From classic East Coast Colonial to contemporary urban design, a home's exterior sets the tone before you even step inside. Realtor.com just released a new report breaking down the most desirable types of houses on the market right now, along with trending and timeless styles that have appreciated significantly in value over the last few years.
Whether you’re getting ready to buy a new home or want to know the potential selling value of your current house, this report can help you learn what to expect when it comes to all things architecture.
What's the Most Expensive Style of Home in 2025?
The most valuable architecture type is all about earthiness and elegance: the Mediterranean home. Found predominantly in California and down in Miami, these sizable, elegant houses have long been desired for their terra-cotta shingles, stucco, and plenty of exterior archways beckoning you inside. Natural stone or water features offer a cooling element in the hot, desert-like areas they're typically built on.
As the name implies, this unique architectural style is modeled after homes that are standard in countries like Spain and Italy. Their spacious open-floor plans to make the inside of the home flow and feel airy, and they prioritize indoor-outdoor spaces: Breezeways, large patios, backyard gathering spaces, and terraces all define Mediterranean architecture.
Realtor.com's analysis found that the median listing price of a Mediterranean home lands at $725,000. But keep in mind that this listing price isn’t just about the style of the home—it's often used on bigger homes, which naturally increases the listing price. And many Mediterranean houses are located in high-cost areas, which also drives the cost up.
If you’re looking to buy and are limiting your search to the coveted Mediterranean style, it won’t be easy. Realtor.com estimates these homes took up only 4.1% of the U.S. National Share. You’ll find 14.8% of those listings located in Los Angeles.
The Most Affordable Home Style This Year
Ranch-style homes still remain the most affordable architecture type, but they've also gone up in value the most since 2019. Along with craftsman and modern houses, ranches have appreciated by 43%, showing that there’s still plenty of demand for these reliable styles. They also hold about 35% of Realtor.com’s reported U.S.’s National Share this year.
Other Architectural Market Trends and Values in 2025
Colonial-style homes are leading the listing market, taking up almost 50% of all listings in May. This style has also seen solid annual gains, with almost 6% increase in annual value. You’re most likely to find Colonial homes across the South and in the Northeast. Generally, expensive architecture types (like modern and Mediterranean) have appreciated less than more affordable styles in the past year, due to the rising cost of ownership and economic uncertainty.
Read more at Better Homes & Gardens
Related Links
Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know
Homebuyers finally responded, after mortgage rates hit lowest level in three months
6 Tips for Finding Really Good Art at Flea Markets, According to Designers
If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.
