I was honored to be part of a select group of wellness community leaders at the Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium in New York City earlier this month. The event, held in June 17th, brought together attendees and experts from multiple countries. It was a day of great conversations, data-driven insights and real momentum towards reimagining how we live, build and connect.
As someone who built my own home with non-toxic materials, advanced filtration systems and design strategies that prioritize both health and aesthetics, I found this event affirming and energizing. We discussed what really matters in our built environments and how the next generation of homes can better support the people who live in them, with builders, families, and individuals of every age in mind.
Buyers Want Wellness—and They’re Willing to Pay for It
The big takeaway: wellness is no longer a luxury—it’s an expectation. According to new research from the Global Wellness Institute and findings from the symposium, homebuyers are prioritizing these wellness features:
💧 Water filtration systems (70%)
🌬️ Whole-home air filtration (69%)
🤝 Community and outdoor movement spaces (54%)
☕ Walkability to local cafes & gathering spots (45%)
🧘♀️ Dedicated space for yoga, music or meditation (41%)
🏋️ Home gym or exercise room (39%)
🔋 Battery back-up power systems (37%)
☀️ Solar energy infrastructure (35%)
🌿 Biophilic materials & natural lighting
🛁 Spa-inspired bathroom design with double sinks
🔇 Soundproofing for better sleep
🎮 Entertainment amenities are a hot trend, with features like home theaters, gaming rooms, and social lounges.
Buyers want homes that improve their healthspan and Longevity, not just their square footage. These are numbers that have grown 19.5% annually for the past 5 years and will reach $548.4 billion in 2024 and $1.1 trillion by 2029. Wellness features are especially sought after in the middle and upper segments of the real estate market, where buyers are willing to pay a bit more for healthier, more engaging living environments.
More comprehensive and intentional resources are essential for supporting both owners and tenants in maintaining healthy homes, ensuring compliance, and providing ongoing assistance and and regularly evaluating for mold as part of a wellness-focused lifestyle.
What Is Wellness Real Estate? At its core, wellness real estate is about creating environments that actively support our physical health, mental well-being, and sense of community. It’s not just about building homes—it’s about shaping lifestyles that heal, uplift, and connect.
It begins with the essentials: clean air, pure water, and natural light. These homes often integrate advanced air purification systems with real-time monitoring, whole-home water filtration, and architecture designed to maximize daylight while incorporating human-centric lighting. Natural ventilation and operable windows not only enhance comfort—they also play a functional role in refreshing indoor environments and supporting resilience in areas prone to storms and flooding.
Materials also matter. Wellness homes move away from conventional construction materials in favor of low-toxicity alternatives: VOC-free paints, flame-retardant–free furnishings, and mold-resistant drywall and insulation. Even the floors underfoot are thoughtfully chosen—natural, breathable, and kind to both humans and planet.
Mental Health and sensory well-being is carefully considered. Acoustic design plays a key role, with enhanced soundproofing minimizing mechanical ( AC rooms ) and traffic noise to support deeper rest and better sleep. These spaces lean into biophilic principles—think greenery, organic textures, and access to outdoor views—to foster calm and clarity. Wellness homes often feature rooms intentionally carved out for meditation or simply the quiet luxury of rest.
Technology plays its part too—but very mindfully. While smart features like digital shower systems and lighting systems like Control 4 are common, there’s growing awareness around reducing EMF exposure. Many forward-thinking homeowners, myself included, are choosing ethernet-based wiring and tech layouts that prioritize both connectivity and wellness. In fact, the idea of a 'dumb home'—designed for simplicity, safety, and peace of mind—often proves more valuable than ordering groceries from your fridge.
But perhaps one of the most meaningful aspects of wellness real estate is the way it fosters connection. These homes are often part of a walkable community with shared amenities like gardens, plazas, and pedestrian-friendly paths. Pet parks, local food hubs, and community gardens add charm and purpose. And it’s not just the design—it’s the lifestyle: curated programming such as group yoga, or neighborhood dinners turns proximity into true belonging. This is what it means to build well and to live well.
Principles of a Healthy Home
Creating a healthy home is fundamental to supporting the well-being of everyone who lives there. In vibrant, fast-growing cities like Miami and Miami Beach, where the pace of development is rapid and the climate presents unique challenges, it’s more important than ever to focus on the core principles that make a home truly healthy. This means keeping living spaces clean and dry, ensuring proper ventilation, and actively managing potential risks like pests and contaminants.
