June 23, 2008

Are Smaller Homes Winning the Race?

Sometimes, bigger is better. A bigger garden means more food. A bigger paycheck, more fun. A bigger house? Debatable, according to AIArchitect, whose first-quarter Home Design Trend study finds that the square-footage of new construction is shrinking [via CurbedLA]. Says the study: “The downturn in the housing market, coupled with changing lifestyles, has produced a decline in the size of a typical home.” What’s more, “households also are increasing their outdoor living options”; likely, folks building and buying into new places aren’t deterred by smaller quarters if an abundance of outdoor space is available.

Check the chart:

Here in Seattle, it looks like the trend isn’t shaking out per the AIArchitect findings. In my ‘hood, the Central District, a whopping two homes (all built since 2006, and all less than 1,000 square feet) closed in the past three months: this 950-square-foot, 21st Ave. condo, which sold on May 9 for $455,00, and this 893-square-foot, 24th Ave. condo, which sold on April 11 for $320,000.

The results aren’t much better for the rest of the Seattle Metro area, with only a pocketful of corresponding homes (read: about five) coming to the fore.

Up the footprint-ante, and a few dozen more homes appear, leading me to believe that, here in Seattle, the small-house trend hasn’t quite caught on. As the owner of a very small house myself — we’re talking 509-square-foot, 1916 kit-cottage — I’m miffed to see that small spaces show up only in condo form. Where’s the love for the housettes? Why aren’t architects building bungalow courts? Urban density and bang-for-their-collective-buck are two reasons, I’m sure. But if folks elsewhere are looking for smaller quarters, why aren’t builders in the Emerald City following suit? Inquiring minds want to know. Let’s hear your theories in the comments.

Of course, if you’re cruising for a teenyhome that boasts new blood, get your fix with these spanking-new smalls, spanning the CD, CapHill, and Downtown areas:

1408 12th Ave. E, #407 (OPEN HOUSE: 6/28 & 29, noon to 5 p.m.)
Built: 2007
Price: $485,000
Specs: 1 bd, 1 bath
Size: 789

1620 Belmont Ave., #322
Built: 2006
Price: $285,000
Specs: 1 bd, 1 bath
Size: 510

909 5th Ave., #302
Built: 2007
Price: $499,950
Specs: 1 bd, 1.5 bath
Size: 978

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