47 Most Common Types of Houses: Family House, Modern, Small, Large, & Regional Living!

If you are one of those people who think that a house has nothing more than four walls and a ceiling overhead, this article is for you. This guide discusses 47 different types of houses that you can choose from and lead a comfortable life in. 

Knowing all these unique construction designs will help you select the accommodation that suits your conditions and preferences best. So, consider the major categories of houses below, along with concise comparison tables. 

Best Traditional Types of Houses for Families 

The most commonly preferred traditional residential house types for families are single-family houses, multi-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, ranch houses, craftsman houses, colonial houses, farmhouses, tudor houses, victorian houses, and brownstones.

1. Single-Family House 

Definition	A freestanding building, one of the most preferred residential house types
Key Features	Self-sufficient, detached (doesn’t share walls with other houses), & complete access to and ownership of the roof and land
Materials	Concrete, steel, wood, masonry, and stone
Pros	Enhanced privacy & customization, more space, & best resale value
Cons	High maintenance costs and often expensive
Common In	The USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, the Caribbean islands, and Europe

2. Multi-Family Home 

Definition	One of the residential house types where more than one family can live comfortably
Key Features	Multiple independent housing units within a single structure, and separate facilities, i.e., a kitchen, bathroom, and other areas
Materials	Wood, concrete, and standard roofing/siding substances
Pros	Best for rental income and high resale value
Cons	High prices and maintenance costs
Common In	The United States, Canada, and European countries

3. Duplex 

Definition	One of the family types of houses where two separate residential units are present within a single structure
Key Features	One building, two self-sufficient living spaces, and the sharing of a common wall, floor, and ceiling
Materials	Concrete, bricks, steel, and wood
Pros	Potential for rental income, large structure, and best for two families
Cons	Noise transmission through the shared wall
Common In	The United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK

4. Townhome or Rowhome 

Definition	An independent single-family house in a row of similar units
Key Features	Multi-level design, shared walls, individual ownership, & HOA for common area management
Materials	Wood, vinyl siding, bricks, stucco, asphalt shingles, and drywall
Pros	Affordable, low-maintenance costs, and access to common areas
Cons	Less privacy due to shared walls
Common In	The United States, Canada, and Australia

5. Ranch House 

Definition	A domestic architectural-style home, almost similar to a rambler house
Key Features	Long, low-profile, open floor plan, no stairs, and single-story design
Materials	Wood, brick, stucco, glass, etc.
Pros	One of the highly accessible house types in the world, with adaptability and openness
Cons	Requires a large lot for construction
Common In	The United States, Canada, and Australia

6. Craftsman House 

Definition	A 1900-1930 popular American domestic architectural-style house
Key Features	Low-pitched gabled roof, wide overhanging eaves, exposed rafters/braces, etc.
Materials	Primarily wood, stone, and concrete
Pros	One of the durable types of houses, warm with curb appeal, and functional layouts
Cons	Outdated design and higher maintenance
Common In	The United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

7. Colonial House 

Definition	Colonial-style residential architecture originated from European designs
Key Features	A symmetrical facade, a centrally located front door, a steep gabled roof, etc.
Materials	Wood, concrete, stone, brick, and other locally available materials
Pros	Timeless, classic aesthetic with high resale value
Cons	Lack of openness and poor accessibility for people with mobility issues
Common In	The United States, especially the Northeast, the South, and the Midwest

8. Cape Cod House 

Definition	A rectangular, story-and-a-half home with a gabled roof
Key Features	Steeply pitched roof, large central chimney, symmetrical facade, etc.
Materials	Concrete, wood, stone, and brick
Pros	Compact design, low ceiling, and highly energy-efficient
Cons	The half-story upstairs, with limited headspace
Common In	The United States and New England

9. Farmhouse

Definition	A residential building on a farm
Key Features	Large, inviting porches and open-concept living areas
Materials	Wood, stone, brick, steel, etc.
Pros	One of the types of houses exhibiting durability, open plan, and connectivity with nature
Cons	Extensive upkeep
Common In	The United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia

