Start 2025 off with a 5.25% (6.245% APR) interest rate Houses are like a box of chocolates—each one comes with its own unique flavor and personality, and some you’re not quite sure what to call (strange but scrumptious orange creme cube, we’re looking at you). From traditional, standalone homes to attached dwellings and cozy dwarfed cottages, there’s something for every prospective homeowner.
If you’re currently hunting for your dream home or an investment property, you’ve probably been inundated with housing terms: bungalows, townhomes, ranch-style, and various types of apartments. Understanding these terms and the differences between these housing types can help you refine your search and narrow down the options that fit your desired lifestyle.
Types of Real Estate Properties
The homebuying process can look different whether you’re on your way to becoming a first-time homebuyer or downsizing from your forever home. However, the first step should always be the same: figuring out what type of structure you’re looking for. Here’s an overview of the most popular types you’ll find during your search (organized A-Z):
Bungalow
Bungalows are single-story or one-and-a-half-story homes typically featuring a compact design and sloped roof. While there are various types of bungalows, these homes are usually smaller and easier to maintain.
Defining features of a bungalow:
- Single-level living
- Low-pitched roof
- Front porch
- Compact layout
- Craftsman architecture style
- Arts and crafts design style
Carriage House
Carriage houses are a type of home initially designed to store equipment and horse-drawn carriages and house staff and caretakers. Because of their origin and original use, these properties are sometimes listed as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) located on the same lot as a primary residence.
Defining features of a carriage house:
- Compact design
- Multi-use functionality
- Detached structure
- Converted charm
- Vintage details
Condominium (Condo)
Condominiums or condos are a type of real estate property where individuals own a single unit within a large complex or community. These properties can be attached to other units or detached to resemble standard, single-family homes. Condos are often compared to townhomes, in which the main difference is that a condo owner only owns the unit's interior. The homeowners association (HOA) owns the exterior and the lot the unit sits on.
Defining features of a condo:
- The homeowner owns the interior of their unit
- HOA owns the exterior of the unit and the lot
- Shared amenities
- HOA fees
- Urban and suburban settings
- Low maintenance
- Variety of styles
Cottage
Cottages used to be small dwellings and parcels of land owned by a cotter (farmer). However, today, “cottage” is a general real estate term for a small house. Real estate professionals sometimes use this term to refer to a home’s architectural style. Still, you’ll also find many listings that combine the term “cottage” with an additional modifier to denote its style. For example, a “Cape Cod cottage.”
Defining features of a cottage:
- Small footprint
- Rural or coastal location
- Stone or wood exteriors
- Historic charm
Duplex
A duplex or paired home is a home with two living units connected by a common wall. Each unit has its own entrance, and may include its own garage and yard.
Defining features of a duplex:
- Shared wall, which can sometimes be the floor/ceiling
- Separate entrances
- Two occupants under one roof
- Usually designed to look like a single home
Single-family
Single-family homes are detached dwellings typically featuring a private entrance, yard, and living space on the same land. The majority of homes in the United States are single-family.
Defining features of a single-family home:
- Detached structure
- Private yard
- Driveway
- Independent utilities
- Variety of sizes and styles
Tiny House
Tiny houses are compact, often portable real estate properties designed to maximize space and decrease environmental impact. Over the last few decades, they have boomed in popularity, spurred by the widespread minimalist movement and escalating environmental concerns.
Defining features of a tiny house:
- Compact design
- Sometimes portable
- Unique designs and floor plans
- Eco-friendly
- Efficient use of space
- Minimalist living
Townhome
Townhomes are multi-story, attached dwellings, usually in a larger townhome community managed by an HOA or corporate entity. Unlike condos, townhome owners typically own their home's interior and exterior, including the land it sits on. These individual units are sometimes called row houses because they share walls with neighboring units and often sit in horizontal rows.
Defining features of a townhome:
- Multi-story floor plan
- Shared walls
- Common areas
- Private entrance
- Outdoor space
- HOA fees
- Variety of styles
Styles of Real Estate Properties
Once you narrow down the type of home you want, it’s time to start thinking about style. Architectural style may be less of a priority for townhomes and condominiums since these homes often share uniform designs. However, standalone properties open the door to a wide array of architectural styles, usually influenced by the era they were built or their geographic location. Here are some popular home styles:
Cape Cod
Originating in New England in the 1700s, Cape Cod homes are known for their charming design and functional layout. Early examples feature wood siding, roof shingles, and central front doors with two opposing windows. Today, Cape Cod style homes typically feature the same elements on a bigger, more expanded footprint.
