Residential

Farmhouse Sinks, Clawfoot Tubs, Coffered Ceilings Boost Entry Level Sale Prices

Zillow unit mines its data to find which features motivate millennials most.

2 MIN READ
Elkay launched the Stainless Steel Farmhouse sink with Interchangeable Apron Front to give homeowners the ability to change the design of their kitchen in minutes without having to replace the entire sink.

Homebuyers – especially first-time buyers shopping for entry-level homes – can expect to pay a significant premium for houses with listings that tout popular farmhouse or craftsman-inspired features, according to a new report from RealEstate.com, a Zillow Group® brand tailored to helping first-time buyers find and budget for their first home.

RealEstate.com® analyzed listing descriptions from millions of entry-level homes – defined as those priced within the bottom third of the market – to see how certain home features, amenities and design styles affected sale price.

Starter homes mentioning “coffered ceilings,” “claw foot tubs” or “farmhouse sinks” in their listing descriptions saw some of the highest sale premiums of the keywords analyzed – selling for as much as 29% above expected values. Homes described as “craftsman” performed better than any other design style analyzed.

Energy efficient features also command high premiums among entry-level homes. Homes mentioning “solar panels” sell for as much as 40% more than expected, but mentions for higher-tier homes only saw a 13% boost.

Millennials are playing an increasingly larger role in the housing market. They make up 42% of all home buyers today and 71% of first-time buyers, and their preferences – from location to home features – may have an increasingly notable impact on the market.

“In today’s competitive housing market, understanding what homes may command a premium or attract multiple offers can be hugely beneficial to buyers,” says Jeremy Wacksman, Zillow Group chief marketing officer. “However, it’s important to keep in mind which features or amenities matter most to you in a home. While a farmhouse sink or butcher block counters may appeal to many millennials and first-time buyers, not everyone may want to pay the premium those features may command.”

Home Feature
Sales Premium Among
Entry-Level Homes

Sales Premium Among
Top-Tier Homes

Solar panels
40%
13%
Craftsman
34%
20%
Coffered Ceiling
29%
20%
Clawfoot Tub
29%
10%
Mid-century
28%
12%
In-law
28%
6%
landscape/path/outdoor/deck lighting
26%
15%
Exposed beam or ceiling
26%
15%
Farmhouse sink
26%
16%
Wainscot
26%
13%
Fire pit
25%
12%
Central Vacuum
25%
10%
Pergola
25%
4%
Mudroom
24%
13%
Tankless Water Heater
24%
7%
Playroom
23%
5%
Heated floor; radiant heat
23%
25%
Exposed brick
23%
5%
Quartz
23%
11%
Home Theater
23%
21%
Barn Door
23%
6%
Shaker Cabinet
23%
7%
Gas Furnace
23%
-5%
Outdoor Kitchen
23%
28%
Hardwood
22%
2%
Jacuzzi Tub
21%
2%
Outdoor Fireplace or Pit
21%
24%
Picket Fence
21%
N/A
Butcher Block
20%
6%

Upcoming Events

  • Q3 Master Plan Community Update

    Webinar

    Register Now
All Events