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House-hunting shows are much more than just a great way to spend the evening crashing out on the couch after another busy day. Sure, they certainly are entertaining — there’s drama, humor and even adventure as you discover new places to live — but they also inspire your own journey to homeownership. You can learn a lot, such as knowing what to look for and what to avoid, as you watch others navigate the real estate world.
These five-plus house-hunting shows on Netflix, HGTV and more offer practical lessons and tips to people considering moving or renovating. Let them guide you to your next home and help you move from couch to closing.
1. “House Hunters” and “House Hunters International”
“House Hunters” and “House Hunters International” follow the same premise — prospective homeowners are shown three different properties based on their budget, location and style preferences. Both shows provide viewers with an up-close look into the homebuying process and the occasional compromises that must be made when searching for a dream home.
“House Hunters” helps prospective homeowners see how much house they can realistically afford and how challenging it can be to find something that ticks all the boxes. The narrator guides the story along as couples and families tour various properties that meet as many of their preferences as possible. Viewers are taken on the journey and get to anticipate the big reveal at the end.
While the original focuses on U.S.-based real estate, the international version shows what the house-hunting process looks like in different countries. If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a Paris apartment or a Swedish cottage, this is the show for you. You’ll get a clear picture of diverse architectural styles, different locations and the lifestyle you can expect in other countries.
The latest Gallup poll shows that 21% of Americans expressed the desire to move abroad in 2024. Shows like “House Hunters International” highlight the realities of life in different countries and paint a clear picture of what to expect overseas. Viewers learn that location and lifestyle play a huge role in the house-hunting process.
2. “Property Brothers”
People who enjoy house-hunting shows get a unique perspective from “Property Brothers.” Identical twins Drew and Jonathan Scott, a real estate expert and a licensed contractor, help families find, buy and renovate fixer-uppers. The goal is to transform older, outdated and neglected properties into high-end homes, with the dramatic makeover revealed at the end.
As expected, there are lots of unplanned surprises along the way, such as structural or electrical issues. Outdated wiring is common in older homes, and renovators should also look for overloaded circuits and shallow switch boxes. About 23,700 U.S. house fires were caused by electrical malfunctions in 2023, something house hunters should be aware of when looking at older properties.
“Property Brothers” shows that these challenges can be overcome with the right renovations. It highlights that a diamond in the rough can really shine when given the chance. Viewers learn to look beyond an old house’s current state to appreciate its potential.
3. “Selling Sunset” and “Selling the OC”
Top real estate shows on Netflix include “Selling Sunset” and “Selling the OC,” which deal with agents handling luxury listings in California. “Selling Sunset” focuses on Los Angeles properties, while “Selling the OC” is based in the coastal region of Newport Beach. Both follow high-end agents as they navigate the world of expensive houses and deep-pocketed clients. This “docusoap” reality series has lots of drama and personal conflicts to hook viewers.
The takeaway from shows like these is that marketing, staging and negotiation tactics are vital factors when it comes to buying and selling homes, high-end or not. The National Association of Realtors’ 2025 National Profile of Home Staging proves this point. About 29% of real estate agents said staging led to a 1% to 10% increase in the dollar value offered. Additionally, 49% said it reduced the amount of time houses spent on the market.
This gives potential buyers a unique perspective on presentation and how it can affect their offers. House-hunting shows on Netflix like “Selling Sunset” highlight the high stakes, drama and competition among real estate agents that can help people better understand the selling process.
4. “Love It or List It”
“Love It or List It” gives you something else to think about — would you be better off renovating your house or buying a new one? This one is unique among house-hunting shows in that it highlights homeowners who must decide if they want to remain in their renovated home or move into one of the properties that they tour. Designer Page Turner and real estate agent David Visentin try to encourage show participants to see their way of thinking, with the final decision revealed at the end of the episode.
This is a common dilemma for homeowners, with several factors to consider. For example, it can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $130,000 to add an extra bedroom to your house. Is this a good financial decision, or would you be better off searching for a new space? You need to reevaluate your budget and define your list of “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves.”
“Love It or List It” empowers homeowners to think critically about their current home and its potential before making major life decisions that could impact their finances.
5. “Cheap A$$ Beach Houses”
House-hunting shows dare you to dream, and what better way than to envision yourself living in a beachfront bungalow? “Cheap A$$ Beach Houses” is a newer show that follows buyers who are looking for affordable coastal properties. The focus is on budget-friendly vacation homes that are often quirky, small or fixer-uppers. It follows people as they tour various options and eventually decide on which one to buy.
“Cheap A$$ Beach Houses” shows that owning a beach house is possible without a massive budget. You just need to be willing to look at properties that need a bit of work or are in lesser-known areas. As long as you research the weather in your dream location and use a coastal property inspector to ensure everything is ship-shape, you can embrace the seaside lifestyle with confidence.
Being flexible on the exact location or condition of the house can open up a world of affordable beach house possibilities. With a bit of work, you can find a unique tropical paradise to proudly call your own.
Take Your Own House-Hunting Journey
Watching house-hunting shows is only the first step. Let them inspire you to get off the couch and explore the possibilities out in the real world, whether that’s across the country, on the other side of the ocean or at a tropical locale. Be the star of your own show and turn that dream into reality.
About The Author
Olivia Elsher is a Senior Writer and Editorial Manager at Renovated. She has over 5+ years of experience writing about property related topics such as: real estate, home improvement, renovation, and construction.
