Why Builders Are Adding Soaking Tubs as Standard in 2026

Episode 111 of The Housing Economy digs into a surprising new standard in 2026 new builds: the freestanding soaking tub. Lucas and Luna explore why builders from D.R. Horton to Toll Brothers are moving away from jetted tubs and making deep, standalone soakers a default bathroom feature—even in smaller homes. They tie the trend to shifting buyer demographics, the rise of spa-like wellness at home, and how homebuilders are using the tub to differentiate in a soft housing market. Key data points include median home sale prices at $403,200, housing starts at a 1.177 million annualized pace, and the recent slide in homebuilder stocks like PulteGroup down 5% in five days. This isn't about luxury add-ons; it's about what builders now see as non-negotiable for resale value. #SoakingTub #Homebuilding #RealEstateTrends #NewHomeFeatures #BathroomDesign #WellnessHome #HomebuilderStocks #D.R.Horton #TollBrothers #PulteGroup #Lennar #HousingStarts #MortgageRates #2026Housing #HomeBuyerPreferences #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo