For 2026, lifestyle-focused amenities like pools drive buyer demand, faster sales, and stronger value across designed communities.
In 2026, buying a home is about far more than square footage or finishes. It’s about lifestyle. Today’s buyers seek communities that offer wellness, connection, and everyday enjoyment. They want neighborhoods that make movement, socializing, and relaxation feel effortless, and they are willing to pay a premium for homes that support these aspirations.
For sellers and investors, this shift has important implications. Homes that sit inside lifestyle-rich neighborhoods are not just easier to market, they often command stronger demand, deeper emotional buy-in, and more resilient long-term value.
Below, we explore the Top 10 lifestyle features that define today’s most sought-after communities, highlighting how they appeal to buyers and why they matter from a market perspective.
Check out the Top 10 lifestyle real estate features buyers want the most
2 – Resort-style swimming pools
3 – Fitness centers
4 – Golf courses
6 – Walking and biking connectivity to amenities
7 – Social and clubhouse programming and community events
9 – Warm-weather, year-round outdoor living
10 – Multi-generational living
1 – WALKING AND BIKING TRAILS
Well-designed trails and paths integrate movement into daily life, supporting wellness, connection, and active neighborhood culture, making them a sought-after feature for buyers.
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IBISAre walking and biking trails a natural part of daily life in Ibis?✅ Yes. Ibis has miles of paved cart paths that wind through lakes, golf courses, and quiet residential streets, giving residents scenic routes for exercise and leisure. These pathways encourage morning walks, casual bike rides, and evening strolls that keep the community active and visually connected to its surroundings. |
In today’s most desirable communities, walking and biking trails do far more than connect point A to point B. They shape how residents experience their neighborhood, turning movement into part of everyday life. Shaded paths and landscaped loops invite morning walks, afternoon rides, or evening strolls, creating a rhythm of activity that feels natural and restorative.
These trails also encourage interaction. Neighbors meet while walking dogs, pushing strollers, or cycling, forming casual connections that grow into a welcoming community culture. Trails are increasingly a hallmark of lifestyle real estate, signaling health, activity, and thoughtful design.
Homes near well-planned trails can be marketed as part of an active, connected lifestyle, making them more compelling to buyers seeking wellness and social engagement.
2 – RESORT-STYLE SWIMMING POOLS
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IBISWhy do the pools at Ibis feel more like a private resort than a neighborhood amenity?✅ A zero-entry main pool, lap pool, splash pad, and whirlpool are framed by palm trees, loungers, and a poolside bistro. Together they create an all-day destination where families, lap swimmers, and sun-seekers naturally gather. |
In recent years, resort-style pools have become one of the most visible symbols of lifestyle in residential communities. Buyers today seek environments that feel like daily retreats, blending recreation, relaxation, and social connection. Expansive pool areas can accommodate lap swimming, casual lounging, or family gatherings, transforming outdoor space into a central part of life.
Not only that, but pool areas also act as social hubs. Casual conversations, weekend barbecues, and impromptu gatherings give neighborhoods a sense of energy and cohesion. Such amenities exemplify lifestyle real estate, where homes are defined not just by square footage, but by the quality of everyday experiences they enable.
When selling properties in places like Ibis, make sure to highlight access to resort-style pools. Doing this positions a property as a lifestyle asset that blends leisure, fitness, and social opportunity, which attracts lifestyle real estate markets.
3 – FITNESS CENTERS
Fitness-focused communities command stronger interest, drawing buyers seeking convenience and active living.
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IBISHow does Ibis support a wellness-focused lifestyle for its residents?✅ The CORE Sports Village combines a two-story fitness center, group classes, personal training, spa services, and aquatic facilities in one setting. Residents can move seamlessly from workouts to recovery, making health and self-care a built-in part of everyday community life. |
Wellness is central to modern homebuying. Fitness centers, yoga studios, and wellness rooms let residents maintain daily routines without commuting, making health a convenient, integrated part of life. Group classes and personal training sessions provide both structure and motivation for consistent exercise.
Beyond physical activity, wellness hubs foster mental clarity. Meditation and stretching spaces create places to reset after work or school, adding value to the overall living experience. Communities with these amenities reflect the growing demand for lifestyle real estate, where health and convenience are woven into neighborhood design.
In your listings, emphasize the convenience and variety of wellness amenities. Make sure to illustrate how residents can combine gym sessions, yoga, and outdoor meditation in a single, easily accessible space.
4 – GOLF COURSES
Neighborhoods with golf amenities sell faster, offering both lifestyle appeal and social connection.
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IBISWhat sets Ibis apart as a true golf-centered community in West Palm Beach?✅ Three championship 18-hole courses designed by the Nicklaus family anchor the neighborhood, supported by practice areas, a fitting studio, and a full golf shop. The courses shape both the landscape and the social rhythm of life inside the gates. |
Expansive fairways, rolling greens, and manicured landscaping create scenic backdrops that enhance views and foster a sense of space. For players, tournaments and casual rounds provide natural social engagement, strengthening ties between neighbors.
