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Common home styles and types of houses

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August 08, 2022

Written by David McMillin Edited by Michele Petry Reviewed by Jeffrey Beal

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If you’re thinking about buying a new home, get ready to explore a wide range of options.
From single-family homes to condos and everything in between, knowing the nuances of
different types of houses can help you determine what will work best for you. Do you
want complete privacy? Common areas shared with other residents you’ll see every day?
Space you might be able to rent out for some extra income? And what kind of design will
help you make a house feel more like a home?
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House types by design structure

Single-family home

When you think of buying a house, you may be picturing a single-family home that sits on
its own piece of land and isn’t attached to any other structures.

However, by U.S. Census Bureau definition, a single-family house could also be a row
house, townhouse or semi-detached home, as long as it’s separated from adjacent units
by a ground-to-roof wall (no other housing units above or below) and does not share any
utilities or HVAC systems with other homeowners. People who choose single-family
homes tend to appreciate privacy, the potential for more storage space and greater
autonomy when it comes to making decisions about the property.

Co-op or condo

You might also consider a condominium or co-op (short for “cooperative” housing). In the
case of a condo, homeowners purchase an individual unit within a community of other
units. In a co-op, you would own shares in the cooperative or corporation that owns your
building or community, rather than the unit itself. Some condos and co-ops come with
amenities such as a gym or a doorman, and in most of the country, they tend to be more

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affordable than single-family homes. However, there are some drawbacks: monthly HOA
fees, restrictions from HOA rules and limited privacy.

Townhouse

A townhouse is a multi-floor home with its own entrance that shares one or two walls
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appreciate the smaller footprint because they typically cost less than a detached single-
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Depending on the community, other potential pros include shared amenities, an HOA to
manage exterior maintenance and landscaping and some outdoor space to enjoy. The
cons, on the other hand, can include limited parking, HOA rules and fees and lack of
privacy.

Multi-family home

A multi-family home is a single housing unit designed to accommodate more than one
family living independently. This might be a duplex or a building with up to four
apartments. Sometimes, an individual or family will purchase a multi-family home to live
in one part of it while renting the other units for additional income. Another benefit is the
ability to provide close but separate living space for a relative — particularly one that
might need frequent assistance, such as an elderly parent.

Accessory dwelling unit

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — also sometimes known as an additional dwelling unit
—  is a second housing unit on the same lot as a single-family home, which has its own
kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and entrance. These can be entirely separate structures, or
they can be converted spaces such as a basement suite or an apartment above a garage.
ADUs are often used as a separate space for a family member to call home, which is why
they are sometimes called in-law suites. However, you don’t have to be related to the

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single-family home owner to live in an ADU. ADUs are not permitted everywhere, but
they have become a popular way to earn rental income in places they are allowed,
especially in expensive areas like California.

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Modular home

A modular home is a factory-built home assembled by a builder on a permanent

foundation and on a piece of property. Though they seem similar, modular homes are not
the same as mobile homes, which can technically be moved from place to place. They are
also slightly different from manufactured homes in that manufactured homes are
typically completely built off-site, unlike a modular home, which is built on-site.

Mobile home

Mobile homes are also called manufactured homes, although the “manufactured”
terminology didn’t exist until the Housing Act of 1980. Regardless of how someone
describes these properties, they are built in a factory and then transported to a plot of
land. These tend to be some of the cheapest types of homes to purchase, although
getting a mortgage for a mobile home may include some additional restrictions. Often, a
homeowner might own the home, but not the land it sits on. Instead, they have to rent
that property in a land lease arrangement. Also, mobile homes are not that mobile.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to move and set up a single-wide trailer is
between $5,000 and $8,000.

Ti h i
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Tiny home or container home

Tiny homes are exactly what they sound like: tiny. They tend to be under 600 square feet.
In addition to a smaller price tag to purchase one, you’ll save in a range of other areas —
less space to furnish, heat and cool, for example. These aren’t as common as other types
of homes, so you might consider building a tiny home. Some tiny homes might also fall
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more affordable, which makes them a consideration for a lot of first-time homebuyers on
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Container
homes, while usually similarly tiny, are built from disused metal shipping containers.

Common architectural home styles

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Bungalow

Though real estate agents may use the term to reference any small house, true
bungalows are one- or one-and-a-half stories with two or three bedrooms. They span a
total of 1,000 to 2,000 square feet and often have a front porch. Bungalow styles include
Craftsman, Arts and Crafts, Mission-style and Queen Anne. Because of their relatively
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Ranch

Ranch homes are another popular kind of single-family home. Ranch houses are generally
single-story properties, usually wider than they are deep, with a lower-pitched roof and
an open or semi-open floor plan. Within the ranch category, architectural styles and
designs include the California ranch, storybook ranch and split-level ranch (which deviate
from the one-story style).

Split-level

Split-level properties have short flights of stairs that separate a first floor that usually
features a dining area, living area and kitchen, a second floor with bedrooms and a
finished basement with another living area, along with additional bedrooms in some
cases. The layout can make efficient use of space, but the additional sets of stairs present
a challenge for residents with limited mobility.

Craftsman

A triangular roof, an inviting front porch with large columns and double-hanging windows
are three characteristics commonly associated with a Craftsman home. This is a simple
yet classic design, dating back to the early 1900s.

