Generations Devlog #3: Real Estate, Lot Traits & the Housing Market

Hi everyone! Welcome back to another deep dive into Everlife Generations. We’ve already looked at Careers and Conditions, but what’s life without a place to call home? This week, we’re breaking down the new Real Estate System, where houses aren’t just static purchases. They’re living, evolving assets with quirks, character, and plenty of surprises.

Buying, Selling & the Market

Every property comes with a Base Value and a Condition Rating that determines its worth. A pristine estate in perfect shape will fetch a fortune, while a run-down starter home might be affordable but in need of serious work. You can take advantage of a strong Mechanics Skill by purchasing lower-condition homes and repairing them yourself to boost their value.

The housing market itself is always shifting. Some seasons will bring a seller’s market, where homes are worth far more than usual, while other times you might find prices dropping across the board. Deciding whether to cash out while the market is hot or wait out a slump adds a strategic layer to real estate ownership.

Amenities: Making a House a Home

Properties now include Amenity Slots that add character, value, and new ways to play. A cozy cottage might have a Fireplace 🔥 or Library 📚 tucked inside, while a sprawling estate could feature flashier upgrades like a Home Theater 🎬, Swimming Pool 🏊, or even a Recording Studio 🎙️.

The real power of amenities comes from the unique actions they unlock. A Home Office 💼 lets you catch up on projects from the comfort of your own space, directly boosting your Work Performance, while a Library 📚 offers the chance to read rare books, giving you skill gains across a variety of areas. Each amenity adds a layer of strategy and storytelling, shaping how your character spends their free time.

When homes appear on the market, they generate with a random mix of amenities based on their size. If you want to customize, you can always call in a Contractor 🔨 to swap something out for an upgrade that better matches your lifestyle. Over time, these choices turn a simple property into a home that reflects your character's story.

Traits: Every House Has a Story

Beyond amenities, every property in Generations spawns with a Lot Trait that defines its personality. Traits can be charming, frustrating, or downright spooky, but they always shape the way your home feels to live in.

Some traits make life easier. A Cozy 🛋️ home helps you recover Mental Health more quickly, while a Quiet 🤫 house offers peace of mind that keeps stress low. A Historical 🏛️ estate might even increase in value over time, attracting curious visitors or a bit of prestige.

Others create challenges. A Run-Down 🧱 property demands constant repairs, an Infested 🪳 home will leave you battling pests, and a Moldy 🦠 house can drag down your Physical Health. Then there are the wildcards, like a Haunted 👻 manor with restless spirits or a flashy Smart Home 🤖 where the occasional glitch can turn convenience into chaos.

Lot Traits are (mostly) permanent, so buying a home means buying into its story. Whether you’re chasing luxury, serenity, or the thrill of ghost-hunting at midnight, every house in Generations comes with a personality all its own.

The Housing Game

Real estate in Generations is about more than just buying somewhere to live. It’s about timing the market, customizing amenities, navigating quirky traits, and building a portfolio that reflects your character’s journey. Whether you dream of a single quiet retreat or a sprawling empire of properties, the housing system makes every purchase feel like a story in itself.

Next Week

That’s all for this week’s devlog. Real estate in Generations brings strategy, personality, and unpredictability to home ownership. Stay tuned for next Thursday for another feature deep-dive!

See you soon,

— Phil