The Most, and Least, Desired Home Styles - RISMedia's Housecall (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 Ranch House is America's Most Commonly Sold Home

Ranch-style housing is the most popular across 20 states. This American classic was built in such quantities in the mid-twentieth century that it prevails through sheer force. The ranch house offers space and, occupying just one floor, cradle-to-grave accessibility.

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.

Contemporary Architectural Style

Sporting clean lines and avoiding ornate details, contemporary homes typically are made up of geometric shapes with flat roofs and endless design possibilities.

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 Outdated paint colors from years ago — like a heavy beige or maroon — can instantly date your house.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.

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.

Starter homes are typically smaller, more affordable properties perfect for first-time buyers or individuals looking to downsize. 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.

Colonial. Colonial-style homes have the highest resale factor when all other elements are equal.

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.

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.

What is the most popular house style in 2024? ›

Midcentury modern is the top trending style, with 56% expressing a preference for this aesthetic. Contemporary architecture closely follows at 37%, while ranch-style homes appeal to 31% of homebuyers. The hot farmhouse trend might be cooling, as only 28% desire this style, made popular by Joanna Gaines.

“Mediterranean-style architecture is a classic, timeless tradition that combines elements of proportion and design,” Anne Fairfax says.

The best house direction as per Vastu, is northeast, as it is associated with the God of wealth. Similarly, the southwest is considered the direction of evil.

Homes that are well-maintained and recently updated tend to sell faster than those in need of significant renovations. Buyers are often willing to pay a premium for properties that are move-in ready.

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.