Homebuyers are increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency, connectivity and compact living for their homes of the future. For homebuilders, this shift in consumer preferences presents a clear message: Adapt to the trends shaping the homes of the future or risk falling behind. As a result, the top builders are leaning into high-performance construction techniques and incorporating automation, sustainable materials and efficient design. The payoff? Homes that fit the needs and desires of current and future buyers.
Here's how builders are creating homes as functional and future-ready as they are beautiful.
Small homes with big impact
Small homes are becoming more attractive due to a combination of rising property prices, shifting lifestyles and increasing climate consciousness. According to a 2025 study by the National Association of Home Builders, more than half of millennial buyers are willing to trade square footage for high-quality products and amenities. That's translating to the lowest median home size in 15 years, at 2,150 square feet in 2024
To meet these needs, builders must prioritize functionality and efficiency in every square foot. Open floor plans, convertible rooms and built-in storage help homeowners get the most out of compact spaces. Equally important is choosing appliances that complement small-footprint designs without compromising performance.
Samsung offers a comprehensive lineup of these compact, space-saving appliances that fit perfectly into smaller homes. Some examples include:
· 18 cu. ft. Smart Counter Depth 3-Door French Door Refrigerator - Compact exterior with generous interior storage and precise cooling.
· 18" Whisper Quiet 46 dBA Dishwasher - Designed for tight spaces and open floor plans, thanks to its quiet performance.
· 2.5 cu. ft. Compact Front Load Washer with AI Smart Dial - Customizable wash cycles and quick performance in a small package.
· 4.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer with AI Smart Dial - Space-saving design without sacrificing capacity.
These appliances offer big performance in small footprints, making them ideal for high-density builds, urban infill projects and accessory dwelling units.
The rise of smart homes
Today's buyers are embracing smarter homes than ever. According to Fortune Business Insights, the U.S. smart home market size is growing exponentially, tripling from $33.26 billion in 2025 to $99.40 billion by 2032, according to projections.
Builders can future-proof their developments by ensuring smart infrastructure is part of the base plan. Indeed, smart technology isn't just about convenience anymore — it plays a growing role in everyday energy management, safety and livability. That includes strong Wi-Fi coverage, compatible wiring and centralized hubs that homeowners can control via phone or tablet.
A great example of this is Samsung SmartThings Hub, which enables control of the home from anywhere. It also adds flexibility, integrating smart devices — locks, lights, thermostats and appliances — by a range of brands, including Honeywell, Schlage, Yale and Bose. It's also compatible with ZigBee, Z-Wave and IP-connected devices.
Through the hub, homeowners can even automate lighting according to occupancy, monitor energy consumption and even receive alerts when an appliance needs attention. For instance, a Samsung refrigerator can adapt its energy use by running at higher settings during the day and shifting to lower power at night. This gradual cycling reduces wear on components and contributes to longer appliance lifespans. In washers and dryers, this can mean delaying a wash cycle or optimizing dryer cycles based on usage data.
Builders who deliver homes prewired and preconfigured for smart devices give their buyers a clear advantage — a home that's not just built for today, but prepared for tomorrow.
Sustainable, energy-efficient homes
Sustainability is no longer a niche priority. Homebuyers are actively seeking homes that reduce their environmental footprint and lower utility bills. Energy-efficient appliances and sustainable building practices go hand in hand with long-term performance.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances can reduce a household's energy use by up to 30% — removing more than 77,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over product lifespan and saving $8,750 on utility bills. For builders, this translates into added buyer value and improved HERS scores, which can qualify homes for tax incentives or financing advantages.
Samsung supports sustainable homebuilding through product design, manufacturing and intelligent energy use. With more than 600 ENERGY STAR-certified appliance models, Samsung offers a wide range of power-saving options for every room of the house.
With the SmartThings app, homeowners can enhance sustainability further by bringing all smart home devices into a central dashboard. This enables more efficient and immeditate control of them all. The SmartThings Energy feature of the app levels it up further by:
· Tracking power usage
· Notifying about appliances left on that can be shut down via the app
· Using AI to align power consumption to patterns and rates
· Showing how electricity usage contributes to carbon emissions
· Giving tips about where energy and costs could be saved
The app also integrates with local utility programs where available, allowing homeowners to earn rewards or receive notifications when they can save energy during peak demand hours.
These innovations are backed by industry recognition. Samsung was honored with the ENERGY STAR Corporate Commitment Award for its efforts in product efficiency and consumer education. In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also awarded Samsung ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for sustained excellence.
Prioritize brand reputation and reliability
Builders know as much as anyone that reputation matters. A key way to bolster that reputation is by aligning with brands known for reliability, customer satisfaction and post-sale support.
Samsung is one such brand. In fact, in 2024, the company received the most J.D. Power awards in the U.S. Home Appliance Satisfaction Study, ranking highest in 10 out of 11 appliance segments.
For luxury builds, Dacor, a luxury appliance brand, offers a premium option. Dacor's 48-inch French Door Refrigerator earned a spot on Beautiful Kitchens and Baths' 2024 list of the 30 Most Innovative Products, and Dacor has earned numerous design awards for pushing the boundaries of style and function.
By offering a mix of Samsung and Dacor products, builders can serve a wide spectrum of buyers — from entry-level to luxury — while ensuring consistency, smart integration and durable performance.
Building for the future starts today
Compact design, intelligent automation and sustainable technology are no longer optional features — they're critical expectations. Builders who embrace these trends will be best positioned to lead the market and stay ahead of the curve.
The diverse product portfolio of Samsung, combined with its leadership in energy efficiency and smart home integration, helps make this so. Whether the goal is to meet sustainability targets, enhance the buyer experience or simply offer best-in-class products that stand the test of time, Samsung provides a full suite of solutions.
Learn how to bring the homes of the future to your next project by exploring the full range of Samsung appliances for builders and developers.