‘Why not test-drive a home…’: More homebuyers demand sleepovers before buying their dream home

When it comes to multimillion-dollar homes, some buyers are no longer content with glossy brochures or quick walk-throughs. Instead, they are asking for a new kind of open house: an overnight stay. According to a report by the New York Post, more homebuyers are testing properties before committing, treating them like “test drives” for real estate. From sprawling $60 million California estates to cozy Hudson Valley retreats, the trend is catching on in both luxury and mid-tier markets. While some agents view it as a smart sales tactic that helps close deals, others warn of liability risks and privacy concerns, sparking debate across the real estate industry.In Newport Coast, California, aluminum executive Eric Albert faced such a request when an overseas couple expressed interest in his 11,095-square-foot estate, priced at $60.2 million. Instead of simply touring the property, the buyers asked to live in it temporarily to fully understand what they might be investing in. Albert agreed, signing a two-month lease at $250,000 per month, which included use of the furnished home, staff, and luxury cars. As reported by the New York Post, the couple ultimately bid below the asking price but later bought another property in the area through Albert’s agents. For Albert, the arrangement was still worthwhile, showing how short-term stays can serve as both income and a powerful marketing tool for high-value homes.The practice is not confined to the wealthiest corners of California. The New York Post highlighted other cases across the country, demonstrating the growing appeal of “sleepover” trials for different price ranges. In Los Angeles, a bachelor opted to stay one night in a $14.6 million spec home before realizing he wanted something smaller. In New York, a Manhattan couple considered a Hudson Valley country home priced around $600,000. Used to apartment living, they worried about the upkeep of a larger property. Their agent arranged an overnight stay so they could test the utilities, hear the nighttime sounds, and experience the morning light. Feeling reassured, they went on to close the deal. In Texas, retired teacher Connie Howell even invited prospective buyers to spend the weekend in her four-bedroom home, although the family eventually declined to purchase due to renovation costs.Not surprisingly, real estate professionals are divided about the growing trend. Some embrace it as a creative marketing approach that gives buyers the confidence to make life-changing decisions. Compass agent Ari Afshar explained the appeal by comparing it to a car purchase: “If you can drive a car off a lot, why not test-drive a home?” He has arranged trial stays for clients in luxury properties, believing that experiencing a house overnight can tip the scales in favor of a purchase. On the other hand, many brokers are cautious. Douglas Elliman’s Ruthie Assouline, quoted by the New York Post, warned that the concept is a “Pandora’s box for liabilities.” She recalled an incident in Miami where a dinner invitation spiraled into an unauthorized eight-hour stay with uninvited guests and a triggered fire alarm. Coldwell Banker’s Jade Mills also described the idea as unusual, stressing that agents must be skilled judges of character before agreeing to such arrangements.For some buyers, one night is not nearly enough. Short stays can reveal a home’s quirks, but they may not capture the long-term realities of maintenance, neighborhood dynamics, or seasonal changes. John Serra, a New Jersey resident working with Elliman’s Alejandro Sulser, told the New York Post that he hopes to rent in Florida for several months before committing to buy. He argued that “a day, three days, a week, that’s not enough time to get the vibe of a place.” Serra added that he is not seeking discounts but is willing to pay a premium for the chance to thoroughly evaluate a property over a longer period. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among serious buyers who see trial stays as an investment in peace of mind rather than an opportunity to save money.What began as a rare perk for ultra-wealthy clients is edging closer to becoming a mainstream option in the real estate market. As reported by the New York Post, trial stays are increasingly being used to secure buyer confidence, with some resulting in full-price deals shortly after the overnight experience. Yet the practice raises important questions for sellers and agents alike. How do you balance security with sales strategy? How do you protect a property from potential damage while ensuring buyers get the authentic experience they crave? With high-stakes deals on the line, more agents may begin offering carefully managed sleepovers, transforming the way luxury real estate is marketed and sold.