We Asked 50 Florida Buyers What They Really Want in a Home — Here’s What They Said

🤔 Selling Your Florida Home? Here's What Buyers Are Actually Looking For

If you're preparing to sell your home in Florida, you've probably wondered what features truly matter to buyers. Granite countertops? A pool? A brand-new roof? We went straight to the source. Our team at Team Renick – Mangrove Realty Associates Inc., led by Michael Renick, surveyed 50 active homebuyers across Florida. Here's what they told us.

Some of the answers may surprise you.

🏠 Top 7 Features Florida Buyers Care About in 2025

1. Outdoor Living Spaces (72% Mentioned This)

Why It Matters: Florida's climate makes year-round outdoor living a reality. Buyers want functional patios, lanais, screened porches, and fenced yards.

Pro Tip: Freshen up your outdoor area with clean furniture, string lights, and a pop of greenery. Even small improvements make a huge impression.

2. Updated Kitchens (68%)

The Heart of the Home: Buyers consistently rank kitchens as the most important room in the house.

What They Want:

  • Neutral colors
  • Stainless steel appliances
  • Quartz or granite countertops
  • Open layout to living space

Don't want to do a full renovation? New cabinet hardware and light fixtures can give your kitchen a fast facelift.

3. New or Newer Roof (60%)

Why It Matters: Florida's intense sun and seasonal storms mean buyers are very roof-conscious.

Common Concerns:

  • Wind mitigation
  • Insurance hurdles
  • Longevity of the roof

If your roof is nearing 15 years, consider a pre-inspection or replacement estimate to stay ahead of buyer concerns.

4. Smart Home Features (55%)

Modern Must-Haves:

  • Smart thermostats
  • Video doorbells
  • Security systems
  • App-controlled lighting and irrigation

Buyers — especially Millennials and Gen Z — view smart tech as essential, not optional.

5. Energy Efficiency (51%)

What Buyers Ask About:

  • Electric bills
  • Solar panels
  • Double-pane windows
  • Efficient HVAC systems

With rising utility costs, energy-saving upgrades are more attractive than ever.

6. Home Office Space (46%)

Post-2020 Trend That’s Here to Stay: Buyers aren't just looking for bedrooms — they want a dedicated workspace.

Easy Upgrade: Convert a guest room, dining room, or loft into a staged office space with a desk, lamp, and shelving.

7. Low-Maintenance Landscaping (42%)

Florida Buyers Prefer:

  • Native, drought-resistant plants
  • Clean, mulched beds
  • Minimal upkeep

Too much yard work is a turn-off. Keep it clean and manageable.

🔎 What Surprised Us Most

  • Very few buyers prioritized a pool (only 18% said it was "important")
  • Open floor plans still beat out formal dining rooms
  • Sellers with flexible showing times got more interest (even if homes weren’t fully updated)

🌟 How to Use This Info to Sell Faster and Smarter

Every Florida home is different, but these survey results give us a roadmap. If you're selling in 2025, focus on:

  • Highlighting your strongest features in the listing description and photos
  • Making small, smart upgrades in high-priority areas
  • Staging your home with buyers’ actual preferences in mind

And remember: You don’t have to guess. Michael Renick and Team Renick – Mangrove Realty Associates Inc. can help you prioritize, prep, price, and present your home for maximum impact.

📅 Thinking of Selling Soon?

Let us show you what buyers really want — and how your home can shine.

📞 Contact us today for your personalized Florida Home Seller Strategy
📍 Or request your Free Florida Home Value Report online