Golf-oriented neighborhoods are highly sought after in lifestyle real estate, representing prestige, leisure, and community simultaneously. Even buyers who don’t regularly play enjoy the tranquility and visual appeal these areas provide.
When crafting your listing, make it a point to highlight the lifestyle benefits of living near scenic fairways. Show lifestyle real estate buyers how easy it is to enjoy golf, tournaments, and social connections without leaving the neighborhood.
5 – WATER-ADJACENT FEATURES
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IBISHow does water influence the atmosphere and scenery throughout Ibis?✅ Lakes weave through residential areas and fairways, while golf-course water features add reflection and drama. Beyond the community, the Grassy Waters Nature Preserve introduces wetlands and wildlife, giving residents a peaceful, ever-changing natural backdrop just steps from home. |
Water features are some of the most emotionally compelling elements in residential communities. These features, which include lakes, canals, and ponds bring light, reflection, and movement, subtly enhancing daily life, allowing residents to walk along shorelines, relax on patios, or engage in gentle recreation such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
In the context of lifestyle real estate, proximity to water also signals a way of living that balances activity, calm, and connection to nature. Homes near water feel open, airy, and alive, enhancing both the visual and sensory experience of daily life. For buyers seeking neighborhoods that combine tranquility with the opportunity to engage the outdoors, water-adjacent properties are among the most compelling choices.
To make your property stand out, highlight everyday experiences on or near the water. Focus on activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or lakeside relaxation to create a vivid picture for potential buyers.
6 – WALKING AND BIKING CONNECTIVITY TO AMENITIES
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IBISHow easy is it to get around Ibis without a car?✅ Homes, clubhouses, dining venues, fitness centers, and golf facilities are all linked by paths and community roads designed for walking, biking, and golf carts. This internal connectivity creates a relaxed, village-like rhythm where daily activities feel close and connected. |
Communities with walkable streets and bike-friendly layouts allow residents to reach cafés, shops, restaurants, and fitness centers with ease. This connectivity reduces reliance on cars, encourages more active daily routines, and transforms mundane errands into enjoyable, health-oriented experiences.
These connected neighborhoods also encourage social engagement. Casual encounters along walking routes foster a sense of community and vibrancy. Walkable connectivity is increasingly recognized as a defining characteristic of lifestyle real estate, signaling convenience, wellness, and neighborly interaction.
In your listing, showcase how easy it is to reach shops, dining, and community spaces by foot, on bike, or via golf carts. Emphasize convenience as a lifestyle advantage, turning errands into enjoyable daily experiences.
7 – SOCIAL AND CLUBHOUSE PROGRAMMING AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IBISWhat brings neighbors together inside Ibis?✅ The Club at Ibis hosts year-round social events, themed parties, live entertainment, sports leagues, and wellness programs. With dining, lounges, and activity spaces all in one place, the clubhouse becomes a natural gathering point for connection and shared experiences. |
Clubhouses and shared gathering spaces give communities a social heartbeat. Residents participate in casual dining, themed events, and seasonal celebrations, creating opportunities for interaction that are low-pressure but meaningful. These shared spaces provide both structure and flexibility, accommodating varied lifestyles and levels of participation.
For families, clubhouse programming also supports connection across generations, offering activities and safe spaces for younger residents alongside social opportunities for adults. This combination of accessibility and engagement is a hallmark of lifestyle real estate, signaling communities that value both interaction and quality of life.
Homes within communities offering robust social programming can be marketed as part of an engaged, connected neighborhood, adding emotional appeal and reinforcing lifestyle positioning.
8 – OUTDOOR GREEN SPACES
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IBISWhere do residents go to enjoy open space and outdoor activities at Ibis?✅ A three-acre community park, jogging trails, playgrounds, and sports courts sit alongside golf courses and preserved wetlands. From picnics and play to nature walks and birdwatching, green space is woven throughout everyday life in the neighborhood. |
Green spaces are essential for contemporary residential living. Parks, open lawns, and preserved natural areas provide room to exercise, play, or relax, while improving air quality and offering shade and comfort. Green spaces also foster spontaneous social interactions and informal community gatherings, adding life and energy to the neighborhood.
These natural environments are a core component of lifestyle real estate, attracting buyers who prioritize health, outdoor activity, and a balanced daily routine. Homes adjacent to these spaces often command stronger interest because they promise both enjoyment and long-term well-being.
Show buyers how nearby parks and green spaces support active living and relaxation. Use visuals or descriptions of jogging paths, sports fields, and picnic areas to emphasize everyday wellness and community interaction.
9 – WARM-WEATHER, YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR LIVING
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IBISWhy does life in Ibis feel centered on outdoor living all year long?✅ West Palm Beach’s warm, sunny climate pairs naturally with golf, swimming, and outdoor dining. Covered lanais, private pools, and garden views extend living spaces beyond the walls, making time spent outside feel like an effortless part of daily routines. |
Communities with mild or temperate climates make outdoor activity a reliable part of daily life. Walking, cycling, dining, swimming, or simply spending time in outdoor rooms becomes possible almost year-round, extending the functional living space of a home.
Patios, terraces, and gardens serve as extensions of interior living, allowing residents to entertain, relax, and connect with nature. This emphasis on frequent outdoor activity aligns with the appeal of lifestyle real estate, where homes and amenities are valued as much for experiences as for square footage.
Emphasize the advantage of a climate that supports outdoor living every day. Focus on pool use, tennis, golf, and patio living to help prospective buyers envision year-round enjoyment.
10 – MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING
Flexible multi-generational homes attract buyers seeking comfort, convenience, and practical living solutions.
WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IBISHow does Ibis accommodate households with different ages and needs?✅ Many homes feature large floor plans, guest suites, or private living areas with separate entrances. These flexible designs allow extended families, visiting relatives, or long-term guests to share one home comfortably while still enjoying privacy and independence. |
Homes that accommodate multiple generations attract buyers seeking flexibility, convenience, and financial practicality. Features like private suites, separate entrances, and adaptable layouts allow extended families to live together without compromising independence.
These homes foster deeper family connection while supporting daily life responsibilities, from childcare to elder care. Multi-generational design has become an increasingly desirable feature in lifestyle real estate, as it reflects both practicality and the social dimension of community living.
Emphasize flexible layouts that accommodate multiple generations. Show how dual master suites, in-law quarters, or private entrances allow extended families to live comfortably while maintaining independence.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSMoving, selling, or investing in a home raises plenty of questions, especially as buyers increasingly value lifestyle features. Here’s what today’s homeowners, sellers, and investors need to know about the features that sell homes fast in 2026: What is the best-selling feature of a house? ✅ Location, location, location. Homes in safe, convenient neighborhoods near quality schools, parks, shopping, and dining attract more buyers and tend to sell faster. Prime locations signal long-term value and lifestyle convenience, making them a perennial selling point. What type of home sells the fastest? ✅ Move-in ready homes with broad appeal. Buyers gravitate toward well-maintained single-family or semi-detached homes with functional layouts, modern finishes, and inviting curb appeal. Homes that are easy to imagine living in tend to receive quicker offers. What features add the most value to a house? ✅ Kitchens, bathrooms, and versatile spaces. Updated kitchens and spa-like bathrooms consistently deliver strong resale value. Functional spaces like home offices, open-plan living areas, and outdoor entertainment zones enhance everyday living and attract a wider pool of buyers. What is the most in-demand home improvement? ✅ Practical, high-ROI upgrades. Kitchen and bath renovations, fresh paint, enhanced curb appeal, and outdoor living improvements are top priorities. Energy-efficient systems and smart-home technology are increasingly sought after, blending comfort, convenience, and long-term savings. Why do lifestyle features influence how quickly a home sells? ✅ They help buyers envision life in the home. Features that support wellness, convenience, or social living like home offices, spa-style bathrooms, or outdoor decks, create emotional connections. Properties that reflect modern lifestyle trends often spend less time on the market. How can sellers showcase lifestyle appeal without remodeling? ✅ Staging, decluttering, and storytelling. Neutral décor, strategic furniture placement, and clear pathways let buyers imagine themselves in the space. Highlight outdoor areas, flexible rooms, and existing tech or energy-efficient features. Professional photos and virtual tours make lifestyle benefits tangible. Do lifestyle-focused homes sell for more money? ✅ Yes, because they deliver more than just space. Homes that support daily routines, entertaining, wellness, or productivity often command higher prices. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for properties that align with their desired lifestyle and offer long-term convenience. |
MAXIMIZE YOUR IBIS INVESTMENT WITH THE TELCHIN GROUP
Client testimonials tell the story of The Telchin Group: “We put our house on the market in what was admittedly a difficult time to sell. Eric Telchin provided us with hands-on detailed instruction about what we had to do to make the house as presentable as possible. As a result, we sold our house for the highest price any house in our neighborhood received in years. The Telchin Group is knowledgeable, dedicated, and responsive and we would definitely use them again.” – Sandy & Richard Friedkin
In today’s Ibis market, selling a home is as much about lifestyle as it is about square footage. The Telchin Group leverages decades of local expertise, innovative marketing, and hands-on service to help homeowners and investors achieve exceptional results. By showcasing the community’s premier amenities – from golf and wellness facilities to trails and lakes – they position properties to attract motivated, lifestyle-focused buyers.
Whether you’re planning a sale or exploring investment opportunities, The Telchin Group ensures your property stands out, reaches the right audience, and achieves maximum value.
Make the most of your investment today. Call The Telchin Group LLC at 561.301.0249 or send us a message to get started.