Homebuyer priorities have shifted significantly over the past few years. In 2026, buyers are looking beyond surface-level finishes and focusing on how a home actually supports everyday life. Comfort, flexibility, energy efficiency, and long-term value are no longer “nice-to-haves”, they are expectations.
Across Wilmington, Hampstead, and Southport, Richmond Homes continues to see consistent patterns in what today’s buyers are asking for. Whether purchasing a first home or planning a long-term move, families want spaces that work now and still make sense years down the road.
One of the most important trends shaping new home construction is flexibility. Buyers are prioritizing floor plans that can evolve as their needs change, rather than layouts designed around a single phase of life.
Multi-purpose rooms are especially popular, serving as:
These all depend on the season of life. Open living areas remain desirable, but buyers are also asking for thoughtful separation with spaces that feel connected without being overwhelming.
First-floor primary suites are another feature in high demand, offering convenience, accessibility, and long-term comfort. These design choices give homeowners confidence that their home will continue to support them well into the future.
Richmond Homes’ new home designs reflect this shift, offering adaptable floor plans built around real-life routines rather than rigid layouts.
As utility costs continue to rise, energy efficiency has become a top decision-making factor for buyers in 2026. Today’s homeowners are thinking beyond upfront cost and focusing on how a home performs month after month.
Buyers are consistently requesting features such as:
These features help regulate energy use automatically. These systems not only lower monthly expenses but also improve indoor comfort throughout the year.
According to ENERGY STAR’s guidelines for certified new homes, energy-efficient construction can deliver measurable savings while improving indoor air quality and temperature consistency which are benefits that buyers increasingly expect as standard.
Modern buyers want homes that feel intentional and personal, not cookie-cutter. While efficiency and structure matter, design choices are still deeply important in helping homeowners feel connected to their space.
In 2026, popular interior selections include:
Buyers appreciate the ability to customize finishes so their home reflects their style without sacrificing cohesion or resale appeal.
Richmond Homes supports this demand through thoughtful design options and guidance, helping homeowners make selections that feel both personal and timeless. Our design-focused blog content offers inspiration for building a home that balances function with individuality.
In Southeastern North Carolina, outdoor living isn’t seasonal—it’s a year-round lifestyle. Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that extend living space outdoors in meaningful ways.
Homes designed with outdoor living in mind not only enhance daily life but also add long-term value. Research from Zillow shows that buyers increasingly prioritize functional outdoor spaces, particularly in climates that support year-round use.
Richmond Homes carefully considers lot orientation and community design to support outdoor living, which you can see across the areas where we build.
Today’s buyers are more practical than ever. Instead of flashy upgrades that require frequent upkeep, many are opting for durable materials that perform well over time—especially in coastal environments.
Popular choices include:
Buyers want homes that look good years from now without constant maintenance.
The National Association of Home Builders’ buyer preference research consistently shows that homeowners are willing to trade excess square footage for higher-quality materials and energy-efficient features that offer long-term reliability.
What truly defines the most desirable homes in 2026 is intention. Buyers want homes that support daily life with spaces that feel comfortable, efficient, and thoughtfully designed rather than overly trendy.
From adaptable layouts and energy-smart systems to durable materials and meaningful outdoor spaces, today’s homebuyers are making decisions with the future in mind. Richmond Homes continues to build with these priorities at the forefront, creating homes that balance craftsmanship, comfort, and long-term value across coastal North Carolina.
If you’re planning a move this year or considering building new, now is the time to think beyond trends and focus on what truly matters.
Ready to build a home designed for the way you live? Contact Richmond Homes to start planning your next chapter with a team that understands what today’s buyers really want.