Cottage

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Cottages tend to be smaller properties, although the home may use elements from any
number of other classic architectural approaches to home construction. You likely won’t
find cottages in many urban areas; these tend to be associated with vacation destinations
and smaller towns.

Victorian
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One of the classic traditional home styles, Victorian-era houses include are officially
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characterized as Queen Anne style.  Arches over windows anditentryways,
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windows,
round towers and large front porches are common elements of these homes. They are
often large, too — typically two or three stories.

Colonial

The Colonial name pays homage to the original American colonies, settled by those who
came over from Britain. These typically have a center-hall layout, with rooms
symmetrically positioned on either side of the entryway. Colonial-style homes are simple
and reflect an architectural style you might associate with New England, which served as
the primary welcoming point for those early American residents.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod homes, named after the vacation destination in Massachusetts, also reflect a
quaint New England aesthetic. These tend to have a centrally located door and the same
focus on symmetry as a Colonial, with a steep gabled roof as one of the calling card
features.

Prairie

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright popularized Prairie-style homes, which often include
horizontal lines to mimic a flat setting. Those who don’t like segmented rooms and prefer
an open floor plan might especially enjoy this style. Prairie features include a low-pitched
roof with overhangs and a centrally placed chimney.
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Tudor

Expansive ceilings, stone fireplaces and wood everywhere — these are the three primary
features of Tudor-style homes. These are bigger homes, and they don’t have the perfect
symmetry associated with a Colonial or Cape Cod. The interior of Tudor homes can be
particularly grand, with intricate millwork.

Mid-century modern

MId-century modern designs largely began appearing after World War II, and the style
recalls a Rat Pack–era sense of cool. With large windows, mid-century modern design
offers a glimpse into homes with open floor plans and a mix of vibrant colors.

Modern

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The essential features of a modern-style home vary depending on whether you live in a
more urban or rural setting, but it typically includes a low-pitched or flat roof. The other
qualities of a modern-style home might include:

Awning over the front door

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Contemporary

If it doesn’t look like something you’ve seen regularly, you’re probably looking at a
contemporary home. Contemporary design works to incorporate the newest trends and
explore new directions for how a home can look and feel. Often, contemporary homes
are asymmetrical — breaking with the traditional Colonial or Cape Cod approach — and
embrace a more creative spirit. Additionally, since these are newer constructions,
contemporary homes tend to include the latest technologies and new building materials.

Mediterranean

If you want to feel like you’re living in a seaside town in Italy or Spain, consider
Mediterranean-style homes. Tiled roofs, stucco walls and arches over the entryway are
some of the classic touches you’ll find in one of these homes.

Houseboat

Is it a boat? Or is it a house? It’s both. A floating houseboat shares some architectural

similarities with a traditional house — a rectangular shape that is not the aerodynamic,
curvy body of a speed boat, for example — but it also has an engine, a fuel tank and the
other necessities to leave the dock.

Cabin

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Cabins tend to be located in rural settings. Older cabins can be fairly primitive, with
simple designs of large wooden logs, and they often have porches for enjoying the
outdoors, along with fireplaces for cooler weather. However, cabins aren’t all rustic,
moderately priced properties. There are also luxury cabins in high-end ski towns and
remote destinations. While a cabin can be a permanent place to call home, many
residents use cabins as second homes or vacation getaways. Their location tends to offer
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Modern farmhouse make it a lot shorter for you!

The modern farmhouse style reigns most popular in 42 states in the U.S., mainly in the
Northwest, East and Southeast states, according to a recent survey of 5,000-plus
Americans by Homes.com. Respondents said they were drawn to the modern farmhouse
look because the style is “aesthetically pleasing but not boring.” Other characteristics of
this style include clean lines and cozy elements, and a family-friendly size and scale.

How to choose what house is right for you

If so many types of homes have got you feeling overwhelmed, relax. Here are four key
steps to help figure out which house is right for you:

Think about where you want to live

If you already have a geographic sense of where you want to call home, you can start to
narrow your search. For example, you’ll likely encounter some challenges finding a condo
in a rural area, while a single-family home might be too expensive if you’re looking to live
in the downtown of a major city. If you have your heart set on a mid-century modern
home, you might want to look at an area of the country where that style of architecture is
abundant, like the Coachella Valley in California.

Do the math to determine your budget

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Where you want to live is only part of the equation; the most important piece is how
much you can comfortably spend. Use Bankrate’s Home Affordability Calculator to figure
out how much you can spend on a monthly mortgage payment based on all your other
expenses. If your finances feel more like a fit for a tiny home, that’s OK. Remember that
you can build equity in a starter home now and eventually move into something bigger
when you’re ready.
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After you estimate what you think you can afford, it’s time to get a real sense of what
someone will let you borrow. You can get pre-approved for a mortgage quickly to have a
concrete number for your budget. Plus, a pre-approval can show that you’re a serious
buyer to any sellers who will consider your offer.

Find a good real estate agent

Shopping for a home in today’s seller’s market isn’t easy. Rather than trying to do it
yourself, it’s wise to find an expert real estate agent who will listen to your needs and
your budget. He or she will be able to tell you if the type of home at the top of your list is
realistic, or if you should expand your search to include different structures and styles.

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