Looking for Homes? Here are 11 Types of Houses that You Must Check Out

Whether you’re searching for your first home or a new investment property, you’ve probably seen that there are many types of homes and buildings. Knowing this lingo can assist you in choosing the home of your dreams, preparing for typical inspection issues, and learning about the benefits of various home kinds.

It’s important to keep in mind that a house is categorized based on two essential elements: the kind of construction and the style of the building. The structure relates to the type of building, like a single-family house or even a condo while the style refers to the architectural traits and design, like craftsman or contemporary.

To help you focus on your search, we’ve created a list of the most prominent types of houses based on designs and architecture.

Types of Houses Based on Structure

1. Apartment
2. Condo
3. Co-Op
4. Townhome
5. Maisonette

Let’s read about some of the features of these types of houses.

1. Apartment

An apartment is one of a collection of similar types of houses located in the same building. One important factor is that you have to rent the space from a landlord.

 Apartments usually come with extras like a pool, gym, laundry, and on-site maintenance. There are several advantages and perks, even though you won’t have as much security and won’t be able to build equity in the property.

Benefits: Apartments come with all necessary upkeep done.

Drawbacks: There are not many purchase options, and there is a great deal of independence.

2. Condo

If you enjoy the conveniences of an apartment but wish to own your own home, a condo can be a wonderful option for you. You are in charge of all repairs and upkeep, not the building’s administration or the landlord. 

Condo House
Image Credits: CAI Illinois

Condominiums are a great option for elderly people and city residents who want to own a house and pay a mortgage but don’t want to handle the single-family home’s pre-approved mid-century maintenance.

Benefits: Benefits of owning include the fact that it takes less care than a single-family house while yet offering all of them.

Drawbacks: Lack of privacy and free agency.

3. Co-Op

The other name of cooperative housing associations is co-ops. These types of houses differ from the others. When you invest in a co-op, you purchase a piece of the business that controls the building rather than actual real estate. 

Co-Op / Cooperative Housing
Image Credits: Insider Media

The quantity of space you have in the co-op typically correlates to the number of shares you own. You will be allowed to vote on public areas and divide maintenance and other fees once you have been accepted into the co-op and purchased shares.

Benefits: It is less expensive than purchasing a normal home and there is a strong feeling of community.

Drawbacks: Strict restrictions apply, and organization approval is needed.

Note: An apartment can be a condo, co-op, or rental unit. 

4. Townhouse

A townhouse refers to a particular type of house that is multi-storied and shares one or more walls with other buildings. Each has a separate entryway, and many also have a little front lawn and backyard.

Townhouse
Image Credits: Forbes

These types of houses typically have two to four levels vertically, have access to the ground floor, and may also have access to a personal parking garage. That said, while some may find townhouses similar to duplex units, they actually differ in several ways. Those interested in learning about the differences between townhouse and duplex can find resources online.

Benefits: Reasonably priced

Drawbacks: Less privacy and less ability to customize the exterior

5. Maisonette

A maisonette is a two-story apartment with its own door and stairway. They are mostly found in a town or city centre and also in big, restored historic homes. It’s interesting to note that maisonettes have a region-specific design.

Duplex Apartment
Image Credits: 

Carlisle Homes

For instance, in Scotland, a maisonette is a collection of duplex apartments that are built on top of one another and connected by a common entrance. However, in the United States, maisonettes are referred to as duplexes due to their split-level design. They are generally positioned on the penthouse floor of a high-rise structure.

Benefits: Affordable, private and comes with its own backyard

Drawbacks: Difficult to secure a mortgage, and certain shared facilities

Types of Houses Based on Architectural Styles

1. Contemporary
2. Farmhouse
3. Greek
4. Italian
5. Mediterranean
6. Victorian

Let’s read about some of the features of these types of houses.

1. Contemporary Homes

Although contemporary and modern are frequently used interchangeably, they should not be. Nowadays, contemporary homes usually include elements of modernist architecture. 

Contemporary Houses

Many such types of houses have designs and materials that are eco-friendly, with an emphasis on angular lines and natural textures. Interior color schemes tend to be more muted with occasional flashes of color.

Features: Natural materials, neutral colors, and clean, straightforward lines.

2. Farmhouse

Simply said, farmhouse-style homes borrow elements from their namesake buildings for both the inside and exterior. Common features include high ceilings, exposed beams, a large front porch, a rectangular design, and a fireplace in the middle. 

Some farmhouse-style homes have roofs that resemble barns, while others don’t. Rustic elements like raw brick and stone are frequently seen. The rustic appearance of the modern farmhouse designs is combined with cleaner lines as well as other contemporary features.

Features: a sizable porch, a rustic, rectangular shape, and a roof with a barn-like appearance.

3. Greek Homes

The Greek revival-style homes are among the simplest to identify due to their imposing columns that mirror those on the Parthenon and other well-known Greek structures.

 

Features: Closed entryway and specific triangular roofs

4. Italian Homes

Italianate architecture, which incorporates elements from medieval Italy, retains elements of asymmetrical design, romanticism, and Medieval influence.

Features: Hooded castings on tall and narrow windows, stunning cast iron details, and a number of ventilations and natural lights

5. Mediterranean Homes

Mediterranean-style homes blend Spanish and Italian villas. These are especially well-liked in temperate areas like Florida and California because of the significant emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. 

These buildings are distinguished by their tiled roofs, warm stone, white stucco walls, wood, metal work on porches, and window frames. Even though most Mediterranean-style homes have a subtle appearance, you may frequently witness pops of color thanks to exquisite tile work.

Features: Warm wood, white stucco, tiled roofs, and stone.

6. Victorian Homes

Victorian homes, which bear the name of Queen Victoria, initially appeared in the 1830s and were popular into the early 1900s. 

Victorian House

They frequently have two or three floors and complex features like bay windows, miniature towers, dormers, patios, steep gable ceilings, and exteriors painted in striking colors.

Features: Variety of patios, detailed woodwork, and slanted roofs

Conclusion

Which type of housing is best for you? Having an idea of the type of house that suits your requirement can benefit you to narrow down a huge number of options and help in taking quality and smart decisions. 

Finding the house of your desires might be challenging, but having your mortgage pre-approved may make the process go more quickly.

Consult with a home loan expert to get advice and develop a financial plan. We hope that this information will assist you in determining the type of residence that is most appropriate for you and your family.

Read More On Low-Cost Home Designs