Searching for the ideal home: 5 trends for 2023

Everyone has their own unique vision of an ideal home, but what are the features that tend to be most popular among those looking for a new home?

Despite the ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the desire to find a new home remains widespread in 2023. However, search criteria have evolved in response to new housing needs that have emerged following the pandemic.

Our residential real estate consulting serviceallows us to observe and analyze common trends and desires, which means we can outline the profile of the ideal home in 2023: spacious and bright, not necessarily in the city center but still close to shops and services, with green spaces nearby and equipped with eco-friendly smart technologies. And, preferably, owned rather than rented.

More space (also outdoors) and light

The pandemic has prompted us to reflect on the value of living space and the importance of having a comfortable and well-organized home that provides sufficient areas for everyday activities. Additionally, with remote work becoming an essential aspect of many companies' organizational culture, it is increasingly common to seek residential properties with an extra room where one can work peacefully.

The demand for homes with private outdoor spaces remains high as people look for ways to enjoy the open air. Whether it's a garden, terrace, or balcony, the availability of outdoor areas is now considered an essential requirement for many. Large windows and French doors play an equally important role, as they maximize natural lighting and warm up the rooms, with numerous advantages from an energy-saving point of view.

The suburbs are not that boring after all

In the past, people prioritized living in the city center or close to work, even if it meant sacrificing space and outdoor areas. However, as we spend more time working and relaxing at home, our priorities have shifted towards comfort and well-being, even if that means favoring less central areas as our place of residence.

That's why attention is gradually shifting towards the suburbs, which are becoming increasingly attractive to those seeking new housing opportunities focused on quality of life, due to the greater availability of services, connections, and green areas.

For instance, those looking to buy a house in Milan frequently consider peripheral areas that are undergoing a genuine renaissance due to redevelopment initiatives focused on creating green and innovative residential neighborhoods.

The environment is no longer (just) a beautiful backdrop

In a real estate market that’s increasingly prioritizing environmental issues, sustainability has become a key factor in choosing a home. This is confirmed by a recent survey conducted by SWG for Confindustria Assoimmobiliare, which shows that over 50% of those looking for a home prefer Class A solutions, excluding properties with lower energy values even if they cost less.

A sustainable home is designed and built with the goal of minimizing environmental impact and maximizing energy efficiency. This can be achieved through the use of natural materials, the installation of renewable energy systems, and the choice of furnishing solutions that guarantee maximum comfort while fully respecting the environment.

Adopting sustainable solutions not only helps reduce the environmental impact of buildings, but it can also result in significant financial benefits. By using low-impact energy technologies, homeowners and tenants can save on utility costs. Moreover, prioritizing sustainability can increase the value of the property, particularly now that the EU is promoting more stringent directives on the energy performance of buildings.

The ideal home is “smart”

The ideal home is smart and technologically advanced, thanks to the presence of Internet of Things (IoT) devices that communicate with each other through the Internet and can be managed remotely through smartphones or voice assistants. From the refrigerator that helps compile the shopping list to the vacuum cleaner capable of mapping rooms, life at home has never been so convenient, safe, and efficient.

In Italy, the Smart Home market is experiencing exponential growth. According to the Internet of Things Observatory of the Milan Politecnico School of Management, in 2022 the sector grew by 18% compared to the previous year, reaching 770 million euros. A growth rate higher than that of other European countries, also thanks to particularly favorable tax incentives.

Preference for home ownership

While housing priorities and needs may evolve over time, one thing remains constant: the preference for home ownership. That’s because residential properties are considered dependable safe-haven assets.

However, investing in residential real estate offers advantages that go beyond purely economic and financial considerations. Owning a home provides a sense of stability and belonging while allowing us the freedom to personalize the surrounding space to our liking and create an environment that fully reflects our identity.