13 Types of Houses for Prospective Homebuyers to Know

This is the most common house style in the U.S. A single family residence sits on its own lot and doesn’t share any walls with another home. These homes offer outdoor spaces, privacy, and their own entrance. They’re ideal for families and can range from one story to multiple floors.

Popularized after World War II, ranch-style homes are typically one story with long, low profiles. Known for their open floor plans, sliding glass doors, and easy access to outdoor spaces, they often have brick or stone exteriors and low-pitched roofs.

Cape Cod homes are compact, symmetrical, and usually have steep roofs and dormer windows. Originating on the East Coast, these homes were designed to withstand harsh winters. They often have one or one-and-a-half stories and are common in suburban developments.

Colonial homes are a classic American favorite. Inspired by European architecture brought over by early colonists, they typically feature rectangular shapes, clean lines, and multiple stories tall. Key features include dormer windows, decorative elements, and a centered front door.

Stemming from the arts and crafts movement, Craftsman-style homes emphasize natural materials like wood and stone. Look for exposed wooden beams, decorative brackets, and a covered front porch. This house style refers to both architecture and the handcrafted details inside.

Victorian homes, including Queen Anne-style homes and Painted Ladies, were built during the Victorian Era. They feature ornate detailing, asymmetrical facades, and steep roofs. You'll often see decorative elements, vibrant colors, and narrow windows.

Modern farmhouse style blends rustic charm with clean, modern lines. White stucco walls, metal roofs, and large windows are common. These homes often mix traditional building materials with updated architectural style for a cozy yet contemporary look.

Midcentury modern homes emerged between 1945 and 1970. These homes emphasize simplicity and function, with rectangular shapes, large glass windows, and open living spaces. Common features include flat roofs and integration with nature.

A-frame homes are known for their steep, triangular roofs that resemble the letter "A." They're often used in vacation spots and mountain regions. Their unique shape allows snow to slide off easily, and the interior features vaulted ceilings and open lofts.

Townhouses are multi-floor homes that share one or more walls with neighboring units. Common in urban areas, they offer more space than apartments but less than detached homes. Each unit typically has a private entrance and may include a small yard.

These homes have two separate living units in the same building. Duplexes often have units side by side or stacked. Multi-family homes can include triplexes or fourplexes and are great for investment or shared living arrangements.

Prefabricated houses are built off-site and assembled on location. They can range from budget-friendly modular homes to luxury designs. Because construction is streamlined, these homes can be quicker and more cost-effective to build.

In a housing cooperative, residents own shares in the entire building rather than individual units. Condos, by contrast, give ownership of a specific unit. Both are common in dense cities and often come with a financial benefit: shared maintenance and amenities.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.