The Importance of Pets to Home Buying Decisions

Nearly 1 in 5 buyers factor their pets into their housing and neighborhood choices.

Pets are increasingly becoming an important part of people’s lives, with data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicating consumers spent more on pet-related expenses in 2021 than clothing or alcoholic beverages. Additionally, almost 50% of 128.5 million occupied housing units have at least one pet, meaning pets also carry a heavy weight for housing-related decisions. In a post for the NAHB, assistant vice president of forecasting and analysis Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington outlines areas that home builders can focus on with homeowner pets in mind.

When it comes to home buying decisions, 19% of all home buyers factored in their pet into their neighborhood choices according to the National Association of Realtor’s 2022 Profile of the Home Buyers and Sellers. Community and neighborhood factors such as pet-friendly communities and neighborhood amenities (like dog parks, proximity to vet services, or pet-friendly businesses) can influence consumer’s buying decisions. NAHB’s What Home Buyers Really Want covers preferences for pet washing stations and the importance of community features such as dog parks for pet owners.

1. Outdoor Spaces:

Fenced Yards: Many pet owners prioritize homes with fenced yards, providing a safe space for their pets to roam freely.
Gardens and Landscaping: Pet-friendly landscaping, such as a well-maintained lawn or a garden, can be an attractive feature.

2. Interior Design:

Pet-Friendly Flooring: Durable and easy-to-clean flooring materials like hardwood, tile, or laminate are often preferred by pet owners.
Built-In Pet Spaces: Features like built-in pet beds, feeding stations, or even designated pet rooms.

3. Accessibility:

Easy Cleaning Features: Homes with features that make cleaning up after pets easier, such as mudrooms, pet washing stations, or homes with minimal carpeting, can be appealing.
Pet-Friendly Entryways: Features like mudrooms or side entrances that make it convenient for pet owners to clean and care for their pets before entering the main living spaces.

The integration of pet-friendly features not only enhances the quality of life for homeowners but also presents new opportunities for builders to meet the diverse needs of today’s home buyers.