Key Findings from the Latest NAHB Study on Home Buyer Preferences
In the 2024 edition of the What Home Buyers Really Want study, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) gathered insights from over 3,000 recent and prospective home buyers about their preferences for windows and exterior doors. Respondents were asked to rate various features on a four-point scale: Do not want, Indifferent, Desirable, and Essential/Must have.
Windows: Energy Efficiency Tops the List
When it comes to windows, ENERGY STAR rated windows emerged as the most desirable feature, with 83% of buyers rating them as either essential or desirable. These windows have consistently been highly sought after since they were first introduced to the survey in 2007. ENERGY STAR windows were also ranked the third most wanted feature out of the 200+ options in the study.
Other highly rated window features include:
- Triple-pane insulating glass: 77% rated this as essential or desirable.
- Low-e insulating glass: 67% found this feature essential or desirable.
Doors: A Growing Preference for Sliding and Main Entry Doors
Regarding exterior doors, all four types featured in the survey were rated essential or desirable by the majority of home buyers (over 50%). The most popular door feature was sliding patio doors, with 64% of respondents selecting this as a must-have. Double main entry doors followed closely at 58%, showing a 10% increase from 2020 in terms of desirability.
Insights by Demographics
The study also provided valuable insights based on various buyer demographics, including income, age, geography, race, household type, and expected home price. For example, the study identifies three window features that particularly appeal to older buyers and notes how preferences for hinged/French patio doors vary by income level and the price of the home.
This demographic data can help homebuilders better tailor their offerings to meet the specific needs and preferences of their target markets.
Conclusion
Fannie Mae’s What Home Buyers Really Want study provides a comprehensive look at the features homebuyers value most, especially in windows and doors. Energy-efficient windows, particularly those with ENERGY STAR ratings, are a top priority, while sliding patio doors and double main entry doors are also gaining popularity. Builders can use this data to inform product offerings and better understand the preferences that influence homebuying decisions.