The SPARK Exchange — Real Estate: The Must-Have Amenities Hamptons Home Buyers Want in 2026

The SPARK Exchange: Real Talk About the Hamptons Real Estate Market With the East End’s Top Brokers

What are buyers looking for in the Hamptons today? Which amenities have become expected rather than luxury extras—and does it depend on the price point? SPARK Hamptons asked five of the East End’s top real estate brokers to weigh in, and their answers reveal how buyer priorities continue to evolve.

The Big Question: Which amenities have become the new standard for Hamptons buyers since the pandemic? Does it vary by price point?

Patrick McLaughlin

Douglas Elliman, Sag Harbor

What buyers consider “standard” in the Hamptons has definitely evolved since the pandemic.

Outdoor living remains at the top of the list across virtually every price point. Buyers want homes that function as true retreats, so fully equipped outdoor kitchens, comfortable lounge areas, fire pits, heated pools, and beautifully landscaped spaces have become expected rather than exceptional.

Inside the home, dedicated gyms and infrared saunas continue to be among the most requested wellness amenities, reflecting buyers’ desire to recreate the luxury resort experience without leaving home.

Interestingly, one feature that’s become less of a priority is the traditional home theater. While they’re still appreciated, many buyers are opting instead for inviting family rooms with oversized televisions and comfortable seating where they can gather to watch movies, binge their favorite shows, or enjoy a big sporting event together.

As you move into the ultra-luxury market, you’ll see buyers expecting additional features like pickleball courts, wine cellars, and wellness suites, but regardless of price point, exceptional outdoor living space has become one of the few amenities that nearly every Hamptons buyer expects.

Mala Sander

Corcoran, Sag Harbor

The most in-demand amenities today center around wellness and year-round living. Buyers are looking for dedicated wellness spaces with saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, massage rooms, and, of course, a well-equipped gym—now considered almost essential.

Outdoor living remains a major priority, with covered porches featuring heaters, fireplaces, outdoor televisions, and fully equipped outdoor kitchens extending the entertaining season.

Inside the home, expansive primary suites with dual walk-in closets and dual bathrooms are increasingly sought after. And as more buyers balance work-from-home with family life, having space for two dedicated home offices has become a significant advantage.

Kieran Brew

SERHANT., Hamptons

Seems like 2026 is the year of the infrared sauna. In combination with the cold plunge—which is soooooo 2023—it has become the standard spa amenity. More interesting than what people are looking for is what they’re not. The home theater? Not such a big deal anymore. People would rather have a large screen and an even larger sectional to watch the game or binge-worthy series.

But the gym? Those are becoming more and more important every year. This year we’re seeing them move out of the basement and into a room with a view. Outdoor kitchens seem to be coming into their own nowadays, and the office is replacing the nursery as the must-have bonus room. Laundry on every floor is a really nice touch, as laundry rooms get nicer and nicer.

It definitely varies by price point. The bigger the budget, the more amenities, of course—and the bigger those amenities are, and the nicer that view from the gym is.

Nancy Mizrahi

Saunders & Associates, Bridgehampton

A lot of people, especially since the pandemic, like to entertain at home—that’s why a professional-grade kitchen is often in demand. It is still the heart of the home and often the center of entertainment. I’ve seen a strong move toward amenities like padel and pickleball. Movie theaters—not so much. People like a gathering room for the family, but not necessarily a movie theater. Oftentimes they want a finished lower level instead of a movie theater.

There’s a renewed interest in home gardening, especially vegetable gardening. Many clients are into it, and I admit, I do it myself. People love to grow and then cook their own vegetables. It’s so satisfying.

Home offices are still in strong demand as the work-from-home option, even if part-time, has changed the landscape out East. And of course, gym/spa/wellness is often at the top of an amenities list for the discerning buyer who wants the option to work out at home, as well as take a long walk on the beach.

Michael Schultz

Bespoke Real Estate, Water Mill

I think with COVID and all of that meeting and greeting outdoors, all of those screened-in porches are becoming year-round. Where you have screens, now maybe windows can be put in, and heating the floors is now on the to-do list. I see a lot of transition; you may not hang out in that screened-in porch in January, but you can certainly add electric space heaters to the ceilings.

Everybody seems to want a gym these days. Sometimes that translates into more “wellness,” like a steam room, a sauna, and even a cold plunge. The new houses have a lot of those amenities, whereas the older ones don’t have gyms. It seems important. I’ll often show a house off-season with a pool covered, and the first question is, “Does it have a spa and a hot tub?” So use of the outdoor space amenities is a priority.

It’s amazing, though, what can be done outdoors. I sold an old farmhouse, and it was very barren in back—but the buyers put in nice grass, and a pool transformed it with landscaping, plantings, and an entire orchard with gravel paths. But in general, people really don’t want to do any work. They like move-in condition.

Have a real estate question for The Spark Exchange? Send it to: info@sparkhamptons.com with ‘real estate’ in the subject line.

Angela LaGreca

Editor, Co-Founder/Publisher

Angela LaGreca, Editor-in-chief and co-Founder/Publisher of Spark Hamptons, is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, producer, writer and comedian/host. Her TV credits include NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “The View,” and, most recently, the primetime cable news program “Cuomo” on NewsNation. On the East End, she was the Creative Director at LTV, VP Features/Events/Photo Editor at Dan’s Papers, and has performed at Guild Hall, Bay Street Theater and the WHBPAC. Her publishing career began at Modern Photography, where she was managing editor. LaGreca lives in Manhattan and East Hampton and can be reached at angelatvmedia@gmail.com and angela@sparkhamptons.com .