10. Tudor House 

Definition	A home style mimicking late Medieval and early Renaissance English architecture is called a tudor style house
Key Features	Steeply pitched, multi-gabled roofs, and a large, ornate chimney
Materials	Brick, stone, stucco, and wood
Pros	Timeless aesthetic and cozy interior
Cons	One of the house types in the world featuring high initial construction and maintenance costs
Common In	England, Wales, and the United States

11. Victorian House 

Definition	A time-specific residential architecture originated during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901)
Key Features	Steep roof, elaborate trim, asymmetrical facades, and a prominent front-facing gable
Materials	Bricks, stone, wood, and other typical materials
Pros	Durable construction, unique architectural details, and spacious interiors with high ceilings are common features found in many types of houses.
Cons	Expensive to build and has a lower energy efficiency than a modern house
Common In	The United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia

12. Brownstone  

Definition	A type of townhouse, characterized by its reddish-brown sandstone facade
Key Features	Multi-stories, exterior staircase, shared side walls with adjacent homes
Materials	Brick, wood, stone, iron/steel, and concrete
Pros	One of the durable masonry house types in the world, and a classic architectural style
Cons	Expensive in posh locations and requires high maintenance
Common In	The United States, especially Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Boston

Also Read: Construction Bidding: Learn Meaning, Stages, Elements, Types, and More!

Modern Types of Houses 

During modern times, residences have become more comfortable and functional, with an ever-increasing emphasis on higher sustainability and fewer inefficiencies. Some widely used and popular modern house styles are condominiums, apartments, modern houses, contemporary houses, and modern farmhouses. 

If you are stuck between two choices of condominiums and townhouses, make sure you go through their pros and cons and key features first. A guide on condo vs townhouse will help you make an informed decision in this regard. 

1. Condominium or Condo 

Definition	A large, multi-story residential building with many living units, one of the most widely preferred house types in the world
Key Features	Privately owned individual units, in the same structure, and shared ownership of the common area, and defined community living are characteristics of certain types of houses
Materials	Concrete, steel, wood, and standard modern finishes
Pros	Reduced maintenance responsibilities, communal atmosphere
Cons	Less privacy
Common In	The United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Asia

2. Apartment 

Definition	One of the several self-contained housing units in a common building, usually one on each floor or level
Key Features	Part of a multi-unit building with shared common spaces, i.e., stairs, rooftop, etc., & the shared ceiling and the floor
Materials	Concrete, steel, wood, and drywall
Pros	Lower upkeep-related expenses, shared amenities, and an urban area location
Cons	Less privacy
Common In	The United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia

3. Modern House 

Definition	Any type of residential structure built from the early to mid-20th century
Key Features	Open floor plans, flat or low-pitched roofs, and large expanses of glass
Materials	Concrete, steel, wood, stone, etc.
Pros	Imbued with modern house styles, ample natural light, flexible living spaces, and energy efficiency
Cons	High maintenance and a lack of privacy in a highly transparent design
Common In	The United States, Northern Europe, and Israel

4. Contemporary House 

Definition	A residential structure without elaborate ornamentation and unnecessary detail
Key Features	Lots of glass, open floor plans, and inventive design
Materials	One of the types of houses made up of wood, stone, concrete, steel, and glass
Pros	High-energy efficiency, open spaces, and adaptable layouts
Cons	Higher upfront construction costs and a lack of warmth
Common In	The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Scandinavia, and Australia

5. Modern Farmhouse 

Definition	One of the modern house styles that blends rustic charm and simplicity with modern principles of architecture
Key Features	Open plans, vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams, large covered porches, etc.
Materials	Wood, metal, stone, brick, large window glass, etc.
Pros	Bright, open, and comfortable atmosphere, strong connection to nature, etc.
Cons	High-cost construction
Common In	The United States and Canada

Small and Compact Types of Houses  

Manufactured homes, mobile homes, accessory dwelling units, cottage houses, A-frame homes, and cabin houses aren’t just small but comfortable as well, especially for individual living; thus, they are also included in the minimalistic house styles list. 