Defining features of a Cape Cod home:
- Smaller size
- Cottage-like appearance
- Roof shingles
- Wood siding
- Central door
Colonial
Colonial-style homes are very similar to Cape Cod homes. They feature simple, symmetrical designs and date back to the mid-1600s. However, colonial homes can also be influenced by various factors depending on where they’re located and what occupied the region when they were constructed.
Defining features of a colonial home:
- Multiple stories
- Symmetrical design
- Central stairway
- Boxy shape
- Brick siding
Contemporary
Contemporary homes are often a topic of confusion. The terms “contemporary” and “modern” are commonly used interchangeably to describe homes of the present time. However, in real estate and design, the term “modern” refers to a time period already passed, such as mid-century modern homes. Today, contemporary homes often feature eco-friendly materials, open floor plans, natural lines and textures, and neutral color palettes.
Defining features of a contemporary home:
- Open floor plans
- Large windows
- Large driveways
- Low-pitched roofs
- Sustainable materials
Craftsman
Popularized in the United States during the arts and crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Craftsman homes feature handcrafted elements, sturdy construction, and an emphasis on natural materials and colors. Occasionally, these homes are also referred to as arts and crafts style.
Defining features of a Craftsman home:
- Flowing interiors
- Handcrafted elements and details
- Natural materials
- Warm and inviting atmosphere
Farmhouse
Farmhouse-style homes resemble agricultural buildings and dwellings in many ways. These rustic properties often feature tall ceilings, exposed beams, large porches, and even sometimes barn doors and other elements pulled directly from the farm.
Defining features of a farmhouse home:
- Large front porches
- Tall ceilings
- Exposed interior beams
- Rustic feel
- Barn- and farm-inspired features
Ranch
Ranch homes are typically one-story properties with large backyards and attached garages. They first appeared in the 1930s and are still popular across the United States today. Many people revere ranch-style homes for their open floor plans and integration with the natural landscape. This style is also sometimes called a Rambler.
Defining features of a ranch home:
- Single-story layout
- Wide profile
- Large windows
- Large backyards
- Attached garage
- Variety of materials
Tudor
Though Tudor homes became prominent in the United States in the early 20th century, they originated in England. Named for the Tudor dynasty, these homes often feature medieval elements and historic aesthetics, such as gabled roofs, brickwork, and half-timbered designs.
Defining features of a Tudor home:
- Medieval or historic aesthetics
- Intricate brickwork
- Gabled roofs
- Half-timbered designs
- Sometimes asymmetrical
Victorian
Named after England’s Victorian era and Queen Victoria, Victorian homes reflect tastes from this period. These ornate homes often feature elaborate details, romantic designs, bold colors, and large interiors.
Defining features of a Victorian home:
- Ornate elements and details
- Steep roofs
- High ceilings
- Grand staircases
- Sometimes asymmetrical
Home Sweet Home: Finding Your Perfect Property
When it comes to houses, there are so many different types and styles to choose from, not to mention other decisions like choosing between new construction and existing properties and how you want to finance your mortgage.
Remember to take your time and do your research to find the perfect property for you, especially now that you know all about the most common types and styles of homes you’ll encounter during your search.
If you’re ready to explore new construction homes in your area, Century Communities offers a wide range of beautifully designed properties across the United States. Use our Find Your Home feature to discover dream properties currently available in your area.
Home Types FAQ
What are the different types of homes?
There are many different types of real estate properties and styles of homes. In terms of structure, townhomes, condos, and single-family homes are all common. Some common house styles include farmhouse, mid-century modern, contemporary, colonial, and craftsman.
What is the most common type of house?
Single-family homes are the most common type of house in the United States. These detached homes typically feature private living spaces, yards, and garages on the same plot of land.
What makes a ranch-style home?
Ranch-style homes are often one-story, feature an open layout, and have large backyards and outdoor areas.
What is a modular home?
Modular homes are prefabricated and often constructed off-site in sections.
