The Zillow Buzz Index reveals the home features buyers can't resist right now

Exposed beams and storybook Tudors: Zillow data shows character-filled homes capture hearts and clicks For-sale listings with exposed beams are seeing a 20% boost in daily buyer engagement on Zillow, while other vintage architectural features, such as brick walls and arched doorways, are also driving buyer buzz. Victorian, Tudor and midcentury homes are drawing at least 13% more buyer interest on Zillow. Homes with the most daily views and saves tend to find a buyer faster and are more likely to sell above list price. SEATTLE , April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zillow® has a new way to capture the magic that makes a Zillow surfer stop their scroll, linger a bit longer and "heart" the home they can't stop thinking about. Introducing the Zillow Buzz Index (ZBI), a new metric that measures how certain design details and architectural features boost buyer engagement with a listing. In other words, it pinpoints exactly what makes buyers fall hard. And the verdict? Homes with character are capturing the most hearts and clicks right now. Character counts The Zillow Buzz Index shows that exposed beams generate a 20% daily boost in buyer engagement, the most buzz of the more than 600 home features and design styles analyzed. That means for-sale homes with exposed beams get 20% more attention on Zillow every day they are on the market. Exposed brick is associated with a 15% daily boost in engagement, while arched doorways (14% daily boost) and vintage features (14% daily boost) consistently draw more interest from buyers browsing Zillow. "Today's shoppers are craving homes with personality," said Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton. "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." Classic styles, modern appeal Beyond individual features, classic and whimsical architectural styles score high on the ZBI. Buyers are especially drawn ... Full story available on Benzinga.com