Homebuyers Want Disaster-Resilient Homes and 88% Will Pay More for Them
The risk of extreme weather is a critical consideration for buyers of newly built homes. Our recent survey found that 92% of nearly 2,000 U.S. homeowners were concerned about at least one type of natural disaster impacting their property. And this fear of extreme weather isn’t just shaping opinions—it’s shaping budgets.
Approximately 20% of all surveyed homeowners said they’d pay up to $10,000 more for a home with climate-resilient features. Among new construction homeowners, that number jumps even higher. This indicates a housing market actively rewarding builders with offerings designed to withstand the rise in severe weather events.
A 100% disaster-proof home isn’t realistic, but incorporating strategic building features can help reduce weather-related risks and appeal to most homeowners who are concerned about severe weather damaging their homes.
Key takeaways
- Nearly all surveyed homeowners (92%) expressed concern about at least one type of natural disaster impacting their property, highlighting the growing influence of climate risk on home buying decisions.
- A strong majority of homeowners (88%) said they’d pay more for a home with climate-resilient features, with that number rising to 93% among new construction homeowners.
- Impact-resistant windows and doors and reinforced roofing were the most desired climate-resilient features, topping the list for new construction homeowners and those with pre-owned homes.
- 1 in 5 homeowners are willing to spend up to $10,000 more for homes designed to withstand extreme weather, demonstrating a financial commitment toward resilience.
- Over one-half (54%) of homeowners said they’d be more likely to purchase a new construction home with resilient features if it came with reduced insurance premiums, rising to 68% among current new construction homeowners.
Climate fear is widespread, but new construction homes offer a solution
Concern over climate threats is nearly universal among U.S. homeowners, but (depending on their location) tornadoes, winter storms, and hurricanes ranked as their most pressing fears. Insights from our upcoming extreme weather study paint a fuller picture.
More than one-half of homeowners (54%) surveyed said climate risks were among their top priorities when shopping for a home. At the same time, 21% reported cost as the main reason they haven’t made climate-resilient home upgrades, like reinforced windows or doors.
For builders, incorporating resilient features from the start could help attract these climate-conscious buyers and spare them the cost and hassle of retrofits down the line.
93% of new construction homeowners would pay more for disaster-resilient features
Homebuyers are ready to invest in more secure house designs. In total, 88% said they’d pay more for a home with features that protect against extreme weather compared to a home without these features. That climbs even higher among new construction homeowners, with 93% saying they would pay extra for the added protection. For owners of pre-owned homes, the figure still stands strong at 81%.
The amount buyers are willing to spend varies, giving builders room to tailor offerings based on budget and local risk. Here’s a breakdown of how much more homeowners are willing to pay for homes with climate-resilient features, compared to those without:
INVESTMENT LEVEL | HOMEOWNERS WILLING TO PAY |
|---|---|
Over $10,000 | 12% |
Up to $10,000 | 20% |
Up to $6,000 | 16% |
Up to $4,000 | 12% |
Less than $4,000 | 17% |
In terms of specific home protection features they’d like to see in their homes, impact-resistant windows and doors and reinforced roofing stand out as the most desirable upgrades. These features scored the highest in terms of buyer preference for both new construction homeowners and owners of pre-owned homes.
These preferences also align with the weather events homeowners fear most. Those concerned about tropical storms prioritized more hurricane-safe houses with impact-resistant windows, while respondents worried about wildfires ranked fire-resistant home features higher than other upgrades.
Similarly, flood-weary homeowners gravitated toward elevated foundations and advanced drainage systems. These findings suggest that strategic builders could capitalize on this trend by offering resilient features tailored to local conditions.
DISASTER-RESILIENT HOME FEATURES RANKED BY IMPORTANCE |
|---|
1. Reinforced roofing materials |
2. Impact-resistant windows and doors |
3. Fire-resistant building materials |
4. Advanced drainage systems |
5. Elevated foundation or flood-resistant design |
6. Earthquake-resistant structural reinforcements |
Insurance discounts sway 54% of buyers toward climate-resilient homes
Homeowners don’t just want climate protection—they want to be rewarded for it. More than half said they’d be more likely to purchase a new construction home with climate-resilient features if their insurance premiums reflected the added protection. Another 36% said it might sway their decision, depending on the features and cost savings.
This incentive had an even stronger impact among new construction homeowners. Of this group, 68% said insurance incentives would increase their likelihood of buying a disaster-resilient home. That compares to 47% of respondents with pre-owned homes. This highlights a growing appetite for homes built for the future, combining long-term protection with insurance savings.
Protection shouldn’t just be built in—it should be rewarded. With Hippo, eligible new construction homebuyers can save up to 25%* on their annual premium compared to other insurance policies. See how we can work together to provide homeowners with the protection they need, so their homes stay secure for the long haul.
Methodology
This report presents findings from a survey administered by SurveyMonkey Audience on behalf of Hippo Insurance Services between April 11 and April 12, 2025. The analysis is based on 1,925 completed questionnaires from screened respondents residing in the United States. They were identified as homeowners of either single-family dwellings, condominiums, or townhouses and were 18 years of age or older.
The reported data is unweighted, and the margin of error for the total sample is approximately ±2% at a 95% confidence interval. Within this sample, 1,232 respondents were owners of pre-owned homes (margin of error approximately ±3% at a 95% confidence interval), and 693 were owners of new construction homes (margin of error ±4% at a 95% confidence interval).
*Savings is the estimated average based upon a comparison of HO-3 policies and HO-5 policies issued by 10 different carriers in 20 states, specifically for new construction homes between Q4 2022 and Q4 in 2023. Individual savings may vary and are not guaranteed.
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