What Home Styles Have the Best Resale Value?

When considering which housing style to choose, homeowners tend to start with which aesthetic appeals to them most, but did you know that certain housing styles typically offer better resale value over others? Which home styles have the best resale value? NewHomeSource has vetted some of the top choices, along with some other criteria that will boost your resale value. 

Which Architectural Home Styles Have the Best Resale Value? 

Which home styles have the best resale value varies from state to state, influenced by geography, land availability and local demand.  

That said, the most popular housing styles are a good place to start, as ongoing demand is an essential part to supporting growth in resale value. 

Here are some housing styles that have consistently strong demand across the country and are good options to consider in the context of resale value. 

Ranch-Style Homes  

Single-level homes have long been associated with retirees and aging in place. While there is no denying the benefits of this housing type for this buyer segment, Ranch-style homes are growing in popularity across all demographics, in several states across the country. Consistent growth in demand for this housing style means greater chances of being able to get good resale value for your purchase today. 

What is drawing so many different kinds of buyers to Ranch-style homes?  

• One-level homes tend to be bright and airy, with open-concept floor plans, high ceilings, lots of natural light and welcoming outdoor spaces, all of which are attractive design elements. 

• Living on a single level suits families with young children, so parents can easily keep an eye on the whole family. The accessible design suits multi-generational families, as well as retirees.  

• Ranch-style homes are usually on larger lots, and land value alone can often command a higher price tag for resale. 

• They are often less expensive to build for some homeowners (depending of course on specific features and size), which means potentially a greater return on investment when it is time to sell.  

Traditional Home Style  

In terms of resale value, Traditional-style homes are usually a safe bet, thanks to enduring style that won’t have to be modified significantly in order to avoid looking dated.  

This home style usually features relatively simple designs and holds broad-based appeal that has proven staying power in multiple locations throughout the country, meaning they are always in demand. 

Within the traditional housing style category, there are a number of sub-types, including Craftsman, Colonial and Cottage home styles, all of which are among the housing styles that have the best resale value.  

Craftsman Home Style  

The Craftsman-style house has been one of the most in demand for generations, since it first emerged as an architectural style in the United States in the early 20th century. 

Woodsy, and down-to-earth, the Craftsman offers a comfortable vibe, indoors and out, coupled with intricate handcrafted details that lend to its appeal. 

One of the reasons that the Craftsman is so popular, and offers good resale value, is how its floor plan and exterior features are lifestyle enhancing. Floor plans tend to be open concept, great for entertaining, but also balance the open space with closed-off areas, such as formal dining rooms, dens or reading rooms.  

One of the trademarks of the Craftsman exterior is a wide, covered porch, great for whiling away the hours as a family, while adding undeniable curb appeal. 

Cottage Home Style 

The common-sense, small, boxy design of the Cottage style- home is immensely practical, which is why it offers good resale value. It can be built easily on smaller lots, which often makes it a more affordable choice, meaning solid return on investment. 

It’s also a popular choice for downsizers, and for homeowners actively looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Both of these buyer segments are growing in size, so demand is strong for this home style.  

The Cape Cod-style home is a variation on the Cottage housing style, and is very much in demand in coastal areas.  

Colonial Home Style 

The Colonial-style house, first brought to the United States by European settlers in the 17th to 19th centuries, has shown incredible staying power throughout the centuries, most recently experiencing a spike in popularity. 

That’s because what’s trending among homeowners is not just a specific housing style or feature or finish. Homeowners are seeking ways in which to make emotional connections with their home, and the Colonial-style home offers great nostalgic value to current home buyers, as the housing style was likely one owned by their parents or grandparents in the 1980s and 1990s. 

The Colonial-style home is a reminder of the circular nature of trends, and that if you choose a housing style that has good bones and lasting appeal, it will cycle in and out of trends over the years, but never really wane in popularity. 

Other Than Housing Style, What Influences Resale Value? 

In addition to home style, there are other criteria that you should consider to help boost the likely resale value of your new home. 

Location, Location, Location 

Future buyers will pay a premium, not only for the home style, but for the location. Being in close proximity to parks, schools, shopping, entertainment, public transit and highways for commuting will always maintain and help to grow the asset value of your home. 

Timeless Versus Trend 

A smart buy that is financially viable in the years to come, is to stick to timeless housing style. This generally means a family-friendly home, with dedicated outdoor space, a smart, efficient floor plan, and an exterior that will stand the test of time.  

For example, while Mid-century modern homes were in high demand in the mid-20th century, because they reflected cutting edge design, they are less in demand now. The same could be said for Contemporary-style homes now, with sleek, boxy designs that feature lots of glass and steel. They may have staying power in the future, but it takes time for trends to put a lasting stamp of approval on a given design, which may or may not serve your timeline for homeownership. 

Following trends is exciting, but not always the best choice in terms of resale value.  

Detached Versus Attached 

In addition to architectural housing style, housing type will factor into potential resale value. Detached housing is almost always more in demand than attached housing, which includes row housing, townhomes, garden homes or condominiums. This means that detached housing will generally grow at a greater rate in value than attached housing. 

Land Value 

Often, homes on larger parcels of land sell for more. The exception to this might be acres of land far outside of the city, versus a smaller lot in a sought-after urban neighborhood, with many upscale, walkable amenities nearby. This circles back to how location affects resale value. 

For New Builds: Production Versus Semi-Custom Versus Custom 

Typically, a fully custom home will hold its resale value best, especially if there are premium, unique features that hold broad-based appeal, and support a function-first approach, making the home stand out in the eyes of future buyers.  

That’s why it is advisable to look at custom design through the lens of functionality. For example, in the kitchen, instead of focusing just on color and material choices for cabinetry and counters, think about how you will use the space.

Choose features that facilitate use: drawer pull-outs and inserts, cabinetry that runs full length to the ceiling, pot and pan drawers, soft-close hinges, and built-in step stools that combine to command a premium price tag in resale. 

That’s not to say that semi-custom and production new builds won’t hold and grow their resale value. It’s smart to focus on specific upgrades in these types of home in high-traffic areas that enhance livability, and make your home stand out from the competition, such as a finished basement with spaces dedicated to specific activities, a sublime outdoor living space, an upgraded kitchen, a stylish flex room or a spa-like bathroom.  

In addition to providing your family shelter and a place to grow your roots, a home is also an investment that should be approached strategically with choices that will help to improve resale value down the road.