Zillow Says These Top Features Will Sell a Home for More Than Expected

Zillow just released a new report that reveals the top features that will sell a home for more than expected—and the biggest takeaway is that the farmhouse aesthetic is fading into the distance, while “organic modernism” is in high demand among prospective buyers. This style is defined by sophisticated finishes like soapstone countertops, white oak floors, and Venetian plaster walls. In fact, according to Zillow’s research, homes with this design style can sell for $12,500 more. 

“The contemporary look of homes today is characterized by natural stone, wood flooring and cabinetry, and textured walls,” says Zillow’s home trends expert Amanda Pendleton. “Buyers are seeking out and competing for homes with these raw but refined finishes, and that’s pushing up sale prices.” 

According to the real estate platform, this analysis was conducted by looking for the presence of more than 350 listing keywords across more than 2 million homes listed for sale in 2024. Then, sale price premiums were calculated by comparing the home’s final sale price with its pre-listing “Zestimate,” controlling for factors such as the home’s age, size, and when it was listed.

Read on to learn more about Zillow’s new report.

Selling Trends

The report offers fascinating insights about trending design styles, materials, and more.

Soapstone Counters Are the Material of Choice

Quartz has been the reigning countertop material for years, but it looks like there’s a new stone in town. According to Zillow, soapstone outperforms quartz as the countertop material of choice, contributing to a sale premium of 3.5% versus 2.6% for quartz. 

Why is soapstone suddenly appealing to buyers? The dark, charcoal-colored natural stone is nonporous and therefore incredibly stain- and heat-resistant, and it doesn’t require sealing like granite and quartz do. It’s prized for how well it patinas over time, like marble. 

Wet Rooms Are in Demand

Wet rooms, which are fully waterproofed spaces for showering and bathing, have been on the rise in the luxury real estate market—but they’re finally becoming more accessible (and desirable) for the average homebuyer. Having a wet room can help a home sell for an additional 3.3%, compared to 0.6% more for a “spa-inspired” bathroom. 

Wet rooms are great for anyone with kids or those who struggle with mobility since there are no physical barriers, nothing to step over, no doors to open or close, or things to move out of the way.

Optimized Outdoor Spaces Are Now the Norm

Since the pandemic, our yards have become extensions of our indoor living spaces, and Zillow confirms that homes with functional outdoor spaces are continuing to sell for more. Listings that mention an outdoor shower sell for 2.8% more than similar homes, while outdoor kitchens and bluestone patios can both help boost resale value by 2.2%. 

Top Features That Sell a Home for More Than Expected

Drumroll, please! According to Zillow, these are the top 10 features that sell a home for more than anticipated.