The Raleigh real estate market is hotter than ever. The average home value in the region has increased by over 28% in 2022. At Compass, Shonda Draughn and the team see increased demand for homes in every sector, but luxury real estate has been the most sought-after. Here are a few trends we’ve seen in this market segment for 2022.
Multi-generational homes
Many people who buy Raleigh luxury real estate are looking for properties that have living spaces for multi-generational families.
We’re seeing families that include parents, children, and grandparents more frequently and often looking for semi-independent living options. Self-contained in-law suites are a significant factor for many families. They’re popular with families with permanent multi-generational living arrangements and flexible living situations with grandparents visiting for part of the year.
We’re seeing families that include parents, children, and grandparents more frequently and often looking for semi-independent living options. Self-contained in-law suites are a significant factor for many families. They’re popular with families with permanent multi-generational living arrangements and flexible living situations with grandparents visiting for part of the year.
Main floor primary bedrooms
More and more people looking for Raleigh luxury real estate are looking for homes that they can grow old in, and often, that includes considering mobility later in life. In fact, it’s becoming more common for many luxury homes to have two primary suites, creating a polished guest area for now and an accessible suite for later.
Big kitchens
The galley kitchen is a thing of the past. These days, the preferred kitchen style in Raleigh real estate is large, bright, airy, and well-equipped. Eat-in areas, breakfast bars, and ample counter space are a must, and little extras like built-in coffee bars and pot fillers are touches that really get properties noticed. When it comes to the design, the most popular style is contemporary with just a hint of rustic charm.
Homes made for entertaining
The pandemic changed many things, but one of the most significant changes to the real estate market is that families are now actively seeking homes built with entertaining in mind.
We all spent more time than usual at home during the pandemic, whether by choice or otherwise, so we all discovered the shortcomings of our homes. The most in-demand Raleigh luxury real estate features open concept living spaces and backyards with decks, hot tubs and pools, finished basement rec rooms, and movie theaters.
Families want flexibility and spaces to pursue their leisure activities at home, and the properties that deliver these spaces and experiences are in huge demand. Many adults are also looking for wet bars and wine cellars to entertain at home and provide a sophisticated experience for their guests.
We all spent more time than usual at home during the pandemic, whether by choice or otherwise, so we all discovered the shortcomings of our homes. The most in-demand Raleigh luxury real estate features open concept living spaces and backyards with decks, hot tubs and pools, finished basement rec rooms, and movie theaters.
Families want flexibility and spaces to pursue their leisure activities at home, and the properties that deliver these spaces and experiences are in huge demand. Many adults are also looking for wet bars and wine cellars to entertain at home and provide a sophisticated experience for their guests.
Home offices
Home offices used to be an added bonus feature, but again, things have changed. With more people working from home, many families shopping for Raleigh luxury real estate need a home office. Some, with multiple people working from home actually need two!
Low maintenance living
Another ongoing trend in Raleigh homes for sale is that buyers want them to be as low maintenance as possible.
Vinyl windows and fencing, composite decking, and quartz countertops require little to no maintenance, and those are additions potential buyers look for when touring luxury homes. Buyers in Raleigh are already busy with work, school, and the demands of modern life — they don’t want to spend their downtime staining fences or pressure washing decks.
Vinyl windows and fencing, composite decking, and quartz countertops require little to no maintenance, and those are additions potential buyers look for when touring luxury homes. Buyers in Raleigh are already busy with work, school, and the demands of modern life — they don’t want to spend their downtime staining fences or pressure washing decks.
Home automation
Home automation is another huge trend in Raleigh luxury real estate. Whether it’s remote-controlled blinds, automated entry gates, or a garage door operator, the more you can automate in your home, the better.
Many homes now have integrated systems, so homeowners can use a single app to control multiple devices or processes. These systems also work from anywhere in the world, so you can open your blinds when you’re thousands of miles away.
Many homes now have integrated systems, so homeowners can use a single app to control multiple devices or processes. These systems also work from anywhere in the world, so you can open your blinds when you’re thousands of miles away.
Open concept living
Open concept living is not a new trend in luxury homes, but it’s more in demand than ever. Today, it’s not enough to simply have an open plan living space. Many home buyers also want the full indoor-outdoor living experience, and features like curtain walls that open up living spaces are a huge attraction for potential buyers.
Nanny quarters
While most children have now gone back to in-person schooling, many parents have learned how difficult it can be to home school children of all ages. There is a definite increase in the demand for space for live-in nannies and au pairs.
Many families have changed the way they approach childcare, and for those that have chosen to hire outside assistance, a comfortable space for them to live is high on the list of must-haves for luxury properties.
Many families have changed the way they approach childcare, and for those that have chosen to hire outside assistance, a comfortable space for them to live is high on the list of must-haves for luxury properties.
Professionally designed spaces
Luxury homes these days are so much more than just large, opulent spaces. They’re a symbol of who you are — reflecting your style and personality. There’s such a high demand for professionally designed spaces in Raleigh real estate.
More and more people are looking for designer features like accent walls, spa-style bathrooms, and luxury walk-in closets. It’s not enough to have space these days — you need to have an area customized for you.
More and more people are looking for designer features like accent walls, spa-style bathrooms, and luxury walk-in closets. It’s not enough to have space these days — you need to have an area customized for you.
Pet-friendly homes
Another big factor for many people shopping for Raleigh luxury real estate is that it must be pet-friendly. This means everything from easy access and backyards to floors that aren’t easily damaged.
Fenced backyards are a significant feature for families with pets, and they’re in high demand. People with pets want ample space for their furry friends to roam outside safely, including their property's back, front, and side yards. Fences are essential to many luxury homes in Raleigh.
Adequate storage
Storage is a massive factor in all Raleigh real estate, whether luxury homes or condos. Buyers in this area want to have as much storage as possible. That means large garages with extra room to store seasonal recreation equipment, basements with dedicated storage areas, or garden sheds where you can keep seldom-used items out of sight.
Inside the ideal Raleigh home, you will find many built-in cabinets in every room, and storage will be purpose-designed for the space it serves.
Inside the ideal Raleigh home, you will find many built-in cabinets in every room, and storage will be purpose-designed for the space it serves.
Natural and natural-look materials
The demand for natural or natural-look materials is high in Raleigh real estate. Everything from stacked stone and slate to barn board is huge in luxury interior design. Wooden beams, whether faux or genuine, stone or quartz countertops, and hardwood floors are all in high demand in homes in the area. A faux version is the next best option wherever natural materials can’t be used for practical purposes.
Designer mudrooms
The weather in Raleigh can be unpredictable, and you never know when you’ll be tracking something into your home. This is why designer mudrooms are in high demand in Raleigh real estate! They’re more than just a place to hang your coat. They’re carefully designed to give everyone the perfect place to stash all their gear when they get home, and the best ones have enough room for guests.
The best agent to find your Raleigh real estate
Whatever is on your wish list — and no matter what your must-haves are — there’s a home out there that will check all the boxes, and with guidance from the right Realtor, you can find it. Be sure to choose a Realtor who knows the communities and neighborhoods of Raleigh like the back of their hand, and you can be sure you’ll find your forever home right here in Raleigh. Contact Shonda Draughn for your real estate needs — a local expert, Shonda will help you find your dream home in North Carolina!
