Top Home Features Buyers Will Pay More For in 2026

The Evolution of Home Amenities

Today, our homes are expected to do more than just provide shelter. They serve as workspaces, gyms, spas, and even mini-golf courses. This shift in expectations has led to a growing demand for luxury amenities that enhance daily life. According to Ashley R. Jenkins, an interior designer, architect, and realtor, the home is becoming more of a haven, influenced by the comforts of luxury hotels, resorts, and cruises. Why should the vacation end when you’re back home?

Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s Home Trends Expert, notes that today’s homebuyers are shopping “for a feeling.” They are willing to pay a bit more for a home that supports their lifestyle. Features that make everyday life more comfortable, beautiful, or convenient feel worth the investment.

Notably, many buyers aren’t interested in renovating or installing these premium features themselves. They prefer homes that already come with their dream amenities. Rebecca Rowland, owner of Seattle-area interior design firm Rebecca Rowland Interiors, highlights this trend.

If you’re looking to sell, adding a few of these “amenities” can be beneficial. As Pendleton says, these features signal to a prospective buyer that your home is up-to-date and likely carries other desirable qualities. Plus, you might enjoy these upgrades for a few years before moving on.

According to recent Zillow data, there are several top features that homebuyers are willing to splurge on in 2026.

Top Home Amenities Buyers Are Willing to Pay For

Quartzite Countertops

When it comes to what homebuyers are looking for right now, it’s all about quartzite countertops. These countertops are created with sandstone that’s rich in quartz. Zillow reports that homes with quartzite countertops sell for 5.2 percent more than similar homes without them.

Pendleton explains that quartzite is associated with higher sale premiums than soapstone, quartz, or marble countertops. “Quartzite has become the quiet luxury star of the kitchen. It gives you that soft, natural stone look people love, similar to marble, but it is a more durable countertop material and better suited for a busy household,” she details. “Buyers want kitchens that look stunning in listing photos, but can also handle real life. Quartzite offers that balance of beauty and practicality, which is a powerful combination.”

Outdoor Showers

Zillow cites that homes with outdoor showers sell for 4.3 percent more than those without them. “Outdoor showers instantly create that breezy, coastal getaway vibe,” Pendleton says. “Even if you are not steps from the ocean, they make a home feel like a vacation retreat.”

Rowland adds that if your home has an outdoor pool, an outdoor shower is a practical way to bathe away the chlorine before going inside.

Steam Showers

Zillow states that homes that feature steam showers can sell for 2.9 percent more. Households with wellness aspirations can step right in and enjoy this amenity instead of undergoing a long, arduous bathroom renovation.

“Buyers are prioritizing self-care at home, and a steam shower turns an everyday routine into a spa-like ritual,” Pendleton says.

Outdoor Fireplaces

Homes with outdoor fireplaces can sell for 2.8 percent more, according to Zillow. “People love their patio and deck spaces to feel like a cozy extension of the home, which is even more doable with an outdoor fireplace,” Rowland says. “They anchor and heat the outdoor living space, making it easy to spend hours out there.”

Golf Simulators

Believe it or not, golf simulators are trending in homes. In fact, as Zillow says, these amenities can boost the property value of a home by 2.7 percent. Jenkins mentions that golf simulators don’t require a huge amount of space and can really help homeowners with their long game.

“Dual driving stations can be fun with friends, coupled with a sitting area and a small bar,” she says.

Pendleton adds that at Zillow, they’re seeing buyers embrace homes that reflect their hobbies. “A golf simulator is a great example of a purpose-built space that feels personal and ready to enjoy, with no extra construction required.”

Ice Machines

Ice machines, which have become especially popular on social media, can help a home sell for 2.3 percent more, according to Zillow. “This trending feature feels very much part of the at-home entertaining era,” Pendleton says. “A built-in ice machine elevates a kitchen or bar area and signals thoughtful design. It is a small luxury that makes hosting feel effortless.”