Most DIY enthusiasts always pick one of these projects to build and enjoy living in a self-constructed dwelling. So, if you find your inspiration here, make sure you know all the essential steps to building a house in advance for maximum efficiency.    

1. Manufactured Home 

Definition	A factory-built residence, constructed as per the federal HUD code
Key Features	Built in a controlled environment, transported to the site on a permanent chassis, & much more affordable than site constructions
Materials	Wood, steel, drywall, standard insulation, and other items used in constructing various residential house types
Pros	Faster construction time and energy efficiency
Cons	Zoning/placement restrictions
Common In	The United States & Australia

2. Mobile Home

Definition	A prefabricated dwelling built in a factory
Key Features	One of the affordable types of houses, quick construction, and variety in options
Materials	Lightweight materials such as steel, wood, & metal
Pros	Lower cost than the site construction, and faster move-in times
Cons	Depreciation over time
Common In	The United States and Europe

3. Accessory Dwelling Unit (Adu)

Definition	A smaller, self-contained housing unit located within the same lot as a primary single-family home
Key Features	Independent living provisions & a separate entrance
Materials	Wood, steel, concrete, bricks, etc.
Pros	Rental income benefit, higher resale value, and a guest-friendly arrangement are advantages offered by certain types of houses
Cons	Higher upfront construction costs
Common In	The United States, Canada, and any part of the world, facing housing shortages.

4. Cottage House 

Definition	A small, cozy, and rural house, like most modern house styles
Key Features	Compact layout, pitched roof, and cozy interior
Materials	Bricks, stucco, stone, wood, etc.
Pros	Energy-efficient layout and minimalistic structure
Cons	Limited square footage, and thus less storage
Common In	The United Kingdom, the United States, Europe, and Canada

5. A-Frame House 

Definition	A triangular-shaped house with a roofline, one of the minimalistic types of houses
Key Features	High, vaulted ceilings, a steep-sloped roof, and a prominent triangular front look
Materials	Wood, asphalt shingles, metal sheeting, and glass for the large windows
Pros	Unique look, durable, efficient use of the space, and compact build
Cons	Sloped roof, hampering the maximum space utilization
Common In	The United States, Canada, Northern Europe, Japan, and New Zealand

6. Cabin House 

Definition	A cabin is a small, rustic structure typically made from logs or wood
Key Features	Simple construction, wood-dependent build, and constructed in secluded locations
Materials	Counted among the wood-based house types in the world
Pros	Minimalistic design, excellent natural insulation, and durable structure
Cons	Lack of modern appeal
Common In	The United States and Canada

Also Read: Construction Estimating in 2025: Get 100% Accuracy with Tried and Tested Methods!

Large & Luxurious Types of Houses 

Some luxurious and modern house styles that are also discussed in the context of residential construction are, namely, Spanish revival houses, bungalow-style houses, neoclassical-style houses, Italianate-style houses, antebellum-style houses, and shingle-style houses. 

If you are planning to build any of these construction types for large living, make sure you hire one of the biggest construction companies in the US or in your place. It would help cut back on major inefficiencies and thus create a residential place you would love to live, rest, enjoy, and grow in. 

1. Spanish Revival House 

Definition	A popular architectural style originating in early 20th-century America
Key Features	Red-tiled roofs, white or stucco walls, arches, decorative ironwork, and courtyards
Materials	One of the types of houses made from wood, stone, brick/concrete, iron, stucco, plaster, etc.
Pros	Durable and well-suited for hot climates
Cons	Expensive and additional effort for high-energy efficiency
Common In	The United States, Mexico, Spain, and Italy

2. Bungalow-Style House 

Definition	A small, single-story house, occasionally featuring a half-story or attic
Key Features	A low-pitched roof, a wide front porch, and an open floor plan
Materials	Wood, brick, stucco, and stone
Pros	Single-story living and compact designs
Cons	Smaller construction compared to multi-story homes
Common In	North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa

3. Neoclassical-Style House 

Definition	A style of residential architecture, prominent from the mid-18th to the 19th centuries
Key Features	Grand scale, imposing facades, symmetry, tall columns, and triangular pediments
Materials	One of the types of houses constructed using brick, stone, stucco, and wood
Pros	A timeless, elegant, and grand aesthetic with symmetrical layouts
Cons	Costly construction
Common In	The United States, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Germany

