Guide To The Different Types Of Houses By Structure And Style

A home is not just a house. It can be an apartment, mobile home or even a van in some cases. It’s a place where a person or people can, at the very least, keep their things and sleep. It almost always has a bathroom and a shower, some sort of kitchen with a refrigerator and a stove and hopefully a comfortable bed. The following are the most common house types by structure.

10 House Types By Structure

1. Single-Family Home

Everyone has their own image in mind of what a single-family home looks like. It can be anything from a simple cottage to a sprawling mansion. It sits independently on its own plot of land and is the home of a single person, a couple, or a family. It can be owned or rented by the people who live there.

• Pros: Private (no shared walls); usually sits on a small piece of land that can be made into a green space with a lawn and garden; the preferred American house type
• Cons: Can be expensive; owner must pay property tax; grounds must be maintained

2. Apartment

An apartment is a home for an individual, couple, or family that is part of an apartment building that has other apartment units – sometimes hundreds of them. The apartment unit is almost always on one floor and can have shared walls with apartments on either side, above, below or in all four directions. Most apartments are rented but some apartment dwellers own their unit.  

• Pros: Very little maintenance; good building security; enhanced social environment; short-term option
• Cons: Limited space; noise and privacy; limited or nonexistent outdoor space; pet restrictions

3. Condo

A condo, also known as a condominium, is a housing or residential complex in which there are separate units, with each unit being owned by an individual. When someone rents a condo, they’re renting directly from the condominium owner. Condo owners are responsible for what goes on within their individual units, including maintenance and repairs. Beyond that, they’re required to pay regular fees to a condo association. Those fees contribute to the maintenance of the shared common areas, building amenities and the exterior of the complex.

• Pros: Less maintenance; enhanced security; shared amenities (pool, gym, clubhouse); often more affordable than single-family home
• Cons: Association fees can be excessive; rules can be restrictive; resale can be challenging; noise and less privacy

4. Co-Op

Cooperative housing (commonly described by referring to an individual co-op) is a type of homeownership common to apartment buildings in big cities such as New York. For practical intents and purposes, a co-op can be defined as a building that is jointly owned by a corporation made up of all its inhabitants. When you buy into a co-op, you’re not purchasing a piece of property – rather, you’re personally buying shares in a nonprofit corporation that allows you to live in the residence.

• Pros: No building maintenance or yard work; social life and community; more affordable than single-family home
• Cons: Lots of rules and restrictions; fees can be excessive; more noise/less privacy

5. Multifamily Home

A multifamily home is any residential property containing more than one housing unit. Units have separate entrances and may share a common lobby, outdoor space or parking. A duplex, townhome or apartment complex is a good example of a multifamily home. If a property owner chooses to live in one of their multifamily units, it’s considered an owner-occupied property.

• Pros: Affordability; good short-term housing option; little to no maintenance
• Cons: Noise and privacy issues; transient neighbors; association fees

6. Townhouse

A townhouse is a single-family home with at least two floors that share a wall with another house. Unlike duplexes or fourplexes, however, each townhouse is individually owned. And unlike a condo, a townhouse may have an outdoor space that is individually owned. Townhouses are more common in urban areas where land is scarce.

• Pros: Resident owns the house; can include a private outdoor space; often within walking distance of a town
• Cons: Typically have less living space, indoors and out; floor plans can be less open and on two levels; proximity to neighbors

7. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

An ADU is an individual apartment or living space that shares property with a primary home or residential unit. While still an independent unit, an ADU cannot be sold or purchased separately from the main home. ADUs go by several different names, including granny flats, in-law suites, accessory houses, carriage houses or, in Hawaii, Ohana units. 

• Pros: Potential for rental income; extra space for work, guests or family members; increases property value
• Cons: Upfront renovation or construction costs; requires maintenance and cleaning; requires research on zoning, regulations and fees

8. Tiny Home

A structure less than 400 square feet is considered a tiny house. Advances in computer aided design and prefabrication technology have made these small homes extremely popular. While much smaller than a typical home, a tiny house provides most of the comforts of larger homes, including a full- or queen-sized bed, a bathroom, a kitchen and a living room – but on a much smaller scale.

• Pros: Very affordable; can be built or shipped almost anywhere; highly customizable; can be built on wheels and moved around
• Cons: Little to no privacy; little to no storage; house smells permeate

9. Manufactured Home

A manufactured home is essentially a factory-built home that meets standards set by the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They belong to a class of prefab homes that also includes modular and kit homes. Manufactured homes are built in a plant or factory and then transported to the location where they can be permanently affixed to the land or left on the chassis.

• Pros: Very affordable; multiple manufacturers to choose from; highly customizable; quick construction
• Cons: Quick depreciation if you don’t own the land; loan options may be limited; may not hold up in extreme weather

10. Modular Home

A modular home is a prefabricated house built in bulk in a climate- and quality-controlled factory. To build a modular house, individual sections called modules are constructed and then transported to the owner’s property where professional home builders will assemble the completed house onto a permanent foundation. While both are built at least in part in a factory, there are several key differences between modular homes and manufactured homes.

• Pros: Very affordable; quick construction; appreciates like any other home as long as you own the land
• Cons: Cost does not include land, permits, foundation or utility hookups; stigma of low quality can hurt resale value

20 House Types By Architectural Style

Home architectural styles in America vary greatly, with certain types of homes enjoying greater favor in different regions and different eras. Over the last 100 years and more, each of the following types of house architecture have been popular and remain so to this day.

1. Cape Cod

A Cape Cod home is one of the most appealing options for new home buyers. This house can be easily recognized by its gabled roofs, shingle siding and charming exterior.

These houses are often rectangular-shaped and two stories with a symmetrical floor plan. The ground floor typically has a living room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom. The second floor will usually have between two to four bedrooms and at least two bathrooms.

The Cape Cod home originated in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but you can find this style of house throughout the country. Many newer versions of the Cape Cod have upgraded features from the original style.  

• Pros: Smaller roof is easier to maintain/replace; cozy charm; affordable starter home for young families
• Cons: Smaller master bedroom; older versions may be poorly insulated; often only one full bathroom

2. Colonial

A Colonial house has a simple, rectangular shape and is typically two to three stories high with a brick or wood facade. These homes were originally created by British colonists in the 1600s and 1700s. They were designed to mirror the homes the colonists were familiar with back in England. In America the Colonial house was popular, particularly among the wealthy, in pre-Revolutionary New England.

No two houses are the same, but there are certain features that set Colonial houses apart. They typically have a symmetrical floor plan with a central hallway and rooms on either side. These houses often come with decorative entryways, like transom windows or a covered porch.

And Colonial homes almost always have at least one fireplace. There may be one large fireplace centered in the back of the home or two smaller fireplaces located at either end of the home.

If you’re interested in buying a Colonial house, you can choose from the following options:

• Dutch Colonial: These houses were built by Dutch and German colonists. They often have gambrel-style roofs and are made from stone or brick.
• French Colonial: French Colonial houses are popular in Illinois and Louisiana. They have steep roofs with wide overhangs and lots of windows.
• Spanish Colonial: Spanish Colonial houses are often found on the West Coast or in Florida. They often come with stucco walls, red tile roofs and interior courtyards.

Just like other styles, these homes have their benefits and disadvantages:

• Pros: Classic, grand style; often 4+ bedrooms; many first floor rooms including parlor and dining room; masonry fireplace common
• Cons: Choppy floorplan; low ceiling height; must climb stairs to access all bedrooms

3. Ranch

The ranch-style house first became popular in the 1950s. These houses are typically one story with low-pitched roofs, large windows and a sliding glass door accessing a back terrace and backyard. There are many different types of ranch houses including:

• Split-level ranch
• Storybrook ranch
• California ranch
• Raised ranch

Another key feature of the ranch home is that it often comes with open living spaces and easy access to the outdoors. These houses usually have a “U” or “L” shape to encourage outdoor spaces. 

• Pros: All bedrooms on first floor; open floor plan in living/kitchen areas; larger windows; easy indoor/outdoor living
• Cons: Large roof expensive to maintain/replace; higher cost of construction due to the size of the roof and foundation; requires larger piece of land

4. Contemporary

A contemporary house is a popular house style that reflects 21st century architectural styles. Because it mirrors the trends of the time period it was built in, a contemporary-style house can encompass a number of different architectural and design styles. Current popular contemporary trends range from modern farmhouse to midcentury modern to bohemian. The trends of contemporary architecture are constantly evolving and changing. Today’s contemporary home can reflect some or all of the following: strong lines, unique, asymmetrical shapes, many large windows and mixed building materials.

