August 26th, 2020

Among all the shifts that have happened this year, the fact that businesses rely on a remotely-located workforce has become an accepted fact; as a result, homeowners are now spending the majority of their time in their houses and condos. This has proven especially true in the luxury real estate market, where buyers are often remote-working professionals with the means to afford a property that supports this new lifestyle.

But what exactly does this lifestyle look like, and what are the demands and expectations of today’s higher-end buyers?

1. Space is trending upwards: Before the pandemic, the trend was more manageable spaces- both interior and exterior. Now those buyers are looking for more square footage, more acreage, and outdoor amenities like tennis and grilling stations. The additional square footage doesn’t have to be part of the property — what matters is having a sense of privacy and space.
   
   
2. The swelling popularity of outdoor cooking and garden gatherings has been especially noticeable in an era of social distancing. More buyers want big backyards and gated driveways. They are doing more dinners and lunches in their large yards. With the more at-home entertaining, they want a nicely appointed outdoor setup with a summer kitchen and covered pergolas.
   
   
3. Amenities for all age groups are a focus, with a greater emphasis on multi-generational entertainment — playgrounds and gyms and large TV rooms or home theaters where everyone can enjoy a movie together. In the new “at-home era”, buyers are looking to practice all their hobbies in one place.
   
   
4.  Private studies, home offices and libraries have suddenly moved to the top of the list for many professional buyers who continue to be productive and collaborative at work.
   
   

Overriding the requirements listed above is a demand for quality. Time to precious to these buyers and the focus on Moving In and Living Fully NOW prevails.