an expanded kitchen designed with spacious pantries.
Among homebuyers, a walk-in pantry is the most desirable kitchen feature. To avoid crowds and frequent trips to the grocery store, ample storage space will be essential in the kitchen of the future. Walk-in pantries will allow homeowners to store non-perishable items and essentials in bulk.
For more information or if you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake Chelan, work with the top-producing Lake Chelan Realtors. Our team at Coldwell Banker Chelan can provide you with the service you deserve. Call us at (509) 682-7777, or email [email protected]. You can also leave us a message here.
