Zillow wrapped: What buyers searched for in 2025 

Not to be left out of the year-end "wrapped" trend, Zillow has mined its data to surface what buyers in every state were searching for in 2025, providing insight into regional preferences and national patterns. 

The key finding? Consumers appear to be less interested in big, fancy houses compared to 2024, and instead are seeking comfortable homes that work harder for them.

The newly released data "tells a story" of what potential buyers might be looking for going into 2026 — a year, according to recent surveys, that could see more activity from buyers who are motivated to close and may be willing to pay a premium for desired amenities. 

ADUs and shared living: Nationwide, potential buyers seem to want multi-use homes that can accommodate life transitions and side hustles. Top searches this year included:

• ADU (Idaho) 

• Guest house (Louisiana) 

• Duplex (Georgia) 

• Casita (Arizona) 

The interest in such properties may be tied to two other recent trends: 

In response to the housing shortage and affordability crisis, more state and local governments are enacting zoning law reforms that enable homeowners to build accessory dwelling units. Buyers facing elevated mortgage rates and high home prices may be looking to offset those costs with the potential income from an ADU, duplex or similar setup.

At the same time, the share of intergenerational households has shot up, suggesting a need for separate spaces to accommodate family members at different life stages.   

Back to nature: Zillow's most-searched listing terms of 2025 varied by state, but they revealed a desire for local charm and natural beauty. Potential buyers, many of whom are looking outside their current city, frequently searched for water or mountain views and opportunities for activities like golf, skiing, ranching and swimming. 

Hyperlocal architecture and design trends: Home style preferences varied considerably by region. Buyers searching in West coast states included terms like "Mid-century" (Oregon), "hangar" (Alaska) and "solar" (California).

Meanwhile, those looking on the East coast searched for "Cape Cod" (Maine), "cottage" (New Hampshire) and "Victorian" (Delaware), while the Midwest's top searches included "cabin" (North Dakota), "farm" (Nebraska) and "pole barn" (Indiana).

Down South, trends like "Adobe" (New Mexico) and "barndominium" (Texas) rose to the top.

Comfort and convenience: Zillow users also showed an interest in simple, cozy features like fireplaces, patios and balconies, as well as practical features like garages and storm shelters. 

Overall, the data suggest that potential buyers want a smart purchase with long-term benefits.