The Late, (Un)Lamented Split-Level & Rambler
Want to know the latest trends in Twin Cities new construction?
Check out upper bracket Edina.
That’s where the folks who can afford the latest bells & whistles — inside and out — are building the most new construction.
Ergo, that’s where to look to see the most — and least — popular new home styles.
Of the last 50 new “spec” homes sold in Edina over $1.2 million since 2014, here’s the style scorecard:
Two-story: 47
One-story: 3
Split-level: 0
(Note: all homes are single-family/detached; data is from MLS. “Spec” refers to a home built by a developer to sell on the open market, vs. commissioned by an existing client).
Finance #101
Why style preferences certainly factor in, my guess is that 2-stories predominate — at least with “spec” homes — because that’s how builders maximize their profit.
Which is kinda too bad (at least in IMHO), because splits and one-stories (known as “ramblers” in the Midwest, “ranches” elsewhere) have a lot going for them.
Literally: they’re often on larger lots in close-in neighborhoods, and are invariably well-built (typically in the 1950’s and 1960’s) and well-maintained..
See also, “An Ode to the ’50’s Rambler“; “One Size Fits All (Life Stages)“; “The Unsung, Unassuming, Under-Appreciated Split-Level“; “What’s a ‘Spec House?‘”; and “Spec Builders Play it Safe(r).”
