According to a study completed last year by U.S. research firm GfK Roper, the answer is yes! The firm separated potential buyers into three groups - baby boomers (those born between 1946-64), Generation X (those born between 1965-77) and Generation Y (those born between 1978-95). They made some interesting findings about the features that constitute a "dream home" to these three demographics.
Baby boomers ranked a gourmet, state-of-the-art kitchen as their number one dream home criteria. Walk-in closets, hobby studios, fireplaces and a high-tech entertainment centres also ranked high on the list.
Generation X'ers had similar criteria for determining their dream home features. A state of the art kitchen was again number one on the list. Also ranking high was a swimming pool, patios and decks, a fitness studio and games or billiards room.
The younger members from the generation Y category differed in their expectations. Number one on the list was a whirlpool bathtub, followed by a swimming pool, games or billiard room and large walk-in closets.
It would seem that the baby boomers, who are often empty-nesters, favour luxury features that may not have been as important when raising children. Priorities have changed and they are looking to upgrade their homes with features they will enjoy.
It's clear that for the youngest pool of potential homeowners, features like a gardens and porches aren't on their radar. As first-time buyers, they consider entertaining spaces, like pools and games rooms, to be a major factor in their vision of a dream home.
Based on these findings, do you fit the mold? What do you consider the top five features in your dream home?