Your Home Alone

Happy New Year, and welcome to the first Padkos of 2025! As we step into this fresh chapter, I can't help but reflect on the evolving design trends and the exciting challenges ahead in shaping the homes of tomorrow. I'm already seeing a few design trends shaping up for this year.

Because the development cycle takes so long from vision to completion, the architecture and design decisions in my meetings this year will only come to market in 2027. It's easy to know what we will see this year because the designs from two years ago will be coming to market now. Work-from-home areas are now a staple of every new home, reflecting the growing shift towards hybrid work models. Most projects will also infuse health and wellness spaces into their buildings, driven by an increased focus on mental and physical well-being. The demand for home gyms, meditation rooms, and air purification systems has soared as people prioritize environments supporting healthier lifestyles. Those projects that don't offer these amenities will lag or sell below market.

So, the projects for 2025 are fully baked. The bigger question is—what will we see in 2027?

With fewer people getting married and having children and empty nesters staying put, the housing market is undergoing significant shifts. Add to this climbing interest rates and housing shortages, and you have to ask yourself: "Who will the buyer be?"

I expect to see many more single people buying homes, meaning many smaller homes will need to be built. The decisions made when purchasing a home for oneself are very different than when you have to consider a partner, spouse, or child. Imagine not having to consider anyone else's needs when buying a home. Would it be a sleek, minimalist space with high-tech gadgets or a cozy haven with warm colors and ample storage for hobbies? It may include a sprawling home gym and a soundproofed studio (my personal preference).?

After selling thousands of homes, I can attest that men and women value different things about a home. I've seen many tugs-of-war between husbands and wives about which home is right, and there's usually a compromise between both sides. A single woman in her 40s will probably not fall in love with the same apartment that a young man in his 20s would. Their needs and tastes are very different.

These are tricky, but important decisions developers will have to make. To build something special, you have to be bold. Otherwise, you have to hope for a strong market to bail you out of your safe choice to be "all things for everyone."

While designing a home specifically tailored to one sex is prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), which protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, understanding the diverse needs and preferences of buyers remains essential. Developers should focus on creating flexible, inclusive designs that appeal to various lifestyles and tastes.

So, how can a developer deliver homes to all genders that make the most sense? Here are a few of the questions they should ask themselves:

Should the space be open for multitasking, or should there be a separate dedicated space for a screening room or gym?

How much closet space should there be?

How big should the pantry be?

Should all the tech be automated?

What should the security system be?

What color should the tile in the bathroom be?

What amenities should the building have?

Whether we care to admit it or not, these decisions make a difference depending on who you are. How much would a buyer pay for their dream home if they are spending most of that time home alone?

Let's do this!

Shaun