Luxury Real Estate Trends: What Features Are Defining Laguna Beach Sales in 2026?

Answer: In 2026, Laguna Beach luxury buyers are prioritizing "quiet luxury" and hyper-functional wellness. The top selling points include invisible smart home technology, biophilic design (living walls and indoor-outdoor blending), and dedicated "recovery zones" like cold plunges and infrared saunas. To maximize your home's value in this shifting market, partner with Marcus Skenderian to highlight these specific features.

The definition of "luxury" in Laguna Beach is constantly evolving. Ten years ago, it was about massive square footage and ornate Tuscan villas. Today, the most coveted homes in Laguna are defined by something different: intentionality.

As we kick off 2026, we are seeing a distinct shift in what high-net-worth buyers are demanding. It is no longer just about the view (though that never hurts); it is about how the home lives. Buyers are looking for properties that serve as sanctuaries—spaces that actively contribute to their health, efficiency, and peace of mind.

At Marcus Skenderian Real Estate, we track these micro-trends closely. Whether you are preparing to sell or looking to buy, understanding these 2026 pillars of value is essential.

1. "Invisible" Smart Tech: The End of the Gadget Era

Gone are the days of flashy touchscreens on every wall. In 2026, technology is expected to be felt, not seen.

• What Buyers Want: Automated systems that work in the background. Think "circadian lighting" that automatically warms in color temperature as the sun sets over the Pacific, or climate control that adjusts based on occupancy without you touching a thermostat.

• The Laguna Twist: In coastal homes, we are seeing a surge in smart glass technology—windows that tint automatically to block glare from the ocean without obscuring the view or needing heavy drapes.

2. Biophilic Design: Nature as Architecture

"Indoor-outdoor living" has always been the Laguna Beach mantra, but 2026 takes it further. It’s not just about opening a sliding door; it’s about blurring the line completely.

• Living Walls & Internal Courtyards: Architects are bringing greenery inside. We are seeing vertical gardens in entryways and "atrium" style layouts where a tree might be the focal point of a hallway.

• Organic Materials: The "glossy white" modern look is out. It is being replaced by warm textures—raw limestone, unlacquered brass, and honed woods that mimic the driftwood and cliffs of our coastline.

3. The Rise of the "Recovery Zone"

Post-pandemic health consciousness has evolved into high-performance wellness. A simple treadmill in the garage doesn't cut it anymore.

• The New Standard: Luxury estates in Laguna Beach are now expected to have dedicated "recovery suites."

• Must-Have Amenities:

• Infrared Saunas: Built-in, wood-lined, and aesthetically pleasing.

• Cold Plunges: Permanent, plumbed fixtures (not just a tub of ice).

• Chromotherapy Showers: Showers that use light and sound for relaxation.

4. "Flex" Spaces That Actually Work

The "Zoom Room" of 2020 has matured. With many high-level executives working remotely from Laguna Beach permanently, the home office has become a command center.

• Acoustic Privacy: Soundproofing is a major selling point.

• The "ADU" Evolution: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are no longer just for grandma. In 2026, they are being marketed as "Executive Annexes"—detached, private spaces for deep work or hosting long-term guests who want autonomy.

5. Sustainability is the Ultimate Luxury

In 2026, efficiency is sexy. Buyers are asking detailed questions about a home's carbon footprint and resilience.

• Energy Independence: Homes with solar panels + battery storage (like Tesla Powerwalls) command a premium. Buyers want to know their home can run off-grid during a power outage.

• Water Wise: With California's water focus, high-end synthetic turf (that actually looks real) and native, drought-tolerant landscaping are preferred over thirsty, high-maintenance lawns.

What This Means for Sellers in 2026

If you are planning to sell your home this year, you don't need to rebuild it from scratch. But you should think about how to position it.

• Staging: Swap out cool grays for warmer, organic tones. Add greenery.

• Marketing: If you have a sauna or solar panels, don't bury that in the fine print. At Marcus Skenderian Real Estate, we highlight these features as primary selling points because we know that is what buyers are filtering for.

Marcus Skenderian’s Insight:

"The 2026 buyer is sophisticated. They aren't impressed by gold faucets anymore. They want a home that operates efficiently and makes them feel healthier. When we list a home, we tell the story of the lifestyle—how the light hits the kitchen in the morning, how the smart system secures the home at night. That emotional connection is what closes the deal at a record price."

Final Thoughts: The Future is Here

Laguna Beach remains one of the most desirable zip codes in the world because it adapts. The homes selling for record prices in 2026 are the ones that embrace these trends—combining the timeless beauty of the ocean with the modern demand for wellness and tech-enabled ease.

Are you curious how your home stacks up against these 2026 trends?

Is your home ready for the 2026 buyer? Don't leave money on the table by marketing your home like it's 2020. Contact Marcus Skenderian Real Estate with Compass for a consultation on how to highlight your home's most valuable features. Call (949) 295-5758 or visit  MarcusSkenderian.com.