Business Matters: One-Level Living Fuels New Home Construction
At this year’s Parade of Homes tour, you’ll notice a trend in new home construction. It’s a trend fueled by buyers on opposite ends of the homebuying spectrum.
“We have really seen the single-level concept, villa product, explode,” said Nick Erickson, a representative with BATC-Housing First Minnesota.
According to builders, the villa-style homes sell so quickly that they can’t construct them fast enough.
“We are selling like crazy,” said Mary Lange, a representative with Robert Thomas Homes. “It’s actually hard to keep up. We wish we had more land and more space to build them.”
Single-Level Homes Popular Among Boomers, Millennials
So what makes these homes so popular? Representatives from the Parade of Homes say we have to look back to how people lived a century ago.
“They can go through their entire day, other than one step to get into the front door, there’s no stairs required throughout the entire home,” said Erickson.
It’s a concept popular among baby boomers looking to downsize. And it’s popular among buyers you may not expect
“It’s been a surprisingly popular product with young couples looking to get into their first home,” said Erickson.
About 20 percent of homes on the Parade of Homes tour are now single-level living. That includes the Enclave at Elm Creek Villas recently built in Plymouth.
“In the last several years, last five years, it has really taken off,” said Erickson.
Erickson attributes the spike to another important factor in new home construction: the cost.
“You’re not paying for that second floor. In some cases, several bedrooms, that you’re not otherwise going to be using or storage space you might not need,” said Erickson. “So buyers who want to add a little extra flourish to their home are able to do so.”
The Parade of Homes tour runs through March 31.
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