The value of a home can take on many different meanings. From sentimental attachment to resale potential, buyers evaluate their purchase through multiple lenses, and value is often highly personal. Even so, cost remains a primary concern, but not in the way many assume.
According to COGNITION Smart Data, 57% of buyers expect to spend 10 years or less in their home. Even with shorter ownership timelines, buyers prioritize features that support long-term value, including lower operating costs, durability, and protection from climate-related risks.
COGNITION Smart Data also shows that when making major home decisions, whether purchasing or remodeling, consumers are most influenced by long-term cost savings (26%), comfort (22%), and improved quality of life (18%).
For builders, these insights provide a clear roadmap for positioning high-performance homes. The features of a high-performance home directly align with the outcomes buyers value most.
Resilient construction supports security and protection. Solar plus storage increases independence and energy reliability. And energy-efficient, high-performance homes reduce monthly operating costs, delivering the long-term savings buyers are actively seeking.
By framing performance features in terms of the benefits buyers care about most, builders can more effectively communicate the home’s value.
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