2025 Buyers Want Better Lighting

The Features That Close Deals in Today’s Market

Today’s home buyers are more informed, more design-savvy, and more focused on comfort than ever. They’re scrolling real estate listings daily. They’re watching renovation shows. And when they walk into a newly built home, they notice the lighting.

For small to mid-sized builders, this shift presents a huge opportunity: upgrade your lighting selections to match what 2025 buyers want — and close more deals because of it.

Let’s explore the lighting features that help homes stand out, sell faster, and leave buyers saying, “This is the one.”


Lighting: A Small Change with Big Impact

You don’t have to completely rework your plans or bust the budget to meet buyer expectations. In fact, strategic lighting upgrades are one of the easiest — and most affordable — ways to improve your builds.

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Buyers today are looking for homes that feel well-designed and ready to live in. Lighting plays a major role in that feeling. It shapes how a home looks, how it photographs, and how it functions day-to-day.

When your lighting plan checks the right boxes, you can:

  • Increase perceived value
  • Stand out in a competitive market
  • Make your homes feel “move-in ready”
  • Reduce upgrade change orders during the build


Top Lighting Features 2025 Buyers Are Asking For

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1. Energy Efficiency (LED Everything)

Buyers are asking about energy savings — and LED lighting is now the standard, not a luxury. It lasts longer, uses less power, and signals a more modern, eco-conscious build.

Where to use it: Everywhere — ceiling mounts, bath bars, pendants, even exterior.

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2. Matte Black & Soft Gold Finishes

These finishes are still hot in 2025. Matte black reads clean and modern, while soft gold adds warmth without going full glam. Both work across multiple home styles.

Pro Tip: Use one finish consistently across fixtures to give the home a designer-curated feel.

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3. Coordinated Collections

Buyers notice when lighting feels cohesive. They may not know the terms, but they feel the difference when all fixtures share a style or finish. Collections keep things simple, clean, and elevated.

Where to use it: Choose a matching family of lights for kitchens, baths, and hallways.

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4. Kitchen Island Pendants

This is the new “must-have” feature. Pendant lighting makes kitchens feel custom, modern, and Pinterest-worthy.

Keep in mind: Oversized or sculptural pendants are trending and add visual impact.

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5. Statement Entry Fixtures

A bold chandelier or geometric pendant in the foyer sets the tone. It tells buyers the home is well thought out — from the moment they walk in.

What to avoid: Dated dome lights or builder-basic flush mounts that make the entry feel bland.

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6. Bathroom Sconces or Vanity Lighting

Buyers are noticing bathroom lighting more than ever. Dual sconces or multi-light bath bars give a clean, bright, spa-like feel.

Bonus: Fixtures that allow for dimming add flexibility for nighttime routines.

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7. Exterior Lighting That Feels Safe & Stylish

Lighting around the garage, front porch, and walkways should add to the curb appeal and help buyers feel secure.

Feature to add: Dusk-to-dawn sensors for convenience and efficiency.

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8. Smart-Ready Fixtures

Even if buyers don’t use smart bulbs on day one, they like the idea that they could. Dimmable, compatible lighting is now expected.

Tip: Call it out in your marketing. “Smart lighting ready” has become a strong selling point.


Lighting Upgrades That Deliver the Highest ROI

Not all lighting upgrades need to be expensive to make a difference. Here’s where builders are seeing great returns:

Upgrading foyer and island lighting to sculptural or trending pieces
Switching from basic flush mounts to semi-flush or drum fixtures
Using LED bath bars instead of standard vanity strips
Matching exterior lanterns to interior finish selections
Offering lighting upgrades as part of buyer choice packages

These changes can be simple, but they dramatically change how the home looks — and how fast it sells.


Real Example: How One Builder Boosted Sales with Lighting

A builder in South Carolina began highlighting upgraded lighting in their model home tours. They used soft gold lighting throughout, including matching pendants, sconces, and entry fixtures.

Buyers were drawn to the consistency and the warmth of the home. Over the next 6 months, upgrade requests for the lighting package rose by 60%, and homes were closing 2–3 weeks faster on average.


Lighting Features That Sell in 2025 FAQs

    1. Are buyers really noticing lighting more than before?
     Yes. Thanks to Pinterest, HGTV, and social media, buyers are more aware of design trends — and lighting plays a big role in that.

    2. Do upgraded lighting packages slow down the build?
     Not if you choose in-stock, quick-ship options. Lighting New York’s Pro Team can help you stay on schedule.

    3. Is it worth the cost to upgrade fixtures from standard to mid-tier?
     Yes. For a modest increase, you gain major visual appeal — which leads to faster sales and fewer change requests.

    4. Can lighting upgrades be offered as part of buyer selection packages?
    Absolutely. Many builders now offer “base,” “deluxe,” and “premium” lighting tiers.

    5. What finish is most popular with 2025 buyers?
    Matte black continues to lead, with soft gold and mixed metal accents gaining popularity.

    6. What about ceiling fans — should I upgrade those too?
    Yes, especially in owner’s suites and great rooms. Sleek, modern fans are preferred over bulky, traditional styles.

    7. Do buyers care about LED specs?
    They may not ask directly, but they notice bright, clean light — and they appreciate lower energy bills.

    8. How do I choose fixtures that appeal to the broadest audience?
    Stick to transitional styles with clean lines and soft finishes. Avoid fixtures that are too ornate or trendy.

    9. Is smart lighting a must-have now?
    It’s becoming more expected, especially with tech-savvy or younger buyers. Being “smart-bulb ready” is a win.

    10. Can Lighting New York help me choose lighting that sells?
    Yes! Our Pro Team works with builders to create curated, in-stock packages that align with buyer demand.


    Let Lighting New York Help You Win Buyers Faster

    Lighting doesn’t just light the space — it sells the home. And with the right guidance, you can spec fixtures that help you close deals faster, reduce headaches, and boost your bottom line.

    The Lighting New York Pro Program is built to help builders like you stay ahead of what buyers want. We offer quick-ship products, trend insights, curated packages, and real human support to keep your builds running smoothly.

    Want help choosing lighting features that today’s buyers love?

    Need quick recommendations or upgrades that won’t break the budget?
    Contact Us — and let’s light the way to faster sales and happier buyers.