There are different types of houses in the real estate market. Like most people, you may be confused about what kind of house to buy.
Do you want a suburban home with a white picket fence? Or maybe an urban loft with exposed brick walls? The options are endless!
This is why this blog post will explore the different types of houses available in today’s market. We will also discuss the features and style of each class so that you can make an informed decision about which type of house is right for you.
Contents
The Different Types of Homes in Real Estate
Houses Based on Architectural Style
Architectural home styles refer to a specific category of homes with certain architectural features. Moreover, each class is unique and has its own set of characteristics.
For instance, a home in the Ranch style will have a single level with an extended, low profile. In contrast, a home in the Tudor style will have multiple stories and be made of brick and stone.
There are many different kinds of architectural home styles, and let’s take a closer look at each type of house design below.
Bungalow
The bungalow is a one- or one-and-a-half story house. It is typically a tiny home with simple lines and minimal decoration.
The bungalow originated in India, and the word comes from the Hindi word “Bangala,” meaning “of Bengal.” Bungalows became popular in America in the early 20th century and are often associated with the Arts and Crafts movement.
Contemporary
Simple, clean lines characterize contemporary homes and often have an open floor plan and large windows. These homes are usually found in various styles, including ranch, split-level, and two-story.
Split-Level
A split-level home is a house that is divided into two levels. The lower level is typically used as a garage, and the upper level is the main living area.
Cottage
Another type of house based on architectural design is the cottage. It is typically a small house or bungalow with a cozy atmosphere. Moreover, cottages often have a porch or patio where you can enjoy the outdoors.
Ranch
There is also what we call a ranch house. The ranch-style house is a single-story home with an extended, low profile. Ranch homes were originally designed for rural areas but quickly became popular in suburban neighborhoods across America.
Victorian
Meanwhile, Victorian homes are characterized by their ornate, dramatic style. They often have tall ceilings, bay windows, and wrap-around porches. Victorian houses, including Italianate, Queen Anne, and Eastlake, were built in various styles.
Cape Cod
If you are looking for a home that is one-and-a-half stories with a steeply pitched roof, then having a Cape Cod home is for you.
Cape Cod often have a symmetrical facade and small, rectangular windows and originated in New England in the 17th century.
Prairie
Prairie homes, on the other hand, are characterized by their horizontal lines and low-pitched roofs. They often have large windows and porches. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright popularized prairie homes.
Colonial
Colonial homes are characterized by their symmetrical facades and evenly spaced windows. They often have a central door flanked by two columns.
From the name itself, colonial homes were built in various styles, including Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival. If you are into such designs, this one’s for you.
Mediterranean
Another type of house based on architectural style is the Mediterranean home. Mediterranian homes were popular in America in the 1920s and 1930s.
These homes are characterized by stucco exteriors and red tile roofs and often have arched doorways and windows.
Tudor
Lastly, there are also what we call Tudor homes. They are characterized by their half-timbered facades and leaded glass windows. Tudor homes were popular in England in the 16th and 17th centuries.
So if you want to buy a house structured with timber and glass, then a Tudor house might be the right choice.
Houses Based on Design Structure
Meanwhile, a designed structure home is based on a floor plan which the designer or architect has come up with. It is not just about the house’s looks but more about how it would function. The designed structure homes can be in any style as well.
There are many different types of houses available in the real estate market. Among them are:
Single-Family/Detached
Single-Family Houses, also known as Detached homes, are the most common types of houses in America. They are typically one or two stories and can be found in various styles, including ranch, Cape Cod, and Victorian.
Multi-Family Home
Meanwhile, Multi-Family Homes are houses with two or more units, and they can be found in various styles, including duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes.
Modular Home
There are also what we call Modular homes. They are factory-built homes that are then transported to the site and assembled. Usually, modular homes have a lower price tag than traditional stick-built homes.
Co-Op
You probably have heard of a Co-Op already. A co-op is housing where residents own shares in the building or complex. Co-ops can be found in various styles, including high-rise and low-rises.
Condominium
One of the most common houses based on the structure is the Condo. A condominium is a type of housing where residents own their units but share common areas, such as the lobby, gym, or pool. It is usually smaller than apartments.
Apartment
On the other hand, an apartment is a type of housing where residents rent their units from the building owner or management company. Apartments can be found in various styles and sizes, from studio to three-bedroom apartments.
Townhouse
A townhouse is a type of housing where residents own their units but share common areas, such as the lobby, gym, or pool. Compared to a condominium, it is usually larger and is preferred by prominent families.
Tiny Home
From the name itself, a Tiny Home is a small dwelling, typically less than 400 square feet, that can be built on a trailer or other small foundation. Tiny Homes has been growing attention and popularity in recent years as minimalism continues to be apparent among individuals.
Accessory Dwelling Unit
An accessory dwelling unit, or also known as ADU for short, is a small dwelling, typically less than 800 square feet, built on the same property as a single-family home. Moreover, an ADU can be used for various purposes, such as a rental unit, home office, or in-law suite.
Mobile Homes
Lastly, there is also what we call a Mobile Home. From the name itself, it is a dwelling built on a trailer or movable chassis. They are usually found in Mobile Home Parks and are suitable for those who move around.
FAQs
Q: What are the most popular types of houses in America?
A: The most popular type of house in America is the single-family detached home.
Q: What is a modular home?
A: A modular home is a factory-built home that is then transported to the site and assembled.
Q: What is an accessory dwelling unit?
A: An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a small dwelling, typically less than 800 square feet, built on the same property as a single-family home.
Q: What is a mobile home?
A: A mobile home is a dwelling built on a trailer or movable chassis.
Q: What is the difference between a condo and an apartment?
A: The main difference between a condo and an apartment is that condos are typically owned by the residents. In contrast, apartments are typically rented from the building owner or management company.
Conclusion
As you can see, many different types of houses are available in the real estate market. And based on what we have discussed earlier, each type of house has its unique style and features. So be sure to explore all your options before deciding which kind of house is right for you!
