09/24/2026
What Smaller U.S. Homes Could Mean for Buyers
The past decade has brought a noticeable shift in the size of new single-family homes across the U.S. — and it’s something I’m seeing right here in Central Oregon as well. The average new home sold has trimmed down from 2,700 to 2,400 square feet, even as the price per square foot soared by about 72%. In 2025, 1 in 4 new homes sold measured under 1,800 square feet, compared to just 1 in 6 ten years ago. Larger homes of 3,000 square feet or more have become less common, dropping from about 1 in 3 to 1 in 5. Builders are embracing smaller designs to help manage the rising costs of land, labor, and materials, keeping options within reach for buyers—especially while mortgage rates hover between 6% and 7%. For those aiming to keep budgets in check or step into homeownership for the first time, these smaller homes can mean more manageable down payments and monthly expenses. Still, with price-per-square-foot on the rise, affordability remains a challenge. As a broker with deep local experience, I’m always tracking these trends to help Central Oregon buyers navigate their best path to a home that fits their needs.