The Most, Least Desired Home Styles (2024)

FAQs

What is the least desirable style house? ›

Preferences in house style can differ significantly across the country. The study provides a further breakdown of the most popular home styles in the largest U.S. cities. Meanwhile, the least desired home styles appear to be shipping container homes and tiny homes, the study finds.

The most popular home style is the ranch-style house. It's commonly seen in all 50 states, but is more likely to appear in states with lower land costs. This is due to its need for more property than two-story homes.

The Ranch House is America's Most Commonly Sold Home

The ranch house offers space and, occupying just one floor, cradle-to-grave accessibility. Plus, it is plain enough to be affordable – and resalable.

Ranch Style

Ranch house styles are the most searched style in the US today and are common in cities and suburbs across the country. There are various ranch house styles, including California and split-level ranch homes. The main distinguishing features between these styles are living space and home layout.

Bad layouts include a staircase that's facing the door, adjoining bedrooms, and no views from one room to another. Keep in mind that you'll likely sell the home at some point, and a bad layout could make it more challenging to sell.

When building or purchasing a house, you want to choose a structure that will stand the test of time. You will most likely want to learn what type of house will last the longest. Stone and brick houses last the longest. If you are using wood, choose a hardwood for durability.

Starter Homes

They often feature two to three bedrooms and one or two bathrooms. What makes starter homes sell quickly is their affordability and broad appeal to a wide range of buyers. Young professionals, newlyweds, and small families are often on the lookout for these entry-level properties.

Like geodesic dome homes, tiny homes are more energy efficient than other builds because they have less surface area. However, tiny homes are more efficient because they are smaller overall while geodesic dome houses are efficient because of their particular shape.

Which style of home has a low profile? ›

Homes built in the ranch style typically have a long, low profile and large windows. This style became popular in the U.S. in the 1920s, when it was adopted in many tract housing developments.

A manufactured home is typically the least expensive type of living unit to purchase. Apartments are always rentals. Not all condominiums are part of larger buildings or complexes.

Chips, scuffs, and marks on the wall can quickly make your house look tired. Outdated paint colors from years ago — like a heavy beige or maroon — can instantly date your house. While certain wallpaper from years ago probably looked great at first, it might look tired and dated now.

Single-Family Homes

Single-family homes are often more attractive to buyers than multi-family properties. They offer greater privacy and independence, making them a preferred choice for families.

On a per-square-foot basis, pole barn houses and barndominiums are the most affordable at around $50 to $160 per square foot. Other inexpensive home types include modular homes, tiny homes, shipping container homes, and standard one-story ranch homes.