By Sheila Alston
Your Home Shapes Your Health—Even If You Don’t Realize It
Most people put a lot of thought into their health—what they eat, how often they exercise, and even their sleep habits. But few stop to consider one of the biggest influences on their well-being: their home.
The reality is, your living environment has a profound impact on how you feel every day. Air quality, building materials, lighting, mold exposure, and even electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can affect energy levels, immune function, and long-term health. For those with chronic conditions, sensitivities, or respiratory issues, these factors can make the difference between thriving and just getting by.
Yet, most homebuyers don’t even know to ask about these things—and the traditional real estate market isn’t set up to address them.
That’s why a growing number of forward-thinking developers, wellness-focused real estate professionals, and healthy home experts are leading the charge in creating homes and communities that prioritize well-being.
Wellness Real Estate: Pioneered by Developers, Not Driven by Demand (Yet) Unlike other real estate trends driven by consumer demand, wellness real estate is being pioneered by developers who see the future before the market does.
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the wellness real estate sector grew from $225 billion in 2019 to $438 billion in 2023, an 18.1% annual growth rate. And it’s projected to reach $913 billion by 2028. But despite this rapid growth, most homebuyers still don’t realize that “healthy homes” are even an option.
What’s happening is this: forward-thinking developers are building wellness-focused communities with features like purified air, toxin-free materials, biophilic design, and access to nature. But not everyone can—or wants to—move into one of these new developments. The real opportunity lies in helping people understand how to make their existing homes healthier, too.
This is where wellness-focused agents, architects, building biologists, green builders, and designers come in. They’re helping bridge the gap between what’s being built and what’s possible for anyone looking to improve their home environment—even if they’re not buying new.
What Makes a Home “Wellness-Focused”?
A wellness home is designed to support your physical and mental health, but it doesn’t require a total rebuild. Many elements of wellness real estate can be integrated into any home through smarter design, better materials, and healthier systems.
Here’s what sets a wellness home apart:
Clean, Purified Air
Indoor air pollution is one of the biggest hidden health risks in homes today. Poor ventilation, off-gassing from furniture and building materials, and hidden mold growth can contribute to respiratory issues, brain fog, and fatigue. Developers of wellness communities integrate high-performance HVAC systems, whole-home air filtration, and humidity control to keep air fresh and clean. Homeowners can take similar steps by upgrading to HEPA filters, adding air purifiers, and using low-VOC paints and furnishings.
Non-Toxic, Sustainable Materials
Many conventional homes are built with materials that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and other toxins into the air over time. Forward-thinking developers are using natural, non-toxic materials like low-VOC flooring, plant-based insulation, and chemical-free cabinetry to reduce exposure. Homeowners looking to retrofit their homes can swap out toxic finishes, upgrade furniture, and choose natural alternatives for flooring and paint.
Mold Prevention & Moisture Control
Mold isn’t just an eyesore—it can be a major health hazard, especially for those with asthma, allergies, or autoimmune conditions. Wellness-designed homes focus on preventing moisture buildup with smart ventilation, whole-home dehumidifiers, and mold-resistant materials. Homeowners can take proactive steps by testing for mold, fixing leaks quickly, and improving airflow in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.
Spaces Designed for Health & Well-Being
New wellness communities often include meditation gardens, community wellness centers, and homes designed with dedicated spaces for movement and relaxation. Homeowners can bring this concept into their own space by creating a wellness nook—whether it’s a cozy reading spot, a home yoga corner, or a simple outdoor retreat.
EMF Awareness & Reduction
With smart home technology and constant connectivity, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are an increasing concern for health-conscious homeowners. Some wellness-focused developers are designing homes with shielded wiring, dedicated low-EMF sleeping areas, and hardwired internet options to reduce wireless exposure. For existing homes, simple changes like turning off Wi-Fi at night, using EMF-blocking paint in bedrooms, and keeping electronics away from sleeping areas can make a difference.
Natural Light & Biophilic Design
Exposure to natural light has been linked to better sleep, improved mood, and higher productivity. Wellness communities often incorporate larger windows, skylights, and nature-inspired design to maximize light exposure and bring the outdoors in. Homeowners can achieve similar benefits by using sheer curtains, adding mirrors to reflect light, and prioritizing spaces with good daylight access.
The Role of Wellness-Focused Agents & Experts
Since wellness real estate is still in its early stages, most buyers and sellers don’t know what to look for—or how to market a home’s wellness potential. This is where wellness-focused real estate professionals play a key role.
Helping Buyers Understand Healthier Homes
Educating clients on air quality, mold risks, and material toxicity so they can make informed choices.
Connecting buyers with healthy home experts, building biologists, and green builders for deeper insights.
Identifying homes with wellness-friendly features or potential for wellness upgrades.
Helping Sellers Highlight Wellness Features
Positioning homes with air filtration, non-toxic materials, and wellness-oriented design as premium offerings.
Educating potential buyers on the long-term health benefits of a well-designed living space.
Partnering with home stagers and wellness experts to create a home environment that feels as good as it looks.
The Future: A Shift in Awareness, Not Just Housing
Right now, wellness real estate is still an emerging movement. But as more people understand how their home affects their health, demand for healthier housing will grow—not just for brand-new communities but for wellness-focused upgrades in any home.
Forward-thinking developers are leading the way, but the real opportunity lies in education. The more people “get it,” the more the industry will evolve to meet new expectations. That’s why wellness real estate isn’t just about selling homes—it’s about changing the way people think about where they live.
Talk to a Wellness-Focused Agent Near You
You don’t have to live in a brand-new wellness community to benefit from a healthier home. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply looking to improve your current space, a wellness-focused real estate agent can help you make informed choices.
How to Find a Wellness-Focused Agent
While wellness real estate is still in its early stages, more real estate professionals are recognizing the connection between home environments and health. If you're buying a home and want to ensure it supports your well-being—or if you’re selling a home with wellness features—you’ll want to work with an agent who understands these factors.
Questions to Ask When Interviewing an Agent:
✔ Are you familiar with wellness real estate and the impact of indoor environments on health?
✔ How do you help buyers identify potential mold issues, and do you have trusted professionals who can assess it?
✔ What’s your approach when working with clients who have sensitivities to chemicals, air quality, or EMFs?
✔ If I’m selling a home with energy-efficient and wellness upgrades, how would you market those features to potential buyers?
✔ Do you believe these wellness features add value, and how would you justify a higher listing price?
The goal isn’t to find an agent who knows everything about healthy homes—but one who takes these concerns seriously and has the right network of experts to guide you through the process. More agents are becoming educated in this space, and by asking the right questions, you can find one who aligns with your values and needs.
Want to learn more? Talk to the agent who gave you this magazine and start the conversation about how your home can better support your well-being.
By Sheila Alston
Founder of HealthyHOME Media Host of Wellness Real Estate TV and the WellLIFE PODCAST
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