New Home Construction Styles, Circa 2017: What’s In, What’s Out — & What Ain’t Coming Back

The Late, (Un)Lamented Split-Level & Rambler

Want to know the latest trends in Twin Cities new construction?

Check out upper bracket Edina.

That’s where the folks who can afford the latest bells & whistles — inside and out — are building the most new construction.

Ergo, that’s where to look to see the most — and least — popular new home styles.

Of the last 50 new “spec” homes sold in Edina over $1.2 million since 2014, here’s the style scorecard:

Two-story:  47
One-story:  3
Split-level:  0

(Note:  all homes are single-family/detached; data is from MLS.  “Spec” refers to a home built by a developer to sell on the open market, vs. commissioned by an existing client).

Finance #101

Why style preferences certainly factor in, my guess is that 2-stories predominate — at least with “spec” homes — because that’s how builders maximize their profit.

Which is kinda too bad (at least in IMHO), because splits and one-stories (known as “ramblers” in the Midwest, “ranches” elsewhere) have a lot going for them.

Literally:  they’re often on larger lots in close-in neighborhoods, and are invariably well-built (typically in the 1950’s and 1960’s) and well-maintained..

See also, “An Ode to the ’50’s Rambler”; “The Unsung, Unassuming, Under-Appreciated Split-Level“;  “What’s a ‘Spec House?‘”; and “Spec Builders Play it Safe(r).”



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