The healthiest room in the house might just be outside.
Whether it’s a patio, backyard, or balcony, having access to an outdoor living space can have a measurable impact on health and well-being. Research shows that spending as little as 20 minutes outside can reduce cortisol levels, helping to lower stress.
It’s also worth clarifying what counts as “nature.” It doesn’t have to mean a hike in the woods. Sitting outside with a cup of coffee, letting your dog run around, or watering a few plants still counts—and people often feel more relaxed and in a better mood afterward.
COGNITION Smart Data shows that homebuyers overwhelmingly recognize this connection. Nearly 89% of builders say that their homebuyers believe outdoor living spaces are important to their overall health and well-being, suggesting that buyers are increasingly evaluating homes through a well-being lens rather than purely aesthetics or square footage.
This emphasis on well-being shows up in the features homeowners are looking for. According to COGNITION Smart Data, buyers want usable spaces such as a deck or patio for gathering and socializing, with outdoor kitchens becoming increasingly desirable.
They also want space to add plants, whether that means a small garden bed or a few potted plants, and above all else, they place a high value on privacy. Most homeowners do not want to feel on display–79% prefer a secluded outdoor living area with hidden sight lines as opposed to an exposed one with open sight lines.
For many homeowners, outdoor spaces are becoming part of their regular routines rather than areas reserved for special occasions. COGNITION Smart Data supports this, showing that 90% of homeowners use their outdoor living space at least once per week, with 22% using it daily and another 24% using it four to six times per week.
As concerns around stress and overall well-being continue to rise, consumers are looking for spaces that help them feel calmer and more grounded. For builders, designing outdoor living spaces with privacy, shade, and comfort in mind can encourage more frequent use and help ensure these spaces deliver the well-being benefits buyers are actively seeking.
Like this COGNITION Hot Take? We have more! Unlock the data driving the industry’s sustainability transformation to build smarter and sell faster. Subscribe to COGNITION Smart Data.
Victoria Muharsky is an ESG specialist at Green Builder Media, where she leads the ESG for Building Working Group. Under her guidance, the group has successfully overseen the release of the groundbreaking ESG Defining Principles. Crafted collaboratively by industry experts, these guidelines are revolutionizing the homebuilding sector's approach to ESG and sustainability.
How Outdoor Spaces Support Health and Well-Being
The healthiest room in the house might just be outside.
Whether it’s a patio, backyard, or balcony, having access to an outdoor living space can have a measurable impact on health and well-being. Research shows that spending as little as 20 minutes outside can reduce cortisol levels, helping to lower stress.
It’s also worth clarifying what counts as “nature.” It doesn’t have to mean a hike in the woods. Sitting outside with a cup of coffee, letting your dog run around, or watering a few plants still counts—and people often feel more relaxed and in a better mood afterward.
This emphasis on well-being shows up in the features homeowners are looking for. According to COGNITION Smart Data, buyers want usable spaces such as a deck or patio for gathering and socializing, with outdoor kitchens becoming increasingly desirable.
They also want space to add plants, whether that means a small garden bed or a few potted plants, and above all else, they place a high value on privacy. Most homeowners do not want to feel on display–79% prefer a secluded outdoor living area with hidden sight lines as opposed to an exposed one with open sight lines.
For many homeowners, outdoor spaces are becoming part of their regular routines rather than areas reserved for special occasions. COGNITION Smart Data supports this, showing that 90% of homeowners use their outdoor living space at least once per week, with 22% using it daily and another 24% using it four to six times per week.
As concerns around stress and overall well-being continue to rise, consumers are looking for spaces that help them feel calmer and more grounded. For builders, designing outdoor living spaces with privacy, shade, and comfort in mind can encourage more frequent use and help ensure these spaces deliver the well-being benefits buyers are actively seeking.
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Like this COGNITION Hot Take? We have more! Unlock the data driving the industry’s sustainability transformation to build smarter and sell faster. Subscribe to COGNITION Smart Data.
By Victoria Muharsky
Victoria Muharsky is an ESG specialist at Green Builder Media, where she leads the ESG for Building Working Group. Under her guidance, the group has successfully overseen the release of the groundbreaking ESG Defining Principles. Crafted collaboratively by industry experts, these guidelines are revolutionizing the homebuilding sector's approach to ESG and sustainability.Also Read