Formal living room. Formal dining room. If you are like many homeowners, these are dumping grounds for kids’ backpacks, musical instruments, Amazon returns, and unused space most of the year.
In recent years, a shift has occurred in the housing industry as builders are increasingly turning their attention to smaller homes. This change is not merely a design preference, but a response to the soaring costs of construction. As the price of raw materials, labor, and land continues to rise, builders and homeowners alike are reevaluating the concept of space, finding innovative ways to create functional and aesthetically pleasing dwellings within a more modest footprint.
The ‘tiny house’ is an example of this trend. However, due to many zoning restrictions, this has not easily become a widespread result. More efficient medium-sized homes are fast outpacing the ‘mega mansions’ that were popular and prevalent prior to the 2008 recession.
The Cost Challenge
One of the primary drivers behind the trend toward smaller homes is the escalating cost of construction. The housing market has been grappling with rising prices of materials such as lumber, steel, and concrete. Additionally, skilled labor shortages have led to increased wages for construction workers. These factors, coupled with the ever-increasing cost of land, have made building larger homes financially challenging for both builders and prospective homeowners.
Average cost for a garden-style apartment complex is $200/SF while podium-style steel-frame buildings served by elevators can run $350/SF. Many variables are within these ranges, but there is no denying the challenge of affordable building.
In response to this economic reality, builders are adopting a less-is-more approach, focusing on optimizing space and embracing efficient design principles. Smaller homes not only require fewer materials and labor hours, but they also allow for more creative and resourceful use of available space.
The Rise of Minimalism
As builders adapt to economic constraints, a parallel movement is gaining momentum among occupants: the embrace of minimalism. People are reevaluating their lifestyles and discovering the benefits of living in smaller spaces. This shift is not just about downsizing; it’s a conscious choice to prioritize quality over quantity, valuing experiences and connections over material possessions.
No need for those formal spaces — smaller homes often encourage a more mindful approach to living, prompting residents to carefully curate their belongings and prioritize multifunctional furniture. This minimalist mindset is reshaping the way we view and use our living spaces.
The Multifamily Owner’s Benefit
As people become adaptive to smaller spaces, this has made it easier to retain tenants. The need for more space was the reason cited for many apartment dwellers to purchase housing in years past. The trend toward adapting to smaller living spaces has retained more renters in the market.
This is one of the reasons behind the ‘rise in renters’ across the US, and the trend toward single-family rental townhomes, or Build to Rent communities. These are popular and retain tenants on a long-term basis because they provide a reasonable amount of space to residents who have adapted to smaller dwellings.
The desire for a backyard and front door is an amenity that townhome renters love to have and helps to retain them over the long term. Townhome rentals have a significantly lower turnover, less than 29%, versus 50-55% in apartments.
Conclusion
The shift toward smaller homes is a response to the economic challenges facing the construction industry. While rising costs have necessitated a reevaluation of traditional home sizes, the trend has also given rise to a new way of living — one that prioritizes functionality, efficiency, and sustainability. As builders and residents continue to adapt to this changing landscape, the era of smaller homes is poised to reshape the housing market, offering a viable and appealing alternative to owners and renters alike.
Think better space, not more. If you would benefit from a new perspective on how to maximize your rental portfolio, contact us to gain strategies to increase your returns.
