From Outdoor Kitchens to ‘Casitas’: 3 Unique Home Amenities Luxury Buyers Want
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Brendan McGinley
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Luxury homebuyers aren’t just looking for square footage and curb appeal anymore — they want features that elevate their lifestyle. From spaces designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living to private guest retreats, today’s most coveted amenities reflect a shift toward flexibility, entertainment and comfort.
According to a recent survey of luxury real estate agents by REMAX, pools still top the list of most-wanted amenities, but three standout upgrades are redefining what it means to live in style.
Outdoor Kitchens: A Must-Have for Entertaining
High-end homebuyers desire features that allow for indoor-outdoor living and entertaining, with 74% citing outdoor kitchens as a top entertainment feature. Maria Holland, a Realtor with REMAX Homes and Estates in Nashville, Tennessee, believes that the COVID pandemic is what first led to the rise in popularity of indoor-outdoor spaces, when people wanted areas to safely spend time together outside.
“I am seeing an increase in demand for these as more people have continued to entertain outdoors,” she said. “Additionally, as Generation Xers and baby boomers continue to age, I am finding that the new grandparent stage of life offers an opportunity to bring this generation outdoors more, too.”
As families expand, they typically want more space to gather outdoors, Holland said, adding that the demand is now so high that not having an outdoor entertaining space can actually reduce the value of a home.
Glass Walls and Retractable Doors: Blending Indoors and Outdoors
Not only do luxury buyers want outdoor entertaining spaces, but they want easy access to them, too. Among the agents polled, 43% said that glass walls and retractable doors are key design elements to truly blend indoor and outdoor living.
“[Luxury buyers want] that feeling of bringing the outdoors in,” Holland said. “Retractable doors allow for larger crowds, fresh air and just capturing the beauty of the backyard and surroundings. It provides an incredible feel when inside the home.”
While adding retractable doors is an expensive upgrade, they are very desirable and can add value to a home.
“Value is relative to the market, but I do believe the retractable doors are an attraction that keeps a buyer thinking and talking about that home,” Holland said. “Once you see it, it is a feature that is hard to get out of your mind. People really see themselves living in that space.”
Accessory Dwelling Units: Flexible Spaces for Family or Income
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), aka “casitas,” are now the second most in-demand entertainment feature for luxury buyers, the REMAX survey found. These structures allow for additional living space outside of the main home.
“The [top ways] I am seeing them used for are guests, family that visit and adult children or aging parents that move in,” Holland said. “Both instances give space and privacy for both parties.”
These units can also be used for rental income or even as music studios.
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