Garages, Backyards, And Fireplaces Top Zillow Surfers’ Searches in 2023

In San Antonio, Texas, home shoppers who used Zillow were looking for eat-in kitchens in their dream home. Considering the Alamo City’s obsession with food and restaurants, it’s not surprising. However, according to Zillow’s 250 billion searches on the real estate listing platform, Americans who are interested in buying a home want garages, backyards, and fireplaces the most.

The data comes from Zillow‘s AI-powered language search, which lets home shoppers search for homes in a conversational way, similar to how they talk to family or friends. This search data provides a unique glimpse into what Americans were searching for in a home this year.

Top 10 Zillow Search Terms

From practical needs like a garage to sought-after amenities such as backyard retreats, pools, and fireplaces, these preferences showcase a variety of both modern and classic housing desires.

1. Garage: Practical and convenient storage for vehicles.
2. Backyard: A private outdoor retreat.
3. Fireplace: A feature offering warmth and coziness.
4. Walk-in closet: Space and organization for storage.
5. Patio: An extension of indoor living for outdoor relaxation.
6. Open floor plan: Modern, interconnected living spaces.
7. Pool: A luxury, especially in warmer areas.
8. Family room: Space for shared moments.
9. Basement: Versatile extra space for various uses.
10. Granite counters: Durable elegance in kitchens and bathrooms.

“Natural language search gives us this ability to look at unique and highly local trends across the U.S.,” said Nicholas Stevens, vice president of product, Artificial Intelligence, at Zillow. “This lets us go deeper than the typical search filters, helping us better show shoppers homes with the features they really want.”

Climate Control Rules Home Searches

Climate control systems — centralized AC and heating — emerged among the top three search terms in 22 out of 30 cities. Central heating took the No. 1 spot in Southern cities with typically mild climates such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Nashville, San Antonio, and Tampa.

Buyers’ heightened interest in heating features might be a response to shifting climate patterns, influenced by recent occurrences of extreme cold snaps.

Looking For The Views

Buyers are searching for a home with a view. In Seattle, mountain views, city views, and water views rank among buyers’ top five searches, respectively,

In Miami, buyers are looking for water views, while buyers in Atlanta and San Francisco search most often for city views. In Colorado Springs, mountain views are a top search term.

Interesting Search Patterns

One of the top searches in Atlanta is for a double vanity.  While buyers in Naples are looking for tennis courts, clubhouses, and tile roofs, Miamians and New Yorkers prioritize fitness areas and gyms.

Buyers in Philadelphia are most often searching for street parking and finished basements. Tucson is the only city with an architectural choice among the top five searches across all cities, favoring “contemporary style” homes.