Homes with character-rich architectural features are generating significantly more buyer interest on Zillow, according to a new metric the company has launched.
The Zillow Buzz Index (ZBI) measures how specific design details and architectural styles affect daily buyer engagement on the platform, including clicks, saves and return visits. Zillow analyzed more than 600 home features and design styles to build the index.
Exposed beams topped the list, generating a 20 percent boost in daily buyer engagement, according to Zillow. Victorian-style architecture came in close behind at 19 percent, followed by exposed brick (15 percent), open shelving (15 percent) and arched doorways (14 percent).
Tudor-style homes drew 14 percent more interest, while midcentury homes and A-frames each generated a 13 percent boost. Bungalows, log homes and Cape Cod architecture also outperformed average engagement, each landing between 11 percent and 12 percent.
“Today’s shoppers are craving homes with personality,” Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton said. “Charming details like exposed beams, original brick and vintage architectural elements tell a story and create an emotional connection the moment a shopper sees the listing.”
Beyond architecture, lifestyle amenities also drove stronger engagement. Saltwater pools and outdoor showers each generated at least 10 percent more saves per day, according to Zillow, while turf yards pulled in 10 percent more interest.
Zillow said the index draws on data from its platform, which averages 235 million monthly unique users and that homes exceeding a daily views-and-saves threshold tend to go under contract faster and are more likely to sell above list price.
For sellers and their agents, Zillow said the data points to a straightforward takeaway: Highlight what makes the home distinctive. The company also pointed to its Zillow Preview feature, which allows sellers to build early engagement before a listing officially goes live.