4. Italianate-Style House 

Definition	A house design drawing inspiration from Italian Renaissance villas and picturesque farmhouses
Key Features	Among low-pitched or flat roof types of houses with wide overhanging eaves and tall windows
Materials	Brick, wood, and stucco with iron for decorative details
Pros	Visually grand appearance and spacious interior
Cons	High maintenance costs
Common In	The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand

5. Antebellum-Style House 

Definition	A large, classically designed residence built in the American South before the Civil War
Key Features	A symmetrical front, large columns, and an elevated first floor
Materials	Red brick, wood, and plaster
Pros	One of impressive house types in the world with high-quality, durable construction
Cons	Extensive maintenance needs
Common In	The United States, especially across the American South

6. Shingle-Style House

Definition	An American architectural design featuring continuous shingled surfaces
Key Features	Asymmetrical form and continuous wooden-shingle flow over walls and roof
Materials	Wood, stone, brick, metal, plastic, etc.
Pros	Excellent durability and low maintenance, thus included in the economical house styles list
Cons	Irregular shapes
Common In	New England and the United States

Culture or Region Specific Types of Houses 

Split-level houses, Queen Anne-style houses, country French houses, Georgian houses, Greek revival houses, Gothic revival houses, Mediterranean revival houses, prairie-style houses, Federal-style houses, and Spanish colonial houses are major architectural masterpieces in the developed countries; thus, often included in the cultural or regional house styles list. 

Cultural or regional houses are the best when it comes to adapting to the climate conditions. In cold places, such architectural designs offer a warm and cozy living experience, while in hot regions, the energy efficiency focuses on keeping the space cool and comfortable. 

1. Split-Level House 

Definition	A home design with divided floor levels connected by short flights of stairs
Key Features	Asymmetrical facades, low-pitched roofs, large windows, attached garages, and minimal ornamentation are defining features of certain types of houses
Materials	Stone, brick, concrete, wood, and other materials
Pros	Efficient use of space, functional compartmentalization, and more affordable than traditional homes
Cons	Floor inaccessibility for people with mobility issues due to stairs
Common In	The United States and Australia

2. Queen Anne-Style House 

Definition	A residence design belonging to the 1880-1910 period, counted among the timeless popular house styles list
Key Features	Highly decorative and asymmetrical design
Materials	Wood shingles, clapboard, decorative half-timbering, brick, and stones
Pros	Spacious, distinctive looks, varied floor plans, and large porches
Cons	Costly maintenance and repair
Common In	The United States, Canada, and Australia

3. Country French House 

Definition	A rustic architectural style that originated in rural France
Key Features	Timeless, provincial charm, asymmetrical facades, and practical design
Materials	Stone, stucco, wood, terra cotta roof tiles, and iron
Pros	One of the durable and low-cost-maintenance types of houses
Cons	Higher initial construction costs and complex rooflines
Common In	France, the United States, Canada, and Australia

4. Georgian House 

Definition	A classical style architecture named after the four King Georges of Great Britain
Key Features	Symmetrical front with five windows, a central paneled front door, and a side-gabled roof
Materials	Brick, stone, and timber
Pros	Elegant proportions and orderly appearance
Cons	Might lack open-plan living spaces
Common In	The United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia

5. Greek Revival House 

Definition	A residential construction style inspired by ancient Greek temples and classical ideals of democracy and order (1820–1860) in America
Key Features	A front-facing gable, hipped roof, bold columns, a wide porch, etc.
Materials	One of the house types in the world made from brick, stone, wood, marble, and metal
Pros	Timeless aesthetic, easy-to-construct design, and large, well-ventilated interiors
Cons	Wooden parts requiring intensive care for rot prevention
Common In	The United States and the United Kingdom

6. Gothic Revival House 

Definition	A medieval Gothic architectural design that revived in the 18th and 19th centuries
Key Features	Steeply pitched gable roofs, pointed arch windows, decorative wooden trim, and towersare hallmark features of certain types of houses
Materials	Stone, brick, wood, iron, and steel
Pros	Charming look, durable build, and natural-light maximization
Cons	Complex and expensive maintenance
Common In	The United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia

7. Mediterranean Revival House 

Definition	A residential construction design popularized in the US during the 1920s and 1930s
Key Features	Low-pitched red tile roofs, stucco walls, arches, ornate details, and spacious interiors
Materials	Stucco, concrete blocks, clay tiles, etc.
Pros	Durable, well-suited for warm climates, and energy efficient
Cons	Expensive and labor-intensive construction
Common In	The United States, Spain, and Italy

8. Prairie-Style House 

Definition	A unique style of residential construction originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Key Features	Strong horizontal lines, low-pitched or flat roofs, wide overhanging eaves, etc.
Materials	Wood, brick, concrete, stucco, and stone
Pros	Connection to nature, abundant natural light, and timeless aesthetic
Cons	One of the types of houses that are expensive to construct
Common In	The United States, particularly Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa

9. Federal-Style House 

Definition	A refined architectural 1780-1830 U.S. design with neoclassical elegance
Key Features	A strict symmetrical front, a central front door, and low-pitched roofs
Materials	Brick, wood, stone, and granite
Pros	Timeless elegance and long-lasting functional build
Cons	Counted among the house types in the world that lack modern open floor plans
Common In	The United States, particularly the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions

10. Spanish Colonial House 

Definition	A style of architecture developed in the colonies of the Spanish Empire as one of the comfortable residential house types
Key Features	Stucco exteriors, red-tiled roofs, courtyards, arched entryways, etc.
Materials	Adobe, stucco, clay tiles, heavy wooden beams, etc.
Pros	Excellent heat resistance and rustic feel
Cons	Labor- and cost-intensive maintenance
Common In	Mexico, the Southwestern United States, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Types of Houses  

The best four sustainable and nature-friendly residential house types are cooperative housing units, tiny homes, Mediterranean houses, and saltbox houses. Out of these structures, a tiny house and a saltbox house boast the best designs, considering how efficiently they manage a complete household unit within a small space. 

Moreover, there is high-energy efficiency, and also a tiny house costs less than a traditional unit, resulting in one of the most affordable construction types. 

1. Cooperative Housing or Co-Op

Definition	A building with self-contained units where all the residents collectively own the property through a corporation
Key Features	Collective ownership, democratic member control, and financial obligations to maintain the common areas
Materials	Bricks, concrete, steel, and wood
Pros	Lower cost of purchase as compared to a condo
Cons	Less autonomy and flexibility
Common In	The United States, Canada, & various European nations; one of the most popular types of houses in expensive localities

2. Tiny Home

Definition	A compact residential dwelling, typically less than 400 square feet
Key Features	Efficient use of space, multi-functional design, and single-story structure
Materials	One of the types of houses made of wood, steel, metal, and SIPs, i.e., structural insulated panels
Pros	Reduced living costs related to accommodation, lower environmental impact, flexibility, and minimalistic design
Cons	Limited space, complex zoning regulations, and low resale value
Common In	The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and France

3. Mediterranean House 

Definition	A residential design from the Mediterranean basin prioritizing outdoor living and climate adaptation
Key Features	Stucco walls, terracotta roof tiles, arched doorways, and windows
Materials	Adobe/masonry, natural stone, stucco, and wood
Pros	Well-suited for warm climates and durable
Cons	Inappropriate in colder climates
Common In	Spain, Italy, Greece, California, and Florida

4. Saltbox House 

Definition	An irregularly shaped house style famous in colonial New England, also counted in the minimalistic house styles list
Key Features	A flat front face, a central chimney, and the typical long, gently sloping rear roof
Materials	Timber frame (or post-and-beam construction)
Pros	Durability, a shedding-friendly roof, and a spacious interior
Cons	Inefficient use of the space due to the sloping rear wall
Common In	The New England region

Also Read: How to Build a Treehouse: Make Memories and a Backyard Escape That Lasts!

