In CABA, pet-friendly homes are more sought after than those with pools and other amenities

In Buenos Aires, properties that allow pets are increasingly more sought after than those with pools and other amenities, according to a recent analysis of the real estate market. The findings highlight a shift in priorities among buyers looking for housing in the capital city. While features such as swimming pools, gyms, and recreational areas have long been considered markers of high-end buildings, they are now being overshadowed by requirements such as the ability to live with pets, having a garage, or access to a balcony. This trend was identified through an extensive study conducted by Roomix, which analyzed over 95,662 apartments for sale nationwide, along with more than 200,000 anonymized search queries, 150,000 property descriptions, and image analysis using artificial intelligence. The data reveals that while location remains the top priority, mentioned in 84% of searches, followed by property type (77%), the number of rooms or bedrooms (42%), and specific characteristics and amenities (33%), price or budget is used explicitly as a filter in just 23% of searches. When examining the specific attributes that buyers prioritize, a garage tops the list, while the ability to bring a pet into the home ranks among the most desired features. In contrast, a swimming pool, despite its significant influence on property value, appears far lower on the list of explicit requirements. One of the key imbalances in the Buenos Aires real estate market is the disparity between demand and supply regarding pet-friendly properties. According to Roomix, only 27% of listed apartments declare themselves suitable for pets, even though this condition is one of the most requested by potential buyers. Finding a property that welcomes pets not only makes the search more complex but also affects the price. On average, pet-friendly properties are advertised at a 7.2% premium per square meter compared to those that do not specify or prohibit pets. Garages remain highly available, present in 54% of the analyzed properties, whereas swimming pools are found in nearly 29% of listings but are specified as a requirement in just 1.2% of searches. This does not necessarily indicate that residents have stopped valuing swimming pools, but rather suggests their presence has less weight in defining a buyer’s criteria. Other frequently sought-after features include furnished units, balconies, brightness, and outdoor spaces such as courtyards and terraces. When listing properties, the term "spacious" is the most commonly used, appearing in 41% of advertisements, followed by terms like "excellent," "ideal," and "bright." Properties located in buildings equipped with swimming pools and gyms are advertised at a 61% higher price per square meter compared to those without these services. Individually, a gym adds a 49% premium, a swimming pool contributes a 38% increase, a recreation room (SUM) adds 33%, 24/7 security brings a 25% increase, a barbecue area adds 23%, and a garage contributes 20%. The report notes that while these figures illustrate the value added by certain amenities, the overall preference of buyers continues to evolve, placing greater emphasis on practicality and lifestyle compatibility over traditional luxury indicators.