Zillow removes climate risk tool from property listings following real estate industry pushback

The nation’s largest real estate platform has quietly eliminated a climate risk assessment feature after facing pressure from real estate agents and property owners who claimed the tool was damaging home sales prospects.

Zillow introduced the climate risk feature in September 2023, providing potential buyers with detailed assessments of environmental hazards including wildfire danger, flood risk, extreme heat exposure, wind damage potential, and air quality concerns for over one million listed properties. The company initially defended the tool as essential information, stating that “climate risks are now a critical factor in home-buying decisions” for many Americans as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.

However, the real estate industry quickly mobilized against the feature, with agents and some homeowners arguing that the risk scores appeared arbitrary and were unfairly impacting property values and sales. Critics claimed the assessments didn’t accurately reflect local conditions or account for protective measures that might reduce actual risk levels.

The removal of this climate data represents a significant step backward in housing market transparency at a time when climate-related disasters are causing billions in property damage annually. While Zillow has not provided detailed explanations for the decision, the move highlights the ongoing tension between providing consumers with crucial environmental information and protecting real estate market interests. This development raises questions about how the housing industry will adapt to growing climate risks while maintaining market stability.