New Single-Family Home Size Continues to Grow
As people continue to use their homes for more purposes during the pandemic, including work, more residential space is needed. Recent data confirm this impact on the market continues to occur.
According to fourth quarter 2021 data from the Census Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design and NAHB analysis, median single-family square floor area increased to 2,338 square feet. Average (mean) square footage for new single-family homes increased to 2,561.
Since Great Recession lows (and on a one-year moving average basis), the average size of new single-family homes is now 6.3% higher at 2,537 square feet, while the median size is 10% higher at 2,312 square feet.
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz provides more analysis in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Dec 05, 2025
NAHB's Monthly Update Features Talking Points on Advocacy Victories in 2025The update provides the latest messaging framework to help members articulate all the legislative, regulatory and business wins NAHB secured this year.
Dec 04, 2025
Top Color Trends for 2026Neutrals and rich, luxurious hues dominate this year's color trends, along with sophisticated greens. Whether you’re helping a client with a bathroom remodel or searching for fresh ideas for a model home, you can use these color trends for inspiration for your next project. Check out the 2026 Colors of the Year.
Latest Economic News
Dec 05, 2025
Mortgage Rates Continue to Trend Lower in NovemberThe average mortgage rate in November continued to trend lower to its lowest level in over a year. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.24% in November, 2 basis points (bps) lower than in October. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate increased 3 bps to 5.51%.
Dec 04, 2025
Number of Bathrooms in New Single-Family Homes in 2024Single-family homes started in 2024 typically had two full bathrooms, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of Construction. Homes with three full bathrooms continued to have the second largest share of starts at around 23%. Meanwhile, both homes with four full bathrooms or more and homes with one bathroom or less made up under ten percent of homes started.
Dec 03, 2025
House Price Appreciation by State and Metro Area: Third Quarter 2025House prices continued to rise in the third quarter of 2025, though the pace of growth slowed as elevated mortgage rates, affordability challenges, and persistent economic uncertainty weighed on consumer demand. After several years of rapid growth, Hawaii and 38 metro areas saw house price declines this quarter, highlighting significant regional variations in market conditions.