Uniquely Structured Types of Houses 

Finally, let’s discuss the architectures included in the unique house styles list. Namely, these designs are mid-century modern-style houses, modern Scandinavian-style houses, brutalist houses, and barndominium houses. 

Furthermore, their different exterior appeal might separate them from the category of traditional homes, but the designs don’t miss the core of residential construction.  

1. Mid-Century Modern-Style House 

Definition	A residential structure based on functionality and simplicity rather than only aesthetics or looks
Key Features	Clean lines, flat-low roofs, expensive footprints, and open plan
Materials	One of the types of houses made from concrete, wood, stone, steel, and glass
Pros	Cultural architecture, functional design, and efficient use of space
Cons	Higher cost and potential inaccessibility
Common In	The United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom

2. Modern Scandinavian-Style House 

Definition	A residential layout strongly rooted in functionality, simplicity, and connectivity to nature
Key Features	Clean lines, a minimalist aesthetic, natural light maximization, and open, airy spaces
Materials	Stone, wood, and glass
Pros	Bright, serene, and highly functional residential unit, like most modern house styles
Cons	Minimalistic looks
Common In	Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland

3. Brutalist House 

Definition	A style of property with a special focus on functionality over aesthetics
Key Features	Massive, block-like forms, raw concrete surfaces, and a fortress-like appearance
Materials	Rough concrete, brick, glass, steel, and rough-hewn stone
Pros	Durability, strength in structure, and functional
Cons	Such types of houses exhibit low visual appeal
Common In	The United Kingdom, France, the United States, Canada, Australia, etc.

4. Barndominium House 

Definition	An open-concept building, made from either metal or wood
Key Features	Open layouts, high ceilings, large covered porches, and metal exteriors
Materials	Either metal or wood, as one of the minimalistic types of houses
Pros	Highly durable, energy-efficient, and fast construction
Cons	Low aesthetic and resale value
Common In	The United States, especially in rural and suburban regions

Comparisons Among the Most Common House Types in the World 

If you are confused as to which option to decide on from the types of houses discussed above, the following differences between architectural house styles have been highlighted for you. Consider the tables below, and make an informed decision. These architectural designs boast almost all the features of the most expensive houses in America without compromising on the average square footage of a house. 

1. Small vs Large Houses 

   Types ➡️ Differences ⬇️	Small Houses	Large Houses
   Average Size	200-400 square feet	3,000 to 4,000+ square feet
   Best for	Single use	Family use
   Cost	$30,000 to $60,000	$300,000 to $750,000
   Major House Types	Manufactured homes, mobile homes, accessory dwelling units, cottage houses, etc.	Spanish revival house, bungalow-style house, neoclassical-style house, Italianate-style house, etc.

2. Traditional vs Modern Houses

   Types ➡️ Differences ⬇️	Traditional Houses	Modern Houses
   Average Size	1,400 to 1,600 square feet	2,300 to 2,500 square feet
   Best for	Family use	Single or family use
   Cost	$400,000 to $500,000	$350,000 to $1,200,000+
   Major House Types	Single-family houses, multi-family houses, duplexes, townhouses, ranch houses, craftsman houses, etc.	Condominiums, apartments, modern houses, contemporary houses, modern farmhouses, etc.

3. Sustainable vs Uniquely Structured Houses

   Types ➡️ Differences ⬇️	Sustainable Houses	Uniquely Structured Houses
   Average Size	Usually small	Small, medium, or large
   Best for	Rural families or environmentalists	Best for the lovers of brutalist architecture
   Cost	$200,000 to $600,000	Depends on the project, starting from $350,000
   Major House Types	Cooperative housing, tiny houses, Mediterranean houses, etc.	Mid-century modern-style house, modern Scandinavian-style house, and brutalist houses.

Conclusion 

Constructing or purchasing a house is an expensive process. Thus, being conscious of your choices in advance is inevitable. Always pick a tiny and sustainable living unit if you just require it for single-person use. A small space will not just help you reduce the cost of construction or purchase, but also bring the overall cost of living down substantially. As a result, you can make your life minimalist, fulfilling, and rich.     

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