In response to the deteriorating affordability conditions, the proportion of new single-family homes has been decreasing since 2015.
In 2021, the size of new homes increased as interest rates reached historic lows, which was an exception.
Nevertheless, the demand for smaller homes returned as mortgage interest rates rose in 2022 and 2023 and affordability deteriorated.
This trend appears to be reversing once more, as the entry-level has been feeble.
As per the Census Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design and NAHB analysis from the second quarter of 2026, the median single-family square floor area was 2,185 square feet, which was essentially unchanged from the previous quarter.
The average (mean) square footage of new single-family residences was 2,426 square feet, representing a slight increase from the previous year.
The median size of a new single-family home increased to 2,184 square feet, while the average size increased slightly to 2,421 square feet on a one-year moving average basis.
Since 2024, the size of homes has increased as the highest end of the housing market has performed better than the entry level.
Relative strength at the upper end of the market is expected to drive sustained modest gains in home size trends in 2026.
However, these gains will be limited by housing affordability challenges.
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