When it comes to home sizes, the question of what constitutes a small house is a subjective one. However, 1500 square feet is generally considered to be on the smaller side for a single family home by today’s standards in the United States.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that 1500 square feet is typically seen as a relatively small house size by most people’s standards today. Though it was once common for homes to be 1500 square feet or less, the average new single family home size has increased significantly over the past few decades. However, 1500 square feet may be considered more typical for a starter home or in higher density urban areas where large homes are less common.
What is Considered a Small House?
There is no definitive threshold for what size constitutes a small house, as it is largely dependent on perspective and location. However, real estate professionals generally categorize house sizes as follows:
- Small: Under 1,500 square feet
- Moderate: 1,500 to 3,000 square feet
- Large: 3,000 to 5,000 square feet
- Very Large: Over 5,000 square feet
Based on these common size classifications, a 1,500 square foot house would fall on the smaller end of the spectrum. Houses under 1,500 square feet are considered “tiny homes” or “small homes” in most real estate markets.
Factors Affecting Perceptions of Small Home Sizes
There are several factors that influence perceptions of what qualifies as a small home:
- Location: Home sizes vary significantly depending on region and housing markets. A 1,500 square foot home may be normal in a dense urban area but considered tiny in a sprawling suburb.
- Era of construction: Older homes tend to be smaller than newer ones. As construction methods and cultural norms have changed, average home sizes have increased over time.
- Price point: More expensive homes are generally larger than starter homes or lower-priced properties. The size expectations shift with the target market.
- Number of bedrooms/bathrooms: The functionality and layout of the space also affects perceptions of size. A 1,500 square foot home with only 1-2 bedrooms may feel small while the same size with 3+ bedrooms feels more spacious.
Typical Home Sizes Over Time
Home sizes have grown substantially over the decades, which influences perceptions of what is considered a small home today compared to the past. Here is an overview of average new single-family home sizes by decade:
| Decade | Average Size |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 950 sq ft |
| 1960s | 1,200 sq ft |
| 1970s | 1,500 sq ft |
| 1980s | 1,800 sq ft |
| 1990s | 2,100 sq ft |
| 2000s | 2,300 sq ft |
| 2010s | 2,500 sq ft |
In the 1950s to 1970s, 1,500 square feet was considered a typical or even large sized home. But as the average size has ballooned over the past three decades, 1,500 square feet is now seen as a smaller starter home in many markets.
Current Average Home Sizes
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median size for a new single-family home built in 2021 was 2,320 square feet. That’s up from just 1,660 square feet in 1980. The graph below illustrates the dramatic growth over the past four decades:
While 1,500 square feet was once the norm, it is now well below the average new construction home size. However, averages can be skewed by very large luxury homes. Looking at typical starter home sizes today:
- The average size of a new starter home is around 1,800 square feet.
- Among older existing homes, starter homes tend to be 1,200 – 1,500 square feet.
So while 1,500 square feet is considered small for new construction, it is a common size for first-time homebuyers and homes in the affordable price range.
Perceptions Based on Number of Bedrooms
The perception of whether a 1,500 square foot home is small can also shift based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms it has. Here are some guidelines:
| Number of Bedrooms | Perceptions of 1,500 sq ft Home Size |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Bedrooms | May feel spacious |
| 3 Bedrooms | Comfortable, average size |
| 4+ Bedrooms | Small, cramped layout |
A 1,500 square foot house with only 1-2 bedrooms will likely feel roomy, while a house of the same size with 4 or more bedrooms will feel much more cramped. The more bedrooms and bathrooms, the faster the home’s space gets used up.
Ideal Room Sizes
These are typical recommended room sizes for a comfortable layout:
| Room | Size Range |
|---|---|
| Master Bedroom | 150 – 250 sq ft |
| 2nd Bedroom | 120 – 150 sq ft |
| 3rd Bedroom | 100 – 120 sq ft |
| Kitchen | 150 – 200 sq ft |
| Living Room | 200 – 300 sq ft |
| Dining Room | 150 – 200 sq ft |
| Bathroom | 40 – 60 sq ft |
With these room size standards, once you allocate space for a master bedroom, 2nd bedroom, kitchen, living area, dining area and 2 bathrooms, a 1,500 square foot house would start feeling very tight on space. This demonstrates why 1,500 square feet can feel small for a 3+ bedroom, multi-bathroom home.
Is 1,500 Square Feet a Small Starter Home?
In most markets, 1,500 square feet is considered a smaller sized starter home for first-time homebuyers, particularly for those looking to purchase an existing older home. Some key considerations on 1,500 square feet for a starter home:
- A 1,500 square foot starter home will typically have 2-3 bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms.
- The rooms may be on the smaller side of size ranges.
- Extra space for offices, play rooms etc may be limited.
- Resale value may be lower than larger homes, but more affordable for buyers.
While a 1,500 square foot starter home may be tight for some families, the lower purchase price and operation costs are attractive trade-offs. This size is very common among older homes in many markets, allowing first-time buyers to enter ownership.
Is 1,500 Square Feet a Small Forever Home?
For buyers looking for their forever family home, 1,500 square feet would generally be considered on the smaller side, especially for those looking to purchase a newly built home. While it may be sufficient for singles and couples, a family with multiple children will likely find it too cramped as their needs grow.
Some downsides to 1,500 square feet as a forever home:
- Limited space for hobbies, entertaining, home offices.
- Tight quarters with multiple kids sharing bedrooms.
- No guest room for visiting family/friends.
- Unable to accommodate live-in family members if needed for caregiving.
While a 1,500 square foot home may be functional for a starter home, most families prefer more space for the long-term. Upgrading to a larger home is common once growing families outgrow their starter home.
Best Uses for a 1,500 Square Foot Home
While a 1,500 square foot home may feel small for some buyers, it can be the ideal size in certain situations:
First-Time Homebuyers
As an affordable starter home for new homeowners. The lower price and running costs fit many budgets.
Urban Settings
In expensive cities or dense neighborhoods where large homes are rare. Allows more urban living.
Second Homes
As a cabin, beach cottage or seasonal home where owners don’t need much space.
Rental Properties
Investors look for smaller affordable homes to offer cost-conscious renters.
Downsizing
For empty nesters looking to reduce unused space and maintenance.
Conclusion
While subjective, most Americans would consider a 1,500 square foot home on the smaller side in today’s market. It is less than the current average new construction size of over 2,300