If you think buyers are still chasing the biggest house on the block, think again.
TL;DR
Buyers in 2025 want wellness, flexibility, and connection over square footage. Homes that feel good to live in, not just big, are commanding attention. Sellers who price and present smartly keep both their buyers and their equity.
Home buyers in Niceville, Shalimar, and Fort Walton Beach are rewriting the playbook. The new trend? Trading space for lifestyle.
The America at Home Study shows that 40% of buyers now prefer smaller homes if they deliver better wellness, lower costs, and flexibility. They’d rather have efficient insulation and fresh air systems than another 300 square feet they’ll never use.
That shift is reshaping what sells locally. Think of Bluewater Bay or Poquito Bayou—buyers care more about walkability, trails, and community feel than oversized garages. In Kenwood, homes with modern kitchens and efficient HVAC systems are standing out even if they have less total space.
What buyers want most:
Wellness upgrades (air and water filtration, efficient systems)
Multi-use rooms that adapt to work and relaxation
Access to parks, trails, and local cafés
And here’s the rub: even with these smaller footprints, buyers are still competing for the right homes. That means sellers who focus on condition, presentation, and price, not square footage, win.
At Uber Realty, we match that new buyer mindset with a smarter fee structure: 1% listing for full service. If you end up paying a buyer’s agent, we target a 3% total, not the old 5–6%. Same MLS, same buyers, more money stays with you.
How to Position Your Home for Today’s Buyer
Highlight wellness: showcase filtration, efficiency, or comfort features.
Emphasize lifestyle: mention walkability, outdoor space, or nearby amenities.
Declutter for flexibility: show each room’s potential,office, guest, or gym.
Price for logic and emotion: today’s buyers are rational about costs but emotional about living well.
FAQ
Q: Are buyers still focused on home size in 2025?
A: Not as much. Many are prioritizing wellness, flexibility, and lower upkeep over raw square footage especially in one- and two-person households.
Q: What upgrades have the highest ROI for these buyers?
A: Efficient HVAC systems, modern kitchens, air and water filtration, and outdoor living space consistently draw higher offers.
Q: How does Uber Realty’s 1% listing help sellers adjust to this trend?
A: With buyers focused on quality over size, sellers need flexibility to invest in prep not high commissions. Uber Realty’s 1% listing keeps that equity working for you.
