Why Single-Story Homes Can Hold More Value Than Multi-Story
In my 15+ years in real estate, I’ve guided countless buyers and sellers through the intricacies of home value—and one topic that continues to spark interest is the difference between single-story and multi-story homes. While multi-level homes can be appealing for their compact footprint and separation of space, single-story homes often retain a higher value, and it’s not just about aesthetics or lifestyle. The construction differences, building costs, and land use all play a role in why single-story properties are often in higher demand and appraise for more. The Construction Factor From a builder’s perspective, a single-story home requires more foundation and roofing materials compared to a two-story home of equal square footage. This is because the footprint is spread horizontally rather than vertically. You’ll need a larger slab, more trusses, and often more framing material. That said, while this may make construction slightly more expensive on a per-square-foot basis, it also r...