Are dogs close to the hearts of their owners? Yes, if a recent study is any indication. In a Harris Poll released in July, 33 percent of millennial homeowners surveyed said additional yard space for their dogs was a part of the decision to purchase a home. The poll, conducted on behalf of SunTrust Mortgage, showed pets as a reason to purchase a home easily outpaced birth of a first child, which was the reason for only 19 percent of respondents.
Only buying a house for more space and to build up equity beat buying a home to accommodate a dog, according to the poll results.
Not only did homebuying millennials put pups high up the list as a reason to purchase, so did those of their 18- to 35-year-old age group who haven’t yet bought. Forty-two percent of those who plan to buy in the future will do so because of a dog.
[Read: 8 Things You Can Learn From a First-Time Homebuyer Bootcamp.]
Where Millennials Purchase Is Likely Influenced by Pets
The survey was big news, but not totally surprising, given the increased popularity of pets with the millennial generation.
It’s important to note, though, that this revelation is important to folks interested in real estate. Why? Because pets as a major factor in purchasing decisions are very likely to influence where millennials purchase a home.
Pets need space. Dogs, especially, need yards or at least nearby parks. That means urban cores and neighborhoods near them are not likely to get the nod from dog-conscious millennials.
Suburban areas where people can purchase a larger number of square feet for the price are more likely to be popular with the pet-friendly crowd. Rural areas might be popular with those who don’t mind a long commute to work or have the option of working remotely.
Home Building Needs to Keep Pets in Mind
Location isn’t the only priority when you’re buying with Fido or Whiskers in mind. Consider the elements of a property’s architecture and construction for an ideal living space for your pet:
Windows. Windows are likely to be a must for millennials with dogs or cats. Both types of pet like windows so much that owners dub them “dog TV” or “cat TV,” and they can, of course, be both if buyers have multiple pets.
Large windows, with either pet-friendly ledges wide enough for an animal to stretch out or ample room to set up a cat tree, are likely to be especially popular with homebuyers who have pets in tow.
Windows should either have screens or be able to accommodate them. Screens are important for the safety of dogs and cats. Cats, in particular, frequently jump from windows if they can. Window guards don’t really work with felines because, as owners know, they are very limber and can fit up, around and through almost any barrier with any space at all. Screens give full protection from dropping several stories in pursuit of a squirrel who had it coming.
[Read: What Best Places to Live Are Ideal for First-Time Homebuyers?]
Stairs and space. As far as pet preferences go, stairs may decline in popularity. Stairs, especially steep ones, can be a safety issue for very young puppies or kittens. They need safety gates just like human babies do. As pets age, they might find transporting themselves up and down multiple levels increasingly difficult, just as older people do. As a result, single-level homes may rise in popularity so pets of all ages can get to every room.
Homes need to be spacious, as well. Pets bring a need for at least some space — and sometimes a lot of space, depending on the breed and type of pet. Homebuyers to whom pets are important are going to be looking for sleeping space, “TV” space, litter box space, yard space and more.
Décor and design. Finally, décor that is usually the province of builders needs to be pet-friendly.
Some homes, for example, come with wall-to-wall carpet, which is not ideal if pets have any accidents, which can lead to time-consuming cleanup and spot treatment. Odors may remain even after carpets have been cleaned. Hard floors such as wood and tile are universally better for pet owners than carpet.
Cabinets and shelves can be issues as well. Some stored food, like chocolate in a pantry, can be poisonous to both cats and dogs. Outdoor chemicals often stored in the garage including antifreeze, insecticides and herbicides are also poisonous. As a result, cabinets, shelves and other storage areas will need to be able to be locked or otherwise secured to ensure pets can go rooting around.
Builders and designers also need to give some thought to pet-friendly design of electrical cords and window treatments. Pets can strangle or catch paws in electrical cords, window cords and certain types of curtains. Builders who give thought to maximizing safety for pets are likely to meet the buying needs of millennials.
[See: 8 Potential Headaches to Be Aware of Before Becoming a Homeowner.]
Millennials Are Taking Fido Home
The word is out: Millennials often buy homes, or plan to buy homes, to give a pet more space. This trend is likely to affect where millennials buy. They will need yard space and relatively spacious homes. They will also need pet-friendly building plans, with attention to large windows, hardwood floors and safety features. Builders who meet these needs are likely to find 18- to 35-year-old buyers with pets very happy with their homes.
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Dog-Gone It: How Pups Are Moving Millennials Into the Housing Market originally appeared on usnews.com