• Pros: Reflecting current tastes ensures a larger market for resale; open floor plan; lots of natural light
• Cons: Can seem sterile if not warmed up with furniture, rugs, color; can be expensive, especially if architect designed

5. Cottage

A cottage-style home is a smaller home that focuses on providing a functional living space. These houses often have a rustic style and charming, cozy feel.

It can be harder to identify a cottage-style house because the architectural style tends to vary. However, most cottage houses are defined by their smaller size. Often, they are built as very simple shelter on a shoestring budget, then later improved upon. These homes are often described as “quaint.”

These homes also tend to make use of outdoor spaces, like having a front porch or back deck where residents can spend time outside. In fact, many lakeside second homes are cottages for this reason. And homeowners will often use landscaping as a key component to the home’s exterior.

• Pros: Affordable to build, buy, maintain and furnish; great style for a second home; high on character and natural materials
• Cons: Cottages in rural areas can take some time to sell; small floor plan can be confining, especially if it’s a primary home; finishes and appliances typically spartan

6. Craftsman

A Craftsman-style home is another classic home style, and these houses typically appeal to home buyers who don’t like cookie cutter style houses. The Craftsman-style house is characterized by a covered or screened-in front porch, natural building elements and earthy tones.

These houses tend to have a sturdy, horizontal build with large, tapered columns that support the roof. And the interior may have unique features like built-in cabinets, window seats, natural materials like stone or brick and a grand fireplace.

• Pros: Natural building materials, such as wood and stone; well-constructed artisanal finishes; masonry fireplace common; cozy charm
• Cons: Often expensive per square foot; repairs and maintenance can be costly

7. Farmhouse

Modern farmhouse-style homes often come with large front porches, high ceilings and a central fireplace. They typically have a rectangular layout and often have barn-inspired roofs.

The interior of the home typically utilizes farmhouse decor like black metal fixtures against white cabinets for added contrast. Many people like the way modern farmhouses combine a rustic look with more clean lines.

• Pros: Spacious floor plan with lots of storage; lots of natural light; fireplaces and a large front porch are common
• Cons: Trendy now, but could be dated soon; expensive finishes, such as wood beams and metal roofs

8. Mediterranean

If you like luxurious homes, then you’ll probably appreciate the Mediterranean house style. This home has Spanish and Italian influences and a big focus on indoor-outdoor living spaces. For that reason, they’re popular in warmer climates like California and Florida.

These houses often come with tiled roofs, white stucco walls and metal work on balconies and windows. These homes are usually understated with splashes of color throughout.

• Pros: Great for warm climate living; tile roofs can last for decades; breezy, open floor plan; easy indoor/outdoor living
• Cons: Not best where winters are cold; stucco exterior requires frequent maintenance and painting

9. Midcentury Modern

A midcentury modern house has a sleek, uncluttered look and utilizes a combination of natural and man-made materials. The midcentury modern calling card can be found in its low-profile structure, with sleek, clean lines in both geometric and organic forms. Traditional materials (such as wood) as well as nontraditional materials (such as metal, glass, vinyl and plywood) are used interchangeably and oftentimes in deliberate juxtaposition in midcentury modern decor. A solid principle of this style of home design is that form follows function.

• Pros: Radical break with traditional home styles; clean lines and simple but nonsymmetrical geometry; lots of natural light; open floor plan
• Cons: Reputation for poor energy efficiency and expensive maintenance; can seem sterile; traditional furnishings can look badly out of place

10. Tudor

The Tudor house style became popular in the early 19th century due to its reliance on striking  architectural features. The house is known for its steep gabled roof, casement windows and brick chimneys.

Unlike other homes, Tudor houses don’t use an open concept layout. Instead, the house tends to be divided into separate rooms, and each room is used for a specific purpose. The individual rooms will often feature beamed ceilings and arched doorways.

• Pros: Cozy interiors can include stone hearths, arched doorways, wood paneling and a fireplace; lots of small, formal rooms for privacy; ornate moldings, exposed beams and plaster walls
• Cons: More expensive than other house styles; finding contractors who can do repairs can be difficult; repairs can be expensive; stucco exterior can require frequent maintenance

11. Victorian

Many buyers like Victorian homes due to their colorful, eye-catching design. However, there are many different types of Victorian homes, like the Gothic revival, the Queen Anne Victorian and the Folk Style Victorian.

Victorian homes are usually built on narrow plots of land so they are typically at least two to three stories high. These houses often feature large bay windows, towers, turrets, glazed bricks and porches that wrap around the side of the home.