South Florida’s climate, with its humidity and the looming impacts of climate change, can increase the risk of mold, water intrusion, and other hazards that threaten home health. Rising sea levels and more frequent storms are real concerns for Miami home owners, making regular maintenance and proactive inspections essential. Addressing issues like lead-based paint, especially in older homes, and preventing mold growth are critical steps in reducing the risk of illness, respiratory problems, allergies, etc..
As Miami continues to grow and evolve, putting healthy homes at the center of development ensures that our communities remain safe, vibrant, and welcoming for all.
Wellness Real Estate Technology
Technology is rapidly reshaping the landscape of wellness real estate, especially in dynamic neighborhoods like Downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables. Today’s most sought-after developments are integrating advanced systems that go far beyond traditional amenities, focusing on features that directly enhance the health and well-being of residents.
In Downtown Miami, new buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art air and water purification systems, ensuring that every breath and sip supports good health. Smart home automation allows residents to control lighting, temperature, and even air quality with the touch of a button, creating personalized environments that adapt to their needs. In Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, wellness-focused homes often include dedicated spaces for yoga, meditation, and organic gardening, blending technology with nature to foster balance and tranquility and the most important community.
These innovations aren’t limited to luxury properties. Affordable housing and community developments across Miami are beginning to adopt wellness technologies, making healthy living accessible to more families and individuals. Developers and companies are responding to the growing demand by designing solutions that serve diverse communities, ensuring that wellness is woven into the fabric of every neighborhood.
By embracing technology that supports health, sustainability, and community connection, Miami is setting a new standard for what it means to build—and live—well. The future of housing in South Florida is one where every resident, regardless of location or budget, can enjoy the benefits of a truly healthy home.
Wellness Real Estate and Sustainability
Wellness real estate and sustainability go hand in hand, especially in a region as ecologically sensitive and vibrant as South Florida. With the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay shaping the landscape, Miami’s developers and community leaders are increasingly aware of the need to build in ways that protect both people and the planet.
In neighborhoods like Miami Beach and Coconut Grove, sustainable design is becoming the norm. Developers are choosing green building materials, installing renewable energy systems, and creating eco-friendly landscapes that reduce environmental impact while enhancing the well-being of residents. These efforts not only lower the carbon footprint of new developments but also create healthier, more resilient communities that can better withstand the challenges of climate change.
Miami is fostering neighborhoods that are healthier, safer, and more connected.
As the wellness real estate market continues to expand, it’s clear that the most successful projects are those that balance the needs of residents with the health of the environment. By making sustainability a core principle, Miami and other South Florida communities are paving the way for a future where wellness and environmental responsibility go hand in hand, benefiting individuals, families, and the city as a whole.
ROI for Developers and Buyers Alike
Beyond health, there’s a strong business case:
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Homes with wellness features can command 10–25% price premiums
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Commercial wellness buildings see 4.4–7.7% higher rents per sq ft
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Reduced vacancies, longer leases and higher satisfaction among occupants
Today’s wellness builders are doing more than constructing homes—they’re shaping communities. Beyond using non-toxic materials like VOC-free insulation and mold-resistant drywall, they’re also curating environments that foster connection and culture. That means walkable neighborhoods anchored by local coffee shops—not chains—and thoughtful community programming that brings people together. When wellness is woven into both the home and its surroundings, the result is not just real estate—it’s a lifestyle with long-term value and impact.
The Future of Living Is Healthy, Connected, and Focused on Well Being
The built environment is the next frontier for health. Housing represents 20% of all global consumer spending and buyers are starting to demand that homes offer more than just curb appeal. They want homes that extend lifespan, support mental health and nurture community. The primary principles guiding the creation of healthy, intentional living spaces focus on safety, accessibility, and overall well-being for every person and family.
As a real estate advisor and wellness coach, I help clients find and create homes that align with their values—spaces that feel good, function better and ultimately last longer. I provide personalized service to ensure each person and family discovers a home that supports their well-being and fosters meaningful connections.
Whether you’re buying or designing, the future of real estate is the Healthy Homes Program and wellness.
If you’re curious about Wellness homes in Miami or want to explore how to create a healthier living space, reach out. Let’s build something better—together.
This piece incorporates adapted insights from the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Real Estate report, alongside personal expertise and observations from the Wellness Real Estate Symposium.
Laura Barrera
Wellness Real Estate Expert | Miami Beach
