3 min readThese days, we’re asking our homes to do it all. Many of us have turned our spaces into one-stop shops for almost everything we could need out in the world: a workspace, a gym, a spa, even a putting green. It’s all about amenities, and homebuyers are looking for them more and more in homes.
“The home is becoming more of a haven and is influenced by luxury hotel/resort/cruise excursions,” says Ashley R. Jenkins, an interior designer, architect, and realtor. After all, why should the vacation end just because you’re home?
Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s Home Trends Expert, says that these days, homebuyers are shopping “for a feeling” and “people 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,” she adds.
Notably, homebuyers aren’t as interested in renovating or installing these premium features themselves—they want to purchase homes that already come with their dream amenities, as Rebecca Rowland, owner of Seattle-area interior design firm Rebecca Rowland Interiors, notes.
If you’re looking to sell, it can be worthwhile to add a few of these “amenities” to your home, since, as Pendleton says, these features signal to a prospective buyer that your home is up-to-date and likely carries other desirable qualities. Also, keep in mind that you might be able to enjoy these upgrades for a few years.
According to recent Zillow data, there are the top features that homebuyers are willing to splurge on in 2026.
Quartzite Countertops
When it comes to what homebuyers are looking for right now, as Zillow reports, it’s all about quartzite countertops, which are created with sandstone that’s rich in quartz. Zillow says that homes with quartzite countertops sell for 5.2 percent more than similar homes without it.
Pendleton says 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,” Pendleton 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 further says 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 says that homes that feature steam showers can sell for 2.9 percent more. Households that have wellness aspirations can step right in and enjoy this amenity instead of undergoing a long, arduous bathroom renovation to make it possible.
“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, Zillow shares.
“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 says 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 says that at Zillow, they’re seeing buyers embrace homes that reflect their hobbies, and “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, Zillow says.
“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.”
