Trend Toward Smaller Homes Likely To Stay

Orlando, FL, Jan. 14, 2011 -- Future homes will be smaller, more energy efficient and are likely to have a combined great room-kitchen area, according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders.

Single-family homes, after growing in size for years, began decreasing in size in 2008 and will continue that trend for the foreseeable future, according to the survey released at the trade group's annual International Builders Show.

Part of the downsizing may be temporary, due to recession-pinched pocketbooks, but several trends such as the "huge desire to keep energy costs down" indicate it will continue even in a stronger economy, says NAHB's Rose Quint.

Demographics are long-term on the side of smaller homes, she said.

In NAHB's survey, 52% of respondents say they plan to build smaller homes in 2011, compared to last year, and 59% plan lower-priced models. Only 7% say they plan to build larger or higher-priced homes.

In 2015, 74% believe single-family homes will be smaller.

Another big change will be the living room. Four out of five, or 82%, of those surveyed expect this room will vanish or be merged with other spaces. They say the room most likely to be featured in the average 2015 home will be a great room that's combined with the kitchen.