According to the National Association of Home Builders, the number of new single-story homes is on the rise and the Baby Boomer population is driving the trend. Many of the new single-level home designs offer open floor plans and reduced energy costs, and they typically retain high resale value. As people consider the upkeep on a home and their future mobility, single-level homes become more appealing. An accommodating floor plan means people can also stay in their homes longer.
The Cliffs at Keowee Springs just announced their newest neighborhood, Clubhouse Village at Keowee Springs. The development will offer two options for single-story cottages, all with convenient access to community amenities and to the planned Keowee Springs Clubhouse.
“We have seen more interest in single-level living from multiple buyer demographics,” reports Lauren Buckland, director of sales at The Cliffs. Buyers with mobility issues and people wanting to age in place are looking for floor plans with no stairs to navigate. Realtors are seeing more empty nesters and more younger buyers also looking for a long-term home purchase. “They want the assurance that they will be able to remain living in their home as they grow older, without having to renovate or put a large investment into the home to update access,” says Buckland.
Susie White, Realtor associate for Coldwell Banker Caine, has been a Realtor since 2016 and has seen a notable uptick in single-level home purchases. “The most common priority for the 50-plus age bracket house hunt is to find a house with a nice primary owner’s suite on the main level. Builders seem to be responding to the need with quality new-build, single-level homes.”
Single-level living doesn’t always mean less square footage, but it is a desirable attribute for buyers looking to downsize. “Of course, everyone is different,” White acknowledges. “Some buyers are looking for a true downsize, not only with regard to the square footage of a home, but also in consideration of lot size. Others are hoping to find a smaller house, but with room to tinker in the yard, to have a garden, or to be able to enjoy a bit of elbow room between neighbors.”
Owing to the booming housing market, the biggest challenge to single-level living is finding the right home that meets your checklist of needs. White says patience and perseverance in your search are the keys to finding your perfect forever home.
Checklist for a Single-story Forever Home
- Few to no stairs
- Wide hallways
- Appropriate cabinet height in kitchen and bathrooms
- No-slip flooring
- Handicap-accessible or adaptable bathroom
- Good lighting day and night
- Low-maintenance landscaping
- Smart technology options for hands-free accessibility
