Zillow is introducing a new metric that helps buyers and sellers pinpoint charming, unique details that speak to them. The Zillow Buzz Index (ZBI) was created to measure which home features generate the most buyer interest, from a home’s architecture to its design details. And right now, buyers are most interested in a home that has a lot of character.

“Today’s shoppers are craving homes with personality,” said Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton in a press release. “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. In a sea of cookie-cutter properties, that character helps a home stand out and drives more clicks, saves, and, ultimately, stronger buyer interest on Zillow.”

Here are the details the ZBI is picking up on this spring and how you can use the ZBI to your advantage.

What’s Buzzing Right Now?

1. Homes with a Personality
Exposed beams are driving lots of additional interest, says Zillow. In fact, they’re generating the biggest daily boost in buyer engagement, out of all the home features Zillow analyzed. A home listing that mentions exposed beams could snag a 20% daily increase in buyer interest.
Exposed brick is the next most desirable character feature, with a 15% daily increase in engagement. Buyers are also loving details like arched doorways and vintage features. These listing terms indicate interest in homes with storied personalities, filled with custom details and thoughtful design choices. Buyers are no longer looking for a completely blank slate to move into; a home with unique touches stands out amongst the rest.

2. Classic Architecture
Home styles are also an important factor for the ZBI. Homes that feature Victorian architecture see a 19% boost in daily engagement. If you’ve got a Tudor-style home, you’ll see a 14% boost in interest. Midcentury homes, A-frame houses, and log frame houses are all interesting style choices that appeal to buyers, according to the ZBI. Bungalow and Cape Cod-style houses generate extra intrigue on Zillow, too.

3. Luxe Wellness Features
Buyers browsing Zillow’s listings are more likely to leave a like or save a listing if it has certain wellness features. For example, a saltwater pool can increase the number of daily saves a listing gets by 11%; the same thing goes for an outdoor shower. Family-friendly turf lawns are also a bonus for some buyers, as are low-maintenance yards. These amenities drive 10% more interest towards home listings.

How to Harness The Buzz?

If you’re selling your home in 2026, it’s time to lean into the unique details of your home that give it charm and personality. Don’t shy away from listing all the darling details of your dwelling; your exposed beams and brick could be a huge draw for lots of buyers. Have a home with lots of unique architectural details? Be sure to include them in the details of your listing. It’s important to include keywords in your Zillow listing, helping to attract buyers who are searching for specific details.

If you’re in the market for a new home and want one with personalized details, Zillow recommends moving quickly. The ZBI shows that homes with lots of charm generate buyer interest fast, so it’s no secret that you’ll have more competition with these types of listings. The sooner you act on a home that has a high ZBI score, the better your chances are.

Zillow : 3 Home Features That are Driving Buyer Interest Right Now by Sophia Beams | Better Homes & Gardens