Home Styles and Their Appreciation

Architectural styles often reflect a buyer’s personal taste—and budget. Styles that resonate with the most people have higher potential for appreciation.

​Homes in modern and contemporary styles are popular especially among young buyers. They are known for their simple, geometric shapes, large windows that fill the space with natural light, and a harmonious blend of interior design with the surrounding landscape. Plus, more recently constructed modern homes tend to be more energy efficient. They appreciate at about 7.7% annually.

“Traditional” generally refers to homes with classic designs like simple roof lines and symmetrical windows, along with a welcoming front porch, and often cozy fireplaces. Homes of this kind appreciate at 5.6% a year.

Niche traditional styles, like Craftsman bungalows and Victorians, may appeal to history buffs, but tend to leave regular buyers unimpressed. The responsibility of maintaining a vintage abode can be huge.
The Craftsman style is defined by its low-pitched, gabled roofs, exposed wooden structural elements, and most importantly, hand-crafted woodwork. A Craftsman home isn’t cheap to come by—and has not seen rapid growth recently, at only 3.7% a year.  Victorian-style homes, famous for their elaborate decorative trim, came out last in annual appreciation rates, at 2.2%.