Ranch-style homes topped the list of the most sought-after properties, while modern and mid-century designs also appeared at the bottom of the list, according to a Zillow survey that has boosted searches with its new artificial intelligence tool.
The most-searched home attributes highlight the preference for variety and character in housing.
Additionally, according to Zillow, “getaways to scenic locations, such as lake retreats and cabins, along with unique options like ‘barndominiums’ (a mix of house and barn) and equestrian properties, were also in demand. Interest in flexible spaces has grown, with duplexes and lofts becoming increasingly popular.”
Meanwhile, traditional features, such as garages and patios, remain in high demand, demonstrating that homeowners combine practicality with personal style.
See the most-searched attributes:
- Ranch (Ranch Style)
- Lake
- Duplex
- Cabin
- Farms
- Acreage
- Garage
- Loft
- Luxury
- Furnished
Zillow states in its announcement that it has enhanced its natural language search function, allowing buyers to search for their next home as naturally as they would talk to family or friends.
“Buyers and renters can use everyday language instead of preset filters to search for commute times, affordability, and schools or points of interest nearby. This new feature highlights Americans’ priorities in home searches this year,” the company assures in its text.
The most-searched terms by state indicate how geography, lifestyle, and climate determine what people want in their homes and how many buyers share similar priorities.
In states like California, Florida, and Texas, “pool” tops the list. Meanwhile, practical features such as “garage” or “ranch” were the most searched terms in colder or more rural states, such as Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
The word “pool” was one of the three most common searches in 38 states this year, while “garage” appeared on the list for 46 states.
However, buyers in some states had distinct preferences. Maine was the only state where “farms” made it into the top three search criteria; the same happened with “backyard” for buyers in Mississippi.
The Most Eccentric Searches
On the other hand, some searches were out of the ordinary. A buyer in Colorado was looking for a “roller coaster,” while another in Michigan wanted a house with “laser tag.” If the buyer searching nationwide for a “party barn” found what they were looking for, their home might be the hottest spot in 2025.
For the more restless, at least one buyer in each of 22 states searched for a “haunted house,” while buyers in Illinois, Ohio, and Oregon opted for something less intense: a “spooky house.”
The desire for theme park attractions and ghostly roommates may be rare, but lifestyle trends appeal to many people and certain parts of the country.
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts may have found paradise in states like Michigan, Hawaii, Idaho, North Carolina, and Alaska. Homebuyers in these states searched for features such as “lake,” “waterfront,” and “cabin.”
Meanwhile, buyers in New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia prioritized listings that included “downtown,” “loft,” and “skyscraper,” showing their desire to live in the city.
Arizona, Tennessee, Florida, and Colorado led the list of searches for “pet-friendly” homes and homes with “barns” to accommodate four-legged family members.
For some, luxury living was a must. In states like California, New Jersey, Texas, and Nevada, homebuyers searched for properties characterized as “luxury” or featuring “mansions” or “views.”
