This year, NAR surveyed its residential-focused members about sustainability issues facing the industry. The report found that more than two in five agents (42%) worked with a property that had green features over the past year.
Client questions about energy efficiency are becoming more common, though still not widespread. The share of respondents who said clients never ask about upgrades dropped sharply to 29% from 57% last year. Rarely is now the most frequent response at 42% – up from 7% in 2024. Another 21% said clients ask sometimes, and 6% said always/often.
"Housing affordability continues to challenge homebuyers, so sustainability can sometimes be pushed to the back burner as buyers search for the ideal home," said Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research. "However, many still seek sustainable home features to reduce their environmental impact as well as heating, cooling, and commuting costs."
"Some homeowners may need to turn to remodeling upgrades to embrace sustainability, particularly as the age of America's housing stock increases due to persistent underbuilding," Lautz added.
Additional findings from the report:
