Why it matters: As remote/hybrid work becomes standard, new buyers seek homes with multifunctional rooms—office setups, gyms, or hybrid living spaces.

Evidence of performance:

• Surveys show ~33% of first-time buyers work remotely or hybrid, influencing their space needs Raleigh Realty.

• Design trends highlight multipurpose rooms and large kitchens with pantries or workspace integration as 2025 must-haves Business InsiderHouse Beautiful.

—–

Designing the Perfect Work-and-Live Home: What First-Time Buyers Are Looking For in 2025
Published by Homestead | homestead.us

---

The Way We Live and Work Has Changed for Good

In 2025, homebuyers are no longer just looking for a place to sleep, cook, and relax. They are searching for a home that can flex with their lifestyle—where one room might double as a home office during the day and a guest space on weekends.

This shift is being driven by the long-term rise of remote and hybrid work. According to a recent report from Raleigh Realty, approximately 33% of first-time buyers now work remotely or in a hybrid model, which directly influences their home search criteria.

Buyers today need more than open-concept layouts. They want homes designed for productivity, wellness, and adaptability.

---

What Flexible Living Really Means

Flexible space is not just an extra bedroom or a finished basement. It refers to intentional design features that make it easier for homeowners to shift between work, life, fitness, and entertainment—all within the same footprint.

Key features high on the wish list for 2025 buyers include:

• Dedicated home office space or Zoom rooms

• Multipurpose guest rooms with built-in storage or Murphy beds

• Flexible bonus rooms for fitness, hobbies, or study

• Large kitchens with space for dining, working, and hosting

• Pantry and storage upgrades that reduce visible clutter

According to Business Insider and House Beautiful, these features are topping design trend forecasts and are being actively integrated into new builds across the country.

---

Open Concept with Smart Separation

While open concept remains popular, buyers are now asking for defined zones within that openness. The ability to host a virtual meeting while someone else is watching TV or cooking nearby is not just a preference—it’s a necessity.

Here’s how modern home designs are balancing openness with function:

These micro-adjustments create environments that feel intentional, rather than improvised.

---

Why This Matters for Resale Too

Homes designed with hybrid flexibility are not just popular now—they are likely to hold long-term value. As more jobs become remote or partially remote, the demand for homes that support this lifestyle will continue to grow.

• Fewer buyers want formal dining rooms.

• More buyers want hybrid-friendly layouts.

• Homes with built-in flexibility tend to sell faster, especially to Millennial and Gen Z audiences.

Investing in flexible features now creates more livable spaces today and greater appeal to future buyers down the line.

---

Key Takeaways

• 33% of first-time buyers work remotely or hybrid, and need homes that reflect that reality.

• Multifunctional rooms, home offices, and storage-focused kitchens are top features in today’s market.

• Smart layout choices can increase both livability and resale value.

• Homes that adapt to real life—not just traditional living—are in highest demand.

---

Final Word

At Homestead, we design homes that reflect how people actually live today. Whether it’s creating space for remote work, maximizing your square footage, or giving you flexibility as your needs evolve, we make sure every home is built with purpose.

If you’re looking for a home that fits both your 9-to-5 and your 5-to-9, visit www.homestead.us and join the waitlist. Your future home should work as hard as you do.

We are a Nebraskan Builder for Nebraskan families!