Size Doesn't Matter Any More! In 2009, home buyers chose smaller homes, which drove down the average size of a house built in the United States for the first time in 27 years. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found the average size of a new home that was completed in 2009 fell to 2,480 square feet from 2,520 square feet in 2008. The last time the average completed-home size fell by a statistically significant amount was 1982.
Better Homes and Gardens magazine produced a survey which said downsizing was becoming a bigger priority: 36% said in November 2009 that they expected their next home to be "somewhat smaller" or "much smaller" than their current home versus 32% who said that in 2008. "Not surprisingly, we see a ‘cents and sensibility' approach when it comes to buying or improving a home, with practicality and price being the top priorities," said Eliot Nusbaum, the magazine's executive editor of home design.
"Although actual square footage of homes didn't fall until 2009, the percent of homes with four or more bedrooms in them has been falling since 2007, NAHB data show. And in 2009, the number of homes with three or more bathrooms fell for the first time since 1992.
Two primary reasons that size doesn't matter any more is the prominence of first-time buyers and 55 and older buyers. While demand for larger homes is decreasing, the following amenities continue to be in demand:
-Walk-in closets in the master bedroom
-Laundry rooms
-Insulated front doors
-Great rooms
-Energy-efficient windows
-Linen closets
-Programmable thermostats
-Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
-Separate shower and tub in master bathrooms
-Nine-foot ceilings on the first floor
Among the things that builders said they were least likely to add to houses in 2010:
-Outdoor kitchens
-Outdoor fireplaces
-Sunrooms
-Butler's pantries
-Media rooms
-Desks in kitchens
-Two-story foyers
-Eight foot ceilings on the first floor
-Multiple shower heads in the master bath
-Smaller kitchens
Melinda, I agree with your post completely. For the most part homeowners here in Seattle have been attracted to smaller homes for the last couple of years.
Very interesting stats. Those baby boomers are a real force.
I can't believe that butler's pantrys are not popular. That is one of my favorite things!
Maybe because I'm a Boomer, but I'm in agreement that smaller is in higher demand. Of course, here in our area with land costs so very high, we've tended to have much smaller homes. Often a 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home, one is a nice area selling for around $800,000-$1,000,000, might be as small as 1500-1700 sq.ft.
Hey Melinda, great to know what the builders are thinking. Thanks.
Unfortunately, you would not know this by the number of McMansions being built here. I have know idea what they do with all the space.
Melinda, thanks for this information and good to know what the builders plan in 2010.
Melinda: Thanks for the info on the newly desired specs. I agree with Jane that in our area the McMansions are still going up. All of the amenities on the "outs" I would desire :<) but the current economic cycle dictates different expectations. We posted an interesting video not long ago regarding these trends. Have a great day. ~Doug