Lot Sizes for New Homes Remained Near Historic Lows in 2025

The median lot size for newly built single-family detached homes edged up slightly in 2025. But the increase was modest and did not alter the broader trend toward more compact neighborhood development.

Data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction show that the median lot size of a new single-family detached home sold in 2025 increased slightly to 8,543 square feet, up from 8,506 square feet in 2024. Although this represents a small year-over-year increase, the typical lot remains under 1/5 of an acre and well below historical levels.

Close to two-thirds (64%) of new single-family detached homes were built on lots under 9,000 sq. ft. (1/5 of an acre or less). In 1999, just 46% of new homes were built on lots under 1/5 of an acre.

While the nation’s production of spec homes shifts towards smaller lots, regional differences in lot sizes persist. Looking at single-family detached spec homes started in 2025, the median lot size in New England is double the national median.  

New England is known for strict local zoning regulations that often require very low density. Therefore, it is not surprising that single-family detached spec homes started in New England are built on some of the largest lots in the nation, with half of the lots exceeding 0.4 acres. The East South Central division is second on the list, with the median lot occupying 0.3 acres.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Pacific division, where densities are high and developed land is scarce, has the smallest lots, with half of the lots being under 0.13 acres. The bordering Mountain division also reports typical lots smaller (0.15 acres) than the national median.  

For more analysis of the data, check out this post from Natalia Siniavskaia, NAHB AVP of Housing Policy Research, on the NAHB economics blog, Eye on Housing.