The latest must-haves for today’s homebuyers – and what’s no longer in vogue
Forget exposed brick walls, feature walls, and log burners. New research from national housebuilder St. Modwen Homes uncovers the top features Welsh residents want in their homes as they look ahead to 2025.
Analysing Google search trends[1] across Wales, the research highlights which home features are soaring in demand and which are falling out of favour. Some of the results might surprise you – spoiler: log burners are officially out.
What’s Hot?
Topping the list is driveways, with a massive 650% spike in search demand. Also high on the list is a home office (+238%), a low maintenance garden (+125%), and a patio area (+100%).
Those in Wales are also on the hunt for homes with a south facing garden (+67%), a balcony (+50%) and even a hot tub (+23%). Loft conversions (+22%), herringbone flooring (+26%), skylights (+22%), and trendy outdoor kitchens (+39%) – fuelled by TikTok’s popularity – are also seeing a surge in interest.
Other rising favourites include living near a farm shop (+83%) and local butchers (+83%) – perfect for wholesome weekends.
And finally, garden rooms (+26%), pergolas (+22%) and quartz worktops (+14%) are also popular features amongst those in Wales.
What’s Not?
On the flip side, some once-loved home features are losing their appeal – and quite drastically. Demand for exposed brick walls has plunged (-100%), along with a drop in popularity for log burners (-17%), feature walls (-46%) and garages (-45%).
Pine kitchen cabinets (-60%), fully tiled bathrooms (-33%), and French doors (-23%) are also falling out of favour, while boot rooms (-18%), wet rooms (-18%), and utility rooms (-34%) are no longer must-haves for today’s buyers.
As those in Wales embrace more contemporary living, searches for ‘modern home’ have increased by 23% year-on-year, highlighting the demand for more new-build homes.
Jo Winston, who looks after the sales at St. Modwen Homes, sheds light on the shift in homebuyer priorities:
“It’s clear from our recent research that residents in Wales have moved away from simply seeking out traditional aesthetics or heritage-inspired features. Instead, they are focusing on practical, future-proofed elements that align with their day-to-day needs and evolving lifestyles. Homebuyers today are looking for spaces that not only look good but also enhance how they live. Features like home offices and low maintenance gardens reflect this shift toward a more functional, forward-thinking approach to home design.
“Overall, we’re witnessing a transition where homeowners want their living environments to be adaptable, multifunctional, and reflective of their values – whether that’s convenience, sustainability, or the desire for a more connected and comfortable lifestyle.”
THE TOP 10 HOME FEATURES RESIDENTS IN WALES ARE LOOKING FOR
1. Driveway +650%
2. Home office +238%
3. Low maintenance garden +125%
4. Patio area +100%
5. Antique brass sockets +91%
6. Local butches +83%
7. Nearby farm shop +83%
8. Mud room +80%
9. South facing garden +67%
10. Balcony +50
THE BOTTOM 10 HOME FEATURES RESIDENTS IN WALES NO LONGER WANT
1. Exposed brick walls -100%
2. Pine kitchen cabinets -60%
3. Integrated appliances -60%
4. Heat pump -58%
5. Carpeted bathroom -50%
6. Feature walls -46%
7. Garage -45%
8. Open plan kitchen diner -43%
9. Air source heat pump -38%
10. Solar water heating -35%
To find your new home in Wales that boasts a lot of the top features, please visit the St. Modwen Homes website.
| [donate]
| Help keep news FREE for our readersSupporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism,then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. |
