3 Home Types In Simi Valley That Seem To Be Falling Out Of Favor And 6 Gaining Interest
The housing market in Simi Valley is constantly changing, with buyer preferences shifting as lifestyles evolve. Some home styles that were once highly sought after are now less popular, while others are seeing a surge in demand.
I’ve noticed clear trends emerging in our local real estate scene that reflect both practical needs and aesthetic preferences of today’s homebuyers.
1. Massive McMansions Are Losing Appeal
Once the symbol of success, those sprawling 4,000+ square foot homes are becoming harder to sell in Simi Valley. Many families find the maintenance costs and energy bills simply overwhelming.
Young buyers particularly shy away from these giant properties, preferring more manageable spaces that don’t require as much upkeep. The formal living rooms and excessive bedrooms often go unused in today’s lifestyle.
Plus, with rising property taxes and insurance rates, the financial burden of owning such large homes has many buyers thinking twice.
2. Single-Story Ranch Homes Without Updates
The classic California ranch style homes built in the 1960s-70s are falling behind unless they’ve been modernized. Buyers walk through these properties and immediately calculate renovation costs in their heads.
Original kitchens with laminate countertops and dated cabinets are major turnoffs. The compartmentalized floor plans with separate formal dining rooms don’t match how families live today.
While the bones of these homes are often solid, their outdated features and closed-off layouts make them less desirable compared to more contemporary options.
3. Homes Without Dedicated Office Space
Remote work has completely changed buyer priorities, and homes lacking a dedicated office space are at a serious disadvantage in today’s market. Properties with no flex room or potential office area sit longer on the market.
I’ve had clients immediately cross houses off their list when they can’t envision where they’d set up their workstation. Even smaller homes need some kind of office nook to compete effectively.
This shift represents one of the most dramatic changes in buyer preferences I’ve seen in recent years in Simi Valley.
4. Modern Farmhouse Designs Are Booming
The modern farmhouse aesthetic has captured Simi Valley by storm! Homes featuring shiplap accents, barn doors, and a mix of rustic and contemporary elements are selling almost immediately after listing.
Buyers love the warm, inviting feel combined with clean lines and functional spaces. The white-and-black color scheme with natural wood accents creates a timeless look that appeals to various age groups.
Even older homes renovated with these design elements see significant jumps in value and buyer interest compared to their untouched neighbors.
5. Single-Story Homes With Open Concepts
Single-level living is making a huge comeback, especially when combined with contemporary open floor plans. The absence of stairs appeals to both older buyers planning to age in place and young families with small children.
Homes where the kitchen flows into the living areas create natural gathering spaces that today’s buyers crave. I’ve noticed these properties often receive multiple offers, even in slower market conditions.
The premium for well-designed single-story homes continues to grow, with buyers willing to pay 10-15% more compared to similar two-story properties.
6. Homes With Accessory Dwelling Units
Properties with ADUs (granny flats, in-law suites, or guest houses) are commanding premium prices throughout Simi Valley. These versatile spaces offer solutions for multigenerational living, rental income, or home offices.
Recent zoning changes have made it easier to add these units, boosting the value of homes that already have them. Many buyers specifically search for properties with existing ADUs or the potential to add one.
Whether attached or detached, these secondary living spaces provide flexibility that today’s buyers value tremendously.
7. Smart Homes With Energy Efficiency
Tech-forward homes equipped with smart features and energy-efficient systems are flying off the market. Buyers get excited about properties with solar panels, smart thermostats, and integrated home automation.
The California climate makes energy efficiency particularly valuable, with buyers calculating long-term savings. Homes with newer HVAC systems, upgraded insulation, and energy-efficient windows command higher prices.
Even simple upgrades like smart doorbells and programmable lighting systems help properties stand out in Simi Valley’s competitive marketplace.
8. Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces
Southern California’s climate makes indoor-outdoor living spaces incredibly desirable. Homes with sliding glass walls, covered patios, and outdoor kitchens are seeing tremendous buyer interest in Simi Valley.
The pandemic reinforced the value of usable outdoor space, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. Properties that seamlessly blend interior comfort with exterior living areas command significant premiums.
Even modest-sized homes with well-designed outdoor spaces can compete with larger properties that lack these features.
9. Homes With Flexible Bonus Rooms
Flexibility is king in today’s market, with buyers gravitating toward homes offering multipurpose spaces. Properties featuring bonus rooms that can function as home gyms, playrooms, or media centers are in high demand.
The ability to adapt spaces as family needs change has become a major selling point. I’ve watched buyers get visibly excited when touring homes with these versatile areas.
Even smaller homes with thoughtfully designed flex spaces can outperform larger properties that lack this adaptability, showing how buyer priorities have evolved in Simi Valley.
