Homebuyers now prioritising wellness

Wellness and well-being will take precedence over luxury and image in home-buying decisions this year, reflecting a shift in consumer priorities towards healthier living environments, long-term comfort and quality of life rather than status-driven features.

- KANANA KATHARANGSIPORN

Sumitra Wongpakdee, managing director of property consultancy Terra Media and Consulting, said a focus group survey of prospective homebuyers last year showed wellness considerations outweighed luxury features in purchasing decisions.

“People now prioritise well-being over image,” she said. “Wellness needs also vary by housing type, with buyers of single detached houses and townhouses placing greater emphasis on residential wellness than condo buyers.”

For single detached house buyers, wellness ranked highest, reflecting a preference for health-focused, family-oriented living. They viewed wellness as practical, innovative and beneficial for the entire household, often as a defining feature of their community.

Townhouse buyers, typically more budget-conscious, also valued wellness, prioritising features that support physical and mental health or deliver practical benefits. Luxury was seen as excessive, while wellness offered tangible value.

“However, the condo buyer segment shows a clear generational split,” she said.