The Most, and Least, Desired Home Styles - RISMedia's Housecall (2024)

The Most, and Least, Desired Home Styles - RISMedia's Housecall (1)

By Claudia Larsen

Keeping up with trends in the real estate market goes beyond following the data of home prices, mortgage rates and so on. A big part of staying on top of the housing market is knowing what styles and types of homes clients are more interested in. You have to follow whether the ranch is in or out, and if internet fad’s like tiny homes are becoming popular enough for you to start bringing them as an option to clients.

Where can you turn to stay on top of these trends? American Home Shield’s new report has the answers.

AHS’s new report analyzed Zillow listings across the U.S. to reveal the most and least admired of the country’s most common home styles (out of a list of 65 architectural styles) by median daily listing views.

Octagon style homes take the top spot, with 56 daily views on Zillow. The AHS report references the style’s rarity and uniqueness as why it may attract so much attention. Stick style follows closely in second with 51.1 views, characterized by boards placed in “Tudor-style” patterns across the outside walls, tall vertical windows and overhanging eaves.

The top 10 most desired home styles:

  1. Octagon style (56 daily views)
  2. Stick style (51.1 views)
  3. Ranch style (49.3 views)
  4. Neo-Mediterranean style (43.5 views)
  5. Shingle style (41.5 views)
  6. Dutch colonial (31.6 views)
  7. Cape cod (30.7 views)
  8. Prairie style (23.2 views)
  9. Townhouse (21.2 views)
  10. Mid-century modern (20.1 views)

Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, shipping container homes are the least desired style of home at only 2.8 daily views. An internet fad, the home attracts more attention in circles of DIY home builders rather than those searching for Zillow listings. Tidewater homes, coastal homes with wraparound porches and a raised base to avoid flooding, follow behind at 3.1 views.

The 10 least desired home styles:

  1. Shipping container (2.8 daily views)
  2. Tidewater (3.1 views)
  3. Tiny house (3.5 views)
  4. Beaux arts (5 views)
  5. Art deco (5.1 views)
  6. New traditional (5.2 views)
  7. Federal (5.2 views)
  8. Art moderne (8.4 views)
  9. A-frame (10.1 views)
  10. Log cabin (10.9 views)

For the full report, click here.

Claudia Larson is an associate editor for RISMedia.

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.

What is the most popular home style? ›

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.

What style of house sells the most? ›

The Ranch House is America's Most Commonly Sold Home

Ranch-style housing is the most popular across 20 states.

What is the most common type of house? ›

A single-family home is a detached building built on a lot. They are the most common type of house; around 70 percent of Americans live in a single-family home.

What makes house look outdated? ›

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.

What style of house lasts the longest? ›

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.

What style house is most expensive? ›

The Most & Least Expensive Home Styles, Overall

Mediterranean-style homes are the most valuable on our list, with an average price of $884,745. Mediterranean homes take inspiration from the traditional houses in countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece.

What type of house sells the fastest? ›

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.

What type of house has best resale value? ›

Colonial Homes

These homes often feature brick or wood siding and gable roofs. Colonial homes are popular among buyers because of their historical charm and practical layouts. Their timeless appeal makes them a top choice in many real estate markets, ensuring a high resale value.

What style of house has the best resale? ›

While resale value has many determining factors, some home styles simply have higher resale values than others when all other variables are equal. Topping that list are ranch-style homes. These single-level floor plans have no steps to climb up and down, making them ideal for older buyers.

What type of house with the least? ›

What type of house weighs the least? A lighthouse!

What is the most common house style in America? ›

What is the most common house style in America? One-story ranches are the most common house style in the United States, but Colonial homes, bungalows, and Cape Cods are also seen throughout the country.

What is the strongest type of house? ›

Insulated concrete forms are believed to be one of the strongest house frame options. They are energy efficient, as well as water and disaster-resistant.

What is a bad house layout? ›

A bad layout is when you have to walk around multiple things to get to spaces and furniture has to be placed so it is blocking items just so you can have enough seating for your family etc. and makes it cramped when you do have to walk to get to something.

What is the least expensive type of home? ›

6 Cheapest Types Of Houses To Build
  1. Prefabricated Homes. Prefabricated (prefab) homes are homes in pieces, built at an off-site location. ...
  2. Kit Homes. Kit homes are also customized and built off-site by a manufacturer. ...
  3. Tiny Homes. ...
  4. Shipping Container Homes. ...
  5. Barndominiums. ...
  6. Modular Homes.
Feb 4, 2024

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