A new PulteGroup survey shows move-up buyers are redefining what it means to upgrade. Move-up buyers are prioritizing functionality, design, and lifestyle over square footage.
“For years, moving up was often associated primarily with buying more square footage. What we’re seeing today is that buyers are becoming more intentional about how they evaluate value in a home. They’re placing greater value on homes that support the way they live, whether that’s putting more emphasis on a well-designed kitchen, an increased desire for flexible spaces that meet the needs of evolving families or outdoor areas that extend everyday living,” says Angela Nuessle, national vice president of interior design at PulteGroup.
Polling 1,325 U.S. homeowners who recently purchased their next home, the survey found that 51% bought a home the same size or smaller than their previous one. Regardless of purchasing a larger, similarly sized, or smaller home, 78% of homeowners said their new home met or exceeded expectations.
The survey also found:
- Life changes (25%) like growing families or aging parents lead decisions to move while timing (24%) and need for more space (22%) followed.
- Before buying, 56% considered moving for less than a year.
Top priorities include:
- Kitchen ranks No. 1 post-move (51%) followed by living/family room (38%), garage (26%), and flex space (24%).
- Must-haves when shopping were location (55%) and modern/upgraded kitchen (37%).
- After the move, 47% say overall comfort and enjoyment improved and 26% say their ability to host/entertain improved.
