Austin’s housing market reflects many of the same trends seen nationally, with buyers placing high value on certain amenities and home features. Recent research from REALTOR® organizations and local Austin brokers highlights a shift in buyer preferences toward energy efficiency, smart home technology, enhanced outdoor living, and flexible spaces for work and leisure. Below is an overview of common amenities in listings, emerging trends, and key shifts in what Austin homebuyers are looking for, supported by data and statistics.
Common Amenities in Listings
Core features – Many staple amenities appear in most single-family home listings. National surveys show buyers prioritize quality and functionality over sheer size. In fact, as the average new home size has slightly decreased (2,479 square feet in 2023, the lowest in 13 years), buyers are willing to sacrifice square footage if it means getting the features they want. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 80% or more of home shoppers rate the following amenities as “essential” or “desirable”:
• Laundry room – A dedicated space for a washer and dryer (a top-requested feature).
• Patio or deck – Outdoor area for entertaining and relaxation.
• Energy-efficient windows – Energy Star-rated windows for better insulation.
• Exterior lighting and ceiling fans – Adequate outdoor lighting and ceiling fans, important for comfort, especially in warm climates.
• Storage space – Garage storage and walk-in pantries to accommodate family needs.
• Front porch and landscaping – Welcoming front porches and well-maintained yards for curb appeal.
• Main-floor bathroom – A full bathroom on the main level for convenience.
These basic features are extremely common in Austin listings. Air conditioning, in particular, is virtually a given in Texas and has become the single most important home feature for buyers nationwide—83% of buyers say A/C is “very important,” ranking it above any other home characteristic, even higher than staying within budget. Modern kitchens with islands and updated bathrooms also remain strong selling points, but increasingly, buyers expect homes to come with added touches and technology that enhance comfort and efficiency. This has led sellers and builders to highlight new types of amenities in their listings.
Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Features
Green upgrades are in high demand as Austin buyers grow more eco-conscious and mindful of energy costs. Energy-efficient improvements not only appeal to environmentally minded buyers but also promise lower utility bills, a big plus in the Texas heat. About 33% of recent homebuyers say heating and cooling costs are a “very important” factor in their purchase, the top-rated environmental consideration, and 31% say the same about energy-efficient windows, doors, and siding. In Texas, builders have taken note: Many new developments focus on sustainable construction and energy-efficient homes to cater to eco-conscious buyers. Common green features now touted in listings include high-performance insulation, Low-E windows, and Energy Star-rated appliances, all of which ranked among the top amenities desired by more than 80% of buyers in the NAHB survey.
Austin’s abundant sunshine is also driving interest in solar power. What used to be a niche upgrade is becoming mainstream; local Austin brokers report that solar panels are increasingly expected rather than optional. Homes with solar energy systems not only reduce monthly energy bills but signal a commitment to sustainability that resonates with today’s buyers. While only about 5% of buyers nationally considered solar panels a “very important” home feature as of 2022, this share may grow as solar technology becomes more affordable and Texas homeowners recall power grid challenges from recent years. Overall, investing in green amenities can pay off. One analysis found that energy-saving and smart home improvements can boost a home’s value by 3% to 5% on resale, underscoring how sought-after these features have become.
Smart Home Technology
High-tech amenities have moved from luxury to must-have for a growing segment of homebuyers. Austin’s tech-savvy population and the prevalence of remote work mean smart home technology is often expected in mid- to high-end listings. A recent National Association of REALTORS® study noted that 40% of homebuyers now actively look for smart home features during their search, and this demand is even higher in tech hubs like Austin. Buyers are looking for homes that can keep up with a modern, connected lifestyle. Popular smart amenities include:
• Smart thermostats – Programmable thermostats, often smartphone-controlled, to optimize comfort and energy use during Texas’ sweltering summers.
• Advanced security systems – Wi-Fi-enabled security cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks for peace of mind. Security cameras and video doorbells are among the fastest-growing home features over the past decade.
• Voice-activated controls – Voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home integrated to manage lighting, speakers, and appliances hands-free.
• Whole-home automation – Central hubs that connect lighting, HVAC, and even smart irrigation systems, allowing homeowners to monitor and control their property remotely.
Buyers see these technologies as adding both convenience and resale value. REALTORS® report that many clients aren’t just willing to invest in smart home tech—they expect it. Homes with extensive smart features can command a price premium. For example, smart security and climate control features help a home stand out; one survey of REALTORS® found that more than 40% had clients specifically interested in smart devices such as locks, lights, and thermostats as part of their home search. In Texas, where managing heat and storms is part of life, buyers appreciate tech like multi-zone HVAC systems and energy management systems that keep the home comfortable efficiently.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor amenities have taken on new importance, especially after the pandemic reinforced the value of having private outdoor space. In Austin’s mild winter and hot summer climate, features that enhance outdoor enjoyment are big selling points. Spacious yards, decks and patios, swimming pools, and outdoor kitchens are commonly highlighted in listings to entice buyers seeking an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Zillow research confirms that buyers are willing to pay a premium for well-appointed outdoor spaces—homes advertising features like an outdoor kitchen, built-in grill, or pizza oven fetched about 2% more than otherwise similar homes.
Local market insights show that after 2020, Austin homebuyers increasingly prioritized space and fresh air. Properties with larger yards, pools, or proximity to parks saw heightened demand as remote workers sought more breathing room. Today, it’s common for listings to highlight decks, outdoor kitchens, and even sustainable landscaping with drought-resistant plants, allowing homeowners to maximize outdoor living while minimizing maintenance. In Central Texas, a pool can be a major attraction, especially if paired with energy-efficient pumps or solar heaters to keep operating costs down.
Home Offices and Flexible Spaces
The rise of remote and hybrid work has made home office space one of the most sought-after amenities in recent years. Austin’s large tech and professional workforce amplifies this trend. Many buyers now insist on a dedicated, productive workspace at home. A National Association of Home Builders survey found that nearly one in four buyers called a home office essential. Real estate data showed that homes advertising a defined office sold for about 3.4% more on average—over $12,000 on a median-priced home—and about nine days faster than comparable homes without one.
Austin’s single-family home listings are evolving to meet modern preferences. Buyers want efficiency, connectivity, and lifestyle flexibility, and homes that check these boxes are in the highest demand.