What Buyers Want in a Home: Top Must-Haves in 2026

In this age of social media, smartphones, and AI algorithms, there is no shortage of information on how you should remodel or upgrade your home to increase its value. But you only have so much time and money, and if you’re looking to sell your home in the future, you need to know what buyers want in a home.

The fact remains that there’s only one opinion that matters: The buyer’s.

What do buyers want in a home?

HomeLight partners with the top-performing real estate agents in the country. We regularly survey our network of 28,000 agents, asking them for expert insights that can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.

The list below will help you gain a better idea of what buyers want in a home.

Affordability

The 2026 housing market is being shaped by a rise in new listings, home sales, and home prices. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) also forecasts mortgage rates to drop to 6%.

A recent HomeLight survey of top real estate agents revealed the increasing emphasis that homebuyers are placing on affordability. For example:

• 58% report buyers want closing cost credit from sellers
• 20% recommend that sellers reduce the price based on home inspection findings
• 7% say buyers are looking for seller-paid interest rate buydowns
• 6% say buyers want post-closing repair credits
• A 5.75% mortgage rate is the tipping point to get would-be buyers off the fence
• 23% recommend bridge loans to help sellers buy before they sell

Game-changing kitchen updates

In HomeLight’s most recent Top Agent Insights survey, 17% of agents say minor kitchen updates give the highest return on investment in terms of helping a home sell at a higher price.

If your kitchen or appliances don’t appeal to a buyer, your chances of selling your home quickly or for top dollar can dramatically decrease.

Top Houston real estate agent Clarence Smith, who sells properties 50% faster than the average agent in his market, says one way to upgrade your kitchen is by installing granite or quartz countertops — if you don’t already have them. “It changes the whole complexion of the kitchen when we go with the granite countertops, and we have the under-mount sink.”

Janet Lorusso, a professional interior designer with over 30 years of experience, agrees. “Quartz is a nice alternative to get the marble look without the maintenance.”

Granite countertops vary between about $40 per square foot for lower-grade granite and $100 per square foot for higher-grade granite, plus installation costs. The national average to purchase and install granite countertops is $3,250, according to HomeAdvisor — a small price to pay compared to a full kitchen remodel, which stacks up to an average of $26,968.

Improved curb appeal

To attract more buyers and higher offers, 7% of agents recommend that sellers improve landscaping and curb appeal.

Smith says covered back patios are particularly popular among buyers these days, “because a lot of people like to sit out there, drink coffee, get a little of the sunset, then if there’s a great backyard they like to watch the kids out there play, and they still have an area that’s covered to keep them out of the sun.”

Backyard decks and highly usable front porch areas have gained popularity in recent years, especially since the pandemic. On average, you can build a deck for around $3,600 to $7,200.

Move-in-ready homes

An overwhelming 76% of agents say the biggest selling point for buyers in today’s market is a home in move-in-ready condition.

Updates that make the home look like a model home can earn you top dollar, shares Delaine Campbell, a top agent in Alexandria, Virginia, with 20 years of experience. “If a seller is not willing to do that, then they can expect lower showings, possibly no offers, and possibly lowering the price. Buyers want move-in ready homes.”

Small but critical repairs return $6,208 at resale, according to HomeLight’s research.

Freshly painted surfaces

In HomeLight’s recent survey, 30% of agents say painting has the highest return on investment when it comes to helping a house sell for a higher price.

Lorusso says painting is an easy and inexpensive upgrade, particularly to the kitchen cabinets. “Paint hides a multitude — from the ubiquitous dated honey oak that builders dumped in every home in the late 20th century, to fussy glazed finishes.” A fresh coat of paint can return an average of $12,130, according to HomeLight’s survey.

When it comes to painting the house, focus on areas that need a touch-up. According to top agents, repainting the entire home, even if the paint is still in relatively good condition, does not give the same return on investment.

from HomeLight Blog https://www.homelight.com/blog/what-buyers-want-in-a-home/