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These Will Be the Most Popular Luxury Home Features in 2023

Cold plunge pools, massage rooms, and other wellness features are trending, according to Sotheby's.

Headshot of Janaya WeckerBy Janaya Wecker
preview for Pella x Whole Home | House Beautiful

Luxury homes are often called dream homes for a reason: They come with extraordinarily lush features, like spacious floor plans, high-tech appliances, decor fit for the rich and famous, and perfectly sculpted gardens. But every year, the bar is raised and there's a new trend that takes over in the most elite real estate circles.

To get a peek into the most popular luxury home features for 2023, we looked at Sotheby's International Realty's 2023 Luxury Outlook report, which surveyed the brand's top agents in the market of mostly $10 million and above listings. They all revealed the lavish requests their clients are adding to their wish lists—and yes, they shared incredible photos too.

Even if these properties are out of your budget, you can still draw inspiration from these unique features for your own home—or, you know, just sit back and enjoy the view.

1. Saltwater Pools

luxury homes
Coastal Home Photography/Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Saltwater pools offer benefits that standard pools don't. This $22 million Siesta Key space (complete with an in-water lounge), for example, requires less chlorine. That means you won't be noticing any chemical-like "pool" smells here.

luxury homes
Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty

The water also feels much smoother. (Seriously, it's like diving into silk!) Instead of burning your eyes and drying out your skin, it's actually possible to emerge from one of these pools—like the one at this $20 million Newport Beach home—feeling better. It also won't dull the colors of your swimsuits and towels.

luxury homes
Provided by Sotheby’s International Realty

Pool architecture is getting more and more creative with every new luxury home that hits the market. This $13 million Bel Air house has a 73-foot wraparound infinity pool.

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2. Massage Rooms

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Greece Sotheby’s International Realty

While most luxury homes might already contain a spa, massage-specific rooms are becoming trendy. The wooden walls in this Grecian property create a zen vibe.

luxury homes
LUXHABITAT Sotheby’s International Realty

Massage rooms—like the one in this incredible Dubai home—make it easy for multiple guests to use a spa at once. You'll be uninterrupted from those working out, soaking in the hot tub, or hitting the sauna.

luxury homes
LUXHABITAT Sotheby’s International Realty

That same Dubai property has separate smaller areas specifically for couples massages, to make date night extra special.

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3. Cold Plunge Pools

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MW Studio for Sotheby's International Realty

Cold plunge pools are becoming more and more common in luxury properties, like in this $4.2 million New York City residence. The icy water is believed to have multiple benefits, ranging from improved circulation to better mental health.

4. Wine Cellars

luxury homes
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

Wine is an important industry for investors. Those buying luxury homes are looking for a designated place to store their growing collections, like the one in this $6.3 million Arizona home.

luxury homes
Nils Timm

And luxury cellars need to be large. According to Sotheby's, the Liv-ex 1000 index—a wine benchmark that includes the most widely traded wines—was up 14% through mid-October 2022. The cellar pictured here, from a $68 million Bel Air property, fits the bill.

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luxury homes
Greece Sotheby’s International Realty

Oftentimes, luxury cellars can be the size of a regular room, like the one in this gorgeous Grecian estate. "When you compare wine to other asset classes based on returns, correlation, and volatility, it's a no-brainer to put in your portfolio," Nicholas King, CEO of wine platform Vint, told Sotheby's International.

5. Energy-Efficient Fireplaces

luxury home
Modern Take/Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces often require heavy maintenance, making energy-efficient options a popular alternative. Like the one seen in this $35 million Newport Beach home, these fireplaces offer the same amount of warmth with more safety and eco-friendly benefits.

6. Water Purification Systems

luxury home
Coastal Home Photography/Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

High-tech water filtration systems reduce the need for plastic water bottles by removing toxic chemicals found in tap water. So taking a sip from this $22 million Florida estate's kitchen sink is delicious and eco-friendly.

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luxury homes
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

You won't just feel better after drinking purified water—you might look better too. Pure water could mean less damage to your skin and hair. Plus, if you dye your hair, the color won't dull as quickly. So if you never want to leave this $3 million Arizona home's bathtub, you don't have to!

7. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

luxury homes
Sotheby’s International Realty

It's no surprise that floor-to-ceiling windows, as seen in this $13 million Los Angeles home, tops the list. Not only does the sought-after feature bring in a ton of natural light, but it also puts jaw-dropping views on grand display.

luxury homes
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

While this amenity is more contemporary, it can make a big statement in any style of home—especially in rooms with darker palettes, like in this $6.3 million Arizona estate.

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eric miller architects
Russell Abraham for Sotheby’s International Realty

When you have such a beautiful water view, let nature be your artwork. Then you can opt for 3D art, like the unique sculpture seen in this $18.5 million Carmel-by-the-Sea property.

luxury homes
Jump Visuals/Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty

You don't have to live by the ocean to enjoy the perks of floor-to-ceiling windows. In this $2.4 million New York property, the forest views create a cozy cabin feel.

luxury homes
Nils Timm

Floor-to-ceiling windows are especially gorgeous in a dining room, like in this $68 million Bel Air space. They create an environment unlike any other for a formal dinner party.

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luxury homes
Dan Milstein/William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Sometimes the windows completely speak for themselves. In this $5 million Connecticut house, they serve as a centerpiece for the room. Minimal decor makes the space feel clean, sophisticated, and roomy.

luxury homes
Travis Mark for Sotheby's International Realty

City dwellers can enjoy this feature just as much as countryside homeowners. As this incredible $3.45 million New York City condo shows, views of the skyline are just as impressive as any beach.

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