Lifestyle Trends Shaping Buyer Preferences
- Scott Sweeney
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
The way we live has changed, and so has the way we buy homes. From Sacramento to San Ramon, buyers in Northern California are making choices driven by lifestyle, flexibility, and long-term comfort rather than just price or location.
If you’re thinking about selling or planning your next move, here’s what’s trending in 2026 — and how these lifestyle shifts are shaping the homes everyone wants right now.
💻 1. The Remote Work Revolution Lives On
Even as offices reopen, remote and hybrid work are here to stay. Buyers are prioritizing homes that help them balance productivity and relaxation — no commute required.
Top must-haves:
Dedicated home offices or flex rooms
Built-in shelving and lighting for video calls
Quiet corners or loft spaces for hybrid workers
Real-life example: A Roseville couple recently purchased a 4-bedroom home just to convert one bedroom into dueling home offices. They both work remotely full-time and wanted privacy — and peace!
Quick tip: If you’re selling, stage a workspace (even a small nook). It helps buyers instantly visualize how the home fits their lifestyle.
🌿 2. Health and Wellness Spaces
Buyers are no longer looking for just a house — they want a wellness retreat. Northern Californians love their outdoor lifestyle, and that’s showing up in design and features.
Trending now:
Home gyms and yoga rooms
Spa-style bathrooms
Outdoor living spaces for relaxation or workouts
Natural light and indoor plants for “biophilic” design
Fun fact: Homes that highlight outdoor living or wellness features in their listings sell up to 10% faster, according to Realtor.com.
⚡ 3. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
From solar panels in Rocklin to EV chargers in Davis, eco-friendly living isn’t just trendy — it’s practical.
Popular green features:
Solar energy systems
Smart thermostats
Drought-tolerant landscaping
Energy-efficient windows and appliances
Pro tip: If you’re upgrading before selling, prioritize sustainable updates. Buyers are willing to pay more for homes that reduce long-term costs.
🏙️ 4. Walkability and Community Connection
Northern California buyers want more than just square footage — they want connection.
What’s in demand:
Walkable neighborhoods near coffee shops and farmers markets
Parks, dog-friendly spaces, and local trails
Smaller suburban hubs with that “downtown” feel — think Roseville’s Historic District or Midtown Sacramento
Real-life scenario: Buyers are choosing Elk Grove and Woodland over bigger cities because they offer that small-town community vibe — without giving up access to city amenities.
🧠 5. Smart Tech and Convenience
Convenience rules. From security to entertainment, buyers want homes that simplify daily life.
Top smart features buyers love:
Smart locks and doorbells
Voice-controlled lighting
App-connected thermostats and security
Built-in Wi-Fi systems for fast connectivity
Quick tip: If your home already includes smart tech, highlight it in your listing. It’s one of those “modern comfort” details that gets noticed quickly.
🧭 The Takeaway
Lifestyle drives decisions and today’s buyers are choosing homes that make daily life easier, healthier, and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re selling or buying, keep this in mind: homes that match how people actually live — not just how they look — are the ones that move fastest.
Real estate isn’t just about location anymore. It’s about living well.
Scott Sweeney
Elk Grove Realtor
Serving Sacramento and beyond from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe
707 330 2324
CalBRE 01938720
About Scott Sweeney
SweeneySells
Full Time Realtor 13 Years +
Over 100 Families Served
Top 5% Producing Agent
Buying & Listing Specialist
Contract & Negotiation Ninja
CSUS Business & Marketing Graduate 2006
With quickly serving over a 100 families, Scott Sweeney has become a top 5% producing Realtor in the greater Sacramento area who has helped clients from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing from CSUS. His education, and extensive background in the hospitality, marketing, and real estate industries, have helped Scott to become one of the leading, and most sought after agents in the area.
Reach out to SweeneySells today, and take the first step towards your real estate goals!
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