9 Home Types And Styles To Help You Find The Right Fit In 2025

1. Structure Types: Condos

Condos resemble apartments and sometimes townhomes but differ mainly in ownership. When you buy a condo, you own your unit and share responsibility for common areas through a condo association, which charges monthly fees.

Condo fees cover maintenance of shared spaces like pools and landscaping but also come with rules you must follow. Condos often provide more space than apartments and may include street-level access, making them a popular option for first-time buyers seeking affordability and convenience.

2. Structure Types: Townhomes

Townhomes are multi-story units that share at least one wall with neighbors yet have their own street entrances, offering a blend of condo and single-family living. They often include shared amenities like patios or pools and are common in both urban and suburban areas.

Townhomes generally cost less than detached homes but offer more privacy and space than condos or apartments. They are attractive to buyers looking for a middle ground between affordability and independence.

3. Structure Types: Single-Family Homes

Single-family homes are standalone properties, typically offering more space and privacy. These homes are most common in suburban and rural areas and provide full control over the property with no shared walls or HOA restrictions in many cases.

Owning a single-family home means sole responsibility for maintenance and upkeep, but it also allows flexibility for renovations and expansions. These homes usually come with higher purchase prices reflecting the additional space and independence they provide.

4. Structure Types: Apartments

Apartments are individual units within a larger building owned by a landlord or corporation. These units typically range from studios to multiple bedrooms and may have shared amenities such as laundry rooms, gyms, or parking lots. Apartments often offer amenities and maintenance services, reducing the hassle for renters.

Living in an apartment means sharing walls with neighbors and potentially dealing with noise, but it also provides social opportunities due to close proximity. Though usually rented, some apartments can be purchased as condos. Renting means you avoid maintenance costs but don't build ownership equity.

5. Structure Types: Tiny Homes

Tiny homes range from 60 to 600 square feet and appeal to those seeking affordability and simple living. Popular among singles and couples, tiny homes offer low maintenance costs and may be mobile or stationary.

While tiny homes limit space for families or storage, they support minimalist living and often incorporate energy-efficient or off-grid features like solar panels. If stationary, tiny home owners need to consider rental or ownership of the land.

6. Popular Architectural Styles: Colonial

Colonial homes feature a symmetrical, rectangular design with two to three stories, common in the U.S. East Coast. They often have centrally located doors and evenly spaced windows, with classic materials like brick or wood.

Variations include Dutch Colonial with barn-style roofs and French Colonial with iron balconies. These homes tend to have separate rooms rather than open floor plans and are known for their timeless, formal appearance.

7. Popular Architectural Styles: Contemporary

Contemporary homes embrace modern design with open layouts, asymmetry, and large windows that invite natural light. Often using mixed materials and flat or low-pitched roofs, these homes focus on simplicity and function.

Neutral, muted color palettes and minimalist décor dominate. Contemporary homes suit buyers seeking a clean, uncluttered environment that adapts to evolving design trends.

8. Popular Architectural Styles: Craftsman

Craftsman homes are known for their detailed woodwork, built-in shelves and seating, and welcoming front porches. Popular in the early 1900s, they feature low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, and exposed beams.

This style emphasizes natural materials and earth tones like wood and stone, creating a cozy, handcrafted feel. Interior spaces often include prominent fireplaces and open living areas.

9. Popular Architectural Styles: Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern homes, popular from 1945 to 1969, prioritize connection with nature, large windows, and open spaces. These homes might include unique features like conversation pits and split-level designs.

Muted earth tones and natural materials complement the clean lines and functionality of this style, which has seen a revival among modern homeowners looking for retro yet practical designs.

Factors Affecting Home Costs

Home prices depend on many factors beyond size, including location, school quality, neighborhood safety, and nearby amenities. New homes often cost more, but updated historic houses can match or exceed those prices.

Market demand significantly impacts pricing, especially in competitive areas. Rising construction and labor costs also contribute to higher home prices, so buyers should prepare for fluctuating costs tied to broader economic trends.