Many people looking to buy a new home may well be taking a peek at the available inventory in a variety of neighborhoods. With the market on the upturn, many homeowners will also be looking to sell. And, with rent exceeding 30 percent of renters’ incomes in over 80 percent of the U.S. housing market, many families and individuals will opt to buy this year since this decision can, oftentimes, be more affordable. (In Boston, there is a handy rule to help you know how much you can afford in rent. Read about it here.)
Experts say for 2016, homebuyers have several unique features they’ll be looking for in a new home.
Modern Meets Traditional
Though many a homeowner yearns for a sleek, modern feel in a brand new home, some designers think this is the year contemporary will coalesce with classic. In 2016, homebuyers will seek features of comfort and tradition over showy pieces.
Additionally, experts say 2016 will highlight minimalism, with home spaces consisting of only the adornments that have meaning or truly speak to buyers, rather than a hodgepodge of stuff that has no meaning.
Clean, Green and Smart
As you may expect, eco-friendly features continue to top the list of homebuyer desires. With couples increasingly concerned about a healthier living space, over 50 percent of builders say they are working on green projects. From smart appliances to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, this trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.
GE, for example, is expected to unveil a circadian LED light bulb that actually changes the light color emitted to match the body’s own circadian rhythm and sleep cycle. How’s that for smart?
Homebuyers will also be looking for clean finishes. Large tile and luxury vinyl flooring top the trend list for their simple, clean appeal. Plus, they are easier to clean and less likely to acquire mold and mildew. Similarly, homebuyers will opt for matte-finished appliances, which mask smudges better than stainless steel. And finally, quartz stone countertops will be all the rage due to their antibacterial properties and ability to withstand wear.
Pastel Palette
With the Pantone colors of the year being rose quartz (a shade of pastel pink) and serenity (a light shade of blue), homes adorning pastel shades will make a statement in 2016. From wall colors and cupboards to countertops, shades of lilac, light teal and blue will be all the rage. But if you don’t have the patience to paint or repaint rooms, you can achieve the trend by incorporating pastel accessories in a neutral-colored room (think curtains, pillows and vases).
Outdoor Living
Homebuyers this year will also be looking for options to expand their living space outdoors. More than ever before, families are intrigued and delighted by the idea of an outdoor kitchen — and designers are heeding this desire.
This home trend offers both function and style to any home, transforming a backyard into a surprising dining and kitchen space with outdoor islands for cooking and relaxing. Companies like System Pavers specialize in beautiful, custom outdoor islands that add an element of distinction to any home. Perfect for parties, gatherings or even quiet dinners under the moonlight, outdoor kitchen areas carve out a special place for family and friends to enjoy.
Bringing the Outdoors Indoors
On the other hand, another 2016 design trend will be bringing the outdoors in — at least when it comes to fabrics. Outdoor fabrics are tough to decipher from indoor fabrics, and offer increased durability for areas that get a lot of use, like dining room and living room furniture.