Victorian homes tend to have a closed floor plan to accommodate a more formal lifestyle. And the house will often have ornate interior features like crown molding and door trim.

• Pros: Rare and unique; a well-preserved Victorian house is eye-popping; incredible woodwork
• Cons: Expensive to buy and maintain; difficult to find qualified craftsmen; lots of exterior painting

Other House Types

12. Neoclassical

Neoclassical homes are inspired by Greek and Roman architecture. This house is characterized by its dramatic columns, Greek or Roman detailing and have a domed or flat roof. The White House is the best-known example of neoclassical architecture. 

13. French Country

French country homes are modeled after homes you might find in the French countryside. These homes often have a sloping roof, natural wood or stone flooring and shutters. These homes are rustic yet upscale and are designed with nature in mind. The interior often utilizes neutral colors, distressed wood and features a stone fireplace.

14. Prairie

Prairie-style homes originated in Chicago in the early 20th century with the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This house style is very flat to the ground and utilizes an open living concept, especially in central living areas.

These houses usually have long, hipped roofs that hang beyond the structure of the home by several feet. There’s usually a large, centrally located chimney and fireplace and a focus on using organic materials. A key component of prairie-style homes is the connected indoor/outdoor spaces. Unlike other homes, these spaces tend to blend seamlessly together so the interior of the home naturally flows into the outdoors.

15. Greek Revival

Greek revival homes are easy to spot, thanks to the large columns that imitate those found on classic Greek buildings. Here are some of the key features of this house style: 

• A rectangular house shape
• A large porch and columns
• Greek-inspired design throughout the home

16. Spanish

Spanish-style homes first made an appearance in North America when Spanish colonials began to colonize the Southwest in the late 1600s, making them some of the oldest dwellings in the country. This home style is often found in the south, as their terracotta roofs, thick stucco walls and slim open windows help to combat the southern heat. Exteriors include bright walls with contrasting arched windows, doors and entryways. Offshoots of this style of architecture include Pueblo Revival, Mission Revival and Spanish Eclectic.

17. Italianate

The Italianate house style is modeled after Italian villas and farmhouses and are known for their asymmetrical design. An Italianate house can feature a belvedere – a rooftop turret or structure that offers a view – along with tall windows and cast-iron decor. These homes are commonly found across the East Coast.

18. Gothic Revival

The Gothic revival-style house became popular in the 1900s and is modeled after country homes in Medieval Europe. Here are some key features of this house style: 

• Pointed arches on windows and doors
• A steeply pitched roof
• Elaborate wood trim

19. Queen Anne

Queen Anne homes are a type of Victorian-style home. These homes typically have an asymmetrical layout, gabled roof and a wraparound porch. They often have brightly colored designs on the exterior and interior of the home.

Here are some of the main features of a Queen Anne:

• Asymmetrical layout
• A partial or wraparound porch
• A steeply pitched roof
• Turrets and towers
• Elaborate trim

20. Shingle

Shingle-style homes are inspired by Colonial architecture and are known for their shingles on the exterior of the home. These homes often have an asymmetrical interior layout and utilize space creatively throughout the home.

More Unique Types Of Houses

• Cabin: A type of cottage, a cabin is a very small, simple abode typically used as a second or weekend home beside a lake or in the woods. Many cabins do not have running water or electricity.
• Converted barn home: Converted barn homes are a trendy rural housing option in which an old barn is repurposed and turned into a house.
• Shipping container home: A shipping container home makes use of repurposed steel shipping containers and configures them into a house, often in creative, stacked arrangements.
• Floating house: A floating house is a residence, ranging from a tiny house to a four-story house, that floats. Unlike a houseboat, a floating house is moored to the land, placed on a floating foundation and permanently connected to public utilities.

How To Decide Which Types Of Homes Are Right For You

If you’re a new home buyer who’s just beginning to explore your options, you may feel overwhelmed by all of the possibilities. Here is a helpful guide you can use to figure out which type of house is best for you.

The Bottom Line

House styles will continue to evolve and change, and what’s popular today may not be popular even a few years from now. However, the house styles outlined in this article have stood the test of time. Some are more popular in certain regions of the country depending on when populations shifted and housing booms happened. Some styles are more conducive to colder or warmer climates.

To determine the type of home style that’s best for you, start by identifying the main features you’re looking for in a house. A search of real estate listings – or even just a drive through neighborhoods – in the ZIP code you’re targeting should give you a good idea of that area’s most prominent home styles. From there, it’s time to connect with an agent and begin your search.