‍From the surge in sustainable living to the evolving needs of an aging populace, the shift in real estate is no less than remarkable. Let’s explore what’s in store for us in the fascinating world of real estate in 2024.

Unpacking the Key Takeaways

1. Guiding clients to pursue happiness over popularity in real estate choices, acknowledging the fleeting nature of trends.
2. The availability of diverse living options for the older generation, including specialized care facilities and homes with safety features.
3. The rise of eco-friendly landscapes in private and communal spaces that promote biodiversity and conservation.

Understanding the evolution in design and real estate is not about being fashionable, but about embracing innovative materials and systems that promote a sustainable lifestyle. The following trends are expected to significantly impact homeownership in single or multifamily housing in 2024.

Homeowners Opting to Stay Put

Despite the high interest rates and steady home prices, many homeowners are choosing to improve their existing homes rather than relocate. The wish list of these homeowners, according to Laurel Vernazza of The Plan Collection, includes:

• Environment-friendly elements
• Changes in zoning laws to allow accessory dwelling units
• Pickleball courts
• Basement remodels featuring saunas
• Entertainment spaces like media rooms and game rooms
• Home offices as remote work continues to be popular
• Expanding outdoor spaces, including rooftop gardens
• AI technologies to increase home functionality and energy efficiency

What’s the trend? Homeowners are seeking to decrease maintenance and energy consumption. The desire for local, sustainable materials is strong, especially among millennials and Generation Z. These materials offer improved waterproofing, and garages are being equipped with battery back-up systems for power outages.

Catering to the Needs of an Aging Population

Architectural firms, like The Architectural Team (TAT), are designing specialized facilities for the elderly, such as The Cordwainer. This facility will offer an array of amenities, including private and shared rooms, a two-story atrium, a performance center, a game room, and a memory care garden.


What’s the trend? The aging population, especially the 76.4 million boomers, is garnering attention for their unique housing needs, particularly for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

The Emergence of Smaller Single-Family Homes and Townhomes

The demand for variety in homebuilding is reflected in the shrinking size of homes, with single-family houses averaging 2,261 square feet. The ranch house style is gaining popularity due to its flexibility in indoor and outdoor spaces. Attached townhomes and stacked flats are also becoming popular due to the need for smaller square footage in dense sites.

What’s the trend? High mortgage rates and lifestyle changes favoring fewer bedrooms are the primary reasons for smaller single-family homes. As for townhomes and stacked flats, the current market finances make for-sale properties more attractive to developers than rentals. Land shortages also make attached and stacked units practical choices.

Apartments are Getting Bigger

While single-family homes are downsizing, apartments are expanding from an average of 870 square feet pre-pandemic to closer to 1,000 square feet.

What’s the trend? Many renters are seeking more space for remote work and are willing to pay for additional bedrooms.

The Rise of Sustainable Energy Use in Homes

Sustainability continues to be a focal point in homebuilding. The Department of Energy’s federally backed incentives for Zero Energy Ready Homes have spurred builders to focus on energy efficiency and reduce construction waste.

What’s the trend? Sustainable homes are resistant to extreme weather, fire, termite damage, wood rot, and mold. Energy-efficient homes can help residents save up to 35% on their electric bills and reduce waste by 40% as the frames are built in factories. These homes also lower carbon emissions by 50% against the industry average.

The Demand for Luxury Spec Building is Rising

The demand for luxury spec houses and townhomes, particularly in South Florida, is on the rise. Favored features include modern designs with flat roofs, wood detailing, pools, and open plans with upscale kitchens.

What’s the trend? Spec building has seen an uptick due to increased migration. Buyers are showing a preference for minimalist design and low-maintenance living with features like artificial turf, porcelain floors, smart features, and pools close to the house to maximize the indoor/outdoor connection.

Multifamily Amenities in Small Buildings are Becoming Popular

Amenity-rich small buildings are becoming increasingly popular. Joshua Zinder’s four-story, six-unit, mixed-income building, Nelson Glass House, is an example of how smaller buildings are integrating popular amenities such as terraces, shared parking, bike storage, “Zoom rooms,” and ground-level coffee shops.

What’s the trend? Amenities allow smaller buildings to compete with larger ones and attract and retain residents.

The Kitchen Continues to be the Heart of the Home

The kitchen remains a critical space in homes, with old trends persisting and new ones emerging. Designer Mick De Giulio of de Giulio Kitchen Design mentions the popularity of induction cooktops, organized walk-in pantries, big windows or warm-colored LEDs, artisan and handcrafted features, and material mixes including German silver and stainless steel with special finishes.

What’s the trend? The kitchen is one of the most used and visible rooms in a home. A well-designed kitchen can last 30 years, although appliances may need to be replaced over time.

Prioritizing Natural, Native Landscaping

Conservation communities or “agrihoods” like Pendergrast Farm in Atlanta are emerging. These communities preserve a significant portion of their land for woods and working farms.

What’s the trend? Homeowners are becoming conscious of their environmental impact and the need to protect wildlife. Native plants, birdhouses, water features, and grasses can make a significant difference.

The Shift to Darker Exterior Neutrals

Neutral colors are becoming more popular for home exteriors. Darker hues like midnight blue, charcoal gray, and true black are being used for a dramatic effect.

What’s the trend? Dark exterior accents provide a bold street presence. Durability is essential as darker colors may fade, so it’s best to apply paint with a subtle sheen to protect surfaces.

The real estate trends of 2024 are a reflection of the evolving needs and preferences of homeowners. As these trends continue to evolve, companies like Arvy Real Estate are poised to guide clients through the changing landscape of the real estate market.