More Americans are spending time outdoors. According to COGNITION Smart Data, 90% of homeowners use their outdoor living space at least once per week, with 22% using it daily and another 24% using it 4 to 6 times per week.
This increased utilization is directly shaping homebuyer preferences. COGNITION Smart Data shows that 89% of homebuyers consider outdoor living spaces important for their overall health and well-being. It identifies the top three elements that contribute most to homeowner satisfaction and long-term usability as:
These features closely reflect how homeowners intend to use their outdoor areas. The most common uses include relaxation (44%), gardening (15%), and entertaining friends and family (14%). With a clear alignment between what homeowners want and how they use their outdoor spaces, builders have an opportunity to elevate home value through intentional, user-centric design.
Privacy is also a major consideration, with COGNITION Smart Data showing that 79% of homeowners have a preference for a secluded outdoor living area that offers privacy and zero sight lines. Incorporating elements such as fencing or vegetation barriers can help meet these expectations of privacy while enhancing perceived comfort and value.
By integrating these insights into design and marketing strategies, homebuilders can create outdoor living spaces that enhance the desirability and value of homes while meeting the evolving preferences of today’s homebuyers.
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About COGNITION Smart Data
COGNITION is the only market insights platform specifically engineered for the building industry’s sustainability transformation. We track evolving consumer behaviors, emerging technologies, policy shifts, competitive benchmarks, and market demand signals so you can adjust faster, sell smarter, and grow revenue—confidently.