5 Real Estate Trends That Matter Most in 2025
When it comes to selling a home, every detail in a listing matters. From cozy fireplaces to EV chargers, the words agents use shape buyer perception—and increasingly, buyer action. That’s why Zillow’s November 2024 research report is creating buzz across the real estate industry. By analyzing millions of listings, Zillow has identified five key trends that are shaping how homes are being bought, sold, and valued in 2025. If you’re planning to sell your home, build a new one, or buy your next dream house, these trends could offer a roadmap to what’s resonating most with today’s homebuyers. And in many of these trends, brick construction—time-tested and future-ready—plays a quietly powerful role.
Homebuyers today aren’t just searching for curb appeal—they’re looking for climate-resilient, sustainable, and cost-saving features. According to Zillow, mentions of “whole-home batteries” are up 62%, with solar panels up 18% and EV chargers rising 34% year-over-year. Energy efficiency isn’t just a bonus—it’s becoming a non-negotiable. Brick construction has long been prized for its superior thermal mass properties, helping regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy usage. A brick home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, offering tangible energy savings and smaller utility bills—just the kind of green value today’s buyer is looking for.
Once a euphemism for “small,” the word “cozy” has surged in popularity—appearing 35% more often in listings compared to last year. Today’s buyers are opting for warmth, charm, and purpose over sprawling open-concept layouts. They’re looking for character-filled spaces with personality and intention: dens, dining rooms, nooks, and libraries. Brick is synonymous with cozy. Whether it’s an exposed brick wall, a brick fireplace, or a backyard fire pit, this material adds warmth, texture, and timeless charm. Acme Brick’s Thin Brick product line allows homeowners to bring that look indoors or out—without a major renovation.
The rise of “grandma chic”—floral patterns, antique furnishings, and vintage flair—is more than a trend; it’s a movement. Zillow’s report shows that nostalgia-themed features are appearing in 14% more listings than in 2023. Mentions of “vintage” are up 9%, and even traditional features like home libraries and sculleries are making a comeback. Brick exteriors and interiors complement the vintage aesthetic beautifully. Paired with classic hardwood floors, floral drapes, and chintz patterns, brick becomes part of a storybook setting—bridging old-world charm with modern durability. Think: Victorian-era elegance meets 21st-century living.
As climate change continues to impact communities across the U.S., homebuyers are prioritizing climate-resilient features. Zillow reports major increases in listings that mention flood barriers (+22%), seismic retrofitting (+20%), and drought-tolerant landscaping (+14%). In fact, 86% of recent homebuyers said it’s very important for a home to include at least one climate-resilient feature. Brick homes are naturally more resistant to fire, wind, and water damage than wood or vinyl siding homes. In wildfire-prone states like California or Texas, or hurricane-risk zones like Florida, brick isn’t just a design choice—it’s a safety investment. It may also reduce home insurance premiums, making it a top feature to spotlight in listings.
Homebuyers in 2025 are placing a premium on personal well-being. According to Zillow, wet rooms—open-concept bathroom spaces that combine tub and shower—are up 19% in listings. These spa-like oases reflect a growing interest in comfort, relaxation, and self-care at home. Mentions of wellness features overall are up 16%. Acme Brick, Tile & Stone offers more than just exterior materials. Large-format anti-microbial porcelain tiles—like those from Florim—are perfect for wet rooms and spa bathrooms. They help create serene, elegant environments while resisting moisture and bacteria. The blend of beauty and functionality appeals to health-conscious buyers.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or building a home in 2025, these five trends reveal a shift toward comfort, sustainability, and intentional design. Buyers are seeking homes that reflect their values—energy-efficient, cozy, nostalgic, durable, and wellness-focused. Brick construction is uniquely positioned to meet this moment. It checks boxes across all five trends: energy-efficient and sustainable, cozy and timeless in appearance, compatible with vintage and modern design, climate resilient, and supportive of wellness and functional design. For over 130 years, Acme Brick has offered products that stand the test of time—both structurally and stylistically. And in 2025, they just might be the smartest choice in a shifting real estate landscape. Thinking about your next move? Whether you’re prepping a listing, building your dream home, or just dreaming up the perfect space—start with materials that matter. Brick may be the oldest building block, but it’s never been more relevant.
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