Gone are the days of endlessly scrolling through home listings on Zillow, filtering solely by location and budget. The real-estate hub has continued to build on its search features, making it possible to look up places by commute time and nearby schools and even specific qualities like solar panels and induction cooktops. Some of its users have even searched for things as odd as “roller coaster” and “laser tag.” No judgment. Despite these extremely unique inquiries, many home shoppers had overlapping priorities in 2024. Here are four of the most-searched home attributes from the year.
Ranch-Style Homes
Home shoppers in 2024 were smitten with the idea of not having to trek up and down stairs. When it came to architectural styles, ranch homes led the way for their charm and single-story convenience, followed by modern and mid-century modern designs. The findings had us looking back on designer Amber Sokolowski’s sweet SoCal home, which she added serious curb appeal to by painting the facade in Dunn-Edwards’s Black Tie.
Lakeside Retreats and Cabins
The pandemic sparked a buzz around scenic escapes, and it hasn’t died down yet. Searches for lakeside retreats and cabins remained strong this year. Destination-wise, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Lake Tahoe, Nevada; and Long Island, New York, topped the list, alongside lakeside favorites like Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota; Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri; and Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Inquiries for “barndominiums” (barn-shaped houses with large open-floor plans) and horse properties weren’t far behind.
Flexible Living Spaces
Zillow’s data team clocked a growing interest in flexible living spaces, particularly duplexes and lofts, the latter of which could be achieved in any high-ceiling space with a ladder and a little creativity.
Garages and Patios
A swimming pool is nice and all, but what people care most about is where they’re storing the things they want to keep dry: the garage. Patios were another high-demand search, and we know that even a basic concrete one can double as an oasis with the right outdoor rug and furniture.
