Priorities that are Driving Today’s Homebuyer
For decades, the formula for selling homes was straightforward with safety, square footage and access to top-rated schools at the top of the list. These priorities formed the foundation of American homebuying until now. Today’s homebuyers, regardless of age and stage of life, are reshaping the definition of what makes a desirable home and community with wellbeing at the forefront.
Once seen as more of a luxury, wellbeing is now arguably one of the most important drivers behind housing decisions, with the America at Home Study reporting that wellness is in fact the number one purchase motivator for homebuyers today.
Homebuyers are seeking a lifestyle that supports all dimensions of wellbeing, from the physical, to the mental and emotional, as well as environmental. There are several aspects of wellbeing that have become more than a ‘want’ when searching for a home to buy, they have become expectations, and include:
Access to Open Space and the Outdoors
The pandemic did not create the need for green space, but it certainly magnified it. Proximity to parks, trails and even thoughtfully landscaped community spaces is a critical decision factor for many. Buyers want to step outside their front door and be able to engage with nature, whether for morning walks, evening runs or moments of quiet reflection. For example, The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo boasts 21,000 acres of protected open space. According to a recent bi-annual resident survey from The Ranch, 64% of respondents said access to nature and open space was very important to them.
Community Connection
A sometimes overlooked but important aspect of wellbeing is social connectedness at home. Today’s homebuyers are craving genuine connection and a sense of belonging. Community events, festive traditions, interactive classes, resident-led clubs and a myriad of other experiences help residents bond over shared interests, discover common ground and build lasting friendships. For example, The Ranch’s community farms provide an opportunity for residents of all ages and stages of life to reconnect with the land while creating connection with each other and the environment. Resident-led clubs, programs and activities through RanchLife, The Ranch’s dedicated lifestyle experience, also contributes to a unique social environment, which promotes unity and personal growth and development.
Intergenerational Living
Intergenerational living has become an increasingly important expectation for today’s homebuyers, as families and individuals seek deeper connections, shared purpose and a stronger sense of togetherness across generations. Communities like The Ranch are responding to this need by interspersing Gavilán 55+ active-adult neighborhoods amongst the other all-age neighborhoods. Grown children and aging parents can live just down the road from one another. And thoughtful intergenerational amenities such as Boulder Pond and Playground allow grandparents to stroll while grandchildren play, and neighbors of all ages can connect.
Abundance of Amenities
From pools and parks to fitness centers and clubhouses, amenities are essential features that support wellbeing, enhance lifestyles and encourage people to gather and get to know their neighbors, make friends and create community. Homebuyers are focused on obtaining the utmost quality of life in their daily environments, making access to thoughtful amenities essential for those looking to set down roots. The same resident survey from The Ranch noted 75% of respondents said amenities were very important to them, and one of the community attributes they value most.
In today’s housing market, it’s clear that the demand for wellbeing-centered features is not a passing trend, it’s a defining shift. Buyers of all ages, from millennials and first-time homeowners to active adults 55+, are seeking more than just a place to live. They want communities that support a healthier way of living and a more balanced lifestyle. Whether it’s access to open space, thoughtfully designed amenities or the ability to live with or close to other family members, these features are viewed as essential.
Developers and master-planners who recognize and respond to this growing shift towards wellness are setting themselves apart from competition. More importantly, they are helping to build stronger and more connected communities. Wellness matters. It’s not just about square footage or curb appeal anymore, it’s about creating environments where people can thrive across all stages of wellness.
Stephanie Walker is the Vice President of Marketing for Rancho Mission Viejo. She may be reached at www.ranchomissionviejo.com.
Photo credit: Rancho Mission Viejo
This article appears in our September issue of Builder and Developer.
