A beautifully renovated or new-build home is the dream for many. But while a home’s interior matters, neighborhood surroundings are often just as much a factor for those house shopping. In a 2026 survey conducted by Williams Homes—which collected data from over 1,000 Americans contemplating new builds—over half said they’d settle for fewer popular home features in exchange for certain neighborhood perks.
Neighborhood Perks That Sway Homebuyers
The majority (59%) of those surveyed said that the home’s specific features and designs were most important to them when buying a home, while 36% shared both the home and its amenities mattered equally. Even so, 3 in 5 (60%) say they’d settle for fewer home features in exchange for the right community amenities.
The two most enticing neighborhood perks likely to sway a buyer’s decision were walking and biking trails along with parks and green spaces. Also desirable were fitness centers, community pools, dog parks, and playgrounds.
Looking at how specific generations felt, 70% of Gen Z buyers were most willing to make these tradeoffs, while 59% of Millennials, 55% of Gen X, and 56% of Boomers said they’d make this swap.
The Most Popular Home Feature Among Home Buyers
The Williams Homes survey also asked which features home buyers wouldn’t compromise on, which could sway them, and the deal breakers that’d send them right on to the next listing.
Regarding priorities, a spacious kitchen with an island was at the top of the list for home buying “must haves,” with 60% of those surveyed citing it as their number one draw. Also on the priority list: a beautiful outdoor living space, large windows and natural light, energy efficient features, a primary bedroom suite, and ample storage.
That said, nothing captures buyer priorities quite like the kitchen. Interestingly, over 34% said they'd opt for a large or open kitchen above any other feature, and nearly half (48%) said that the kitchen is the space they’d be most willing to pay extra to upgrade in a new-build.
This was nearly triple the next closest answers, which included outdoor space (13%), the living room (11%), and the primary bedroom (10%).
Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle journalist who routinely contributes to Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Women’s Health, and House Beautiful, among others. She covers home and garden, wellness, and travel, focusing on thoughtful storytelling and detailed reporting. When not writing, you can catch her perusing thrift stores, singing, hitting the gym, and petting any cat or dog that'll allow it.
