Zonda’s November 2025 Master Plan Outlook makes one trend unmistakably clear: Homes under 2,000 sq. ft. are the best-selling homes in America’s master-planned communities.
Data from the report shows that “up to 2,000 sq. ft. is the sweet spot for sales activity,” with these homes consistently outperforming larger options.
For buyers, this means smaller homes aren’t just popular — they’re becoming the new normal in MPC design.
Why Sub-2,000 Sq. Ft. Homes Are Thriving
1. Better Affordability
Smaller footprints help keep total prices and monthly payments within reach, especially with elevated construction and labor costs.
2. Efficient Floor Plans
Modern design trends — open kitchens, multipurpose rooms, smarter storage — make these homes feel larger than their square footage.
3. Lower Maintenance
Smaller homes mean fewer rooms to cool, heat, clean, and maintain — a huge plus for busy households.
4. Appeal Across Multiple Buyer Types
Growing families looking for the right price point
MPCs Outperform Individual Communities in This Size Range
According to the report’s sales analysis, master-planned communities significantly outperform individual subdivisions in nearly every square-footage tier — including homes under 2,000 sq. ft.
MPCs offer the amenities, walkability, and lifestyle programming that make a smaller home feel like a bigger overall experience.
What Buyers Should Look For
Efficient kitchens with smart storage
Flexible spaces like lofts or pocket offices
Outdoor extensions (covered patios, shared green spaces)
Community amenities that expand living beyond the home
Bottom Line
Smaller homes aren’t a compromise — they’re a strategic choice. With rising prices and evolving lifestyle needs, sub-2,000 sq. ft. homes offer the perfect balance of affordability, efficiency, and livability in today’s top master-planned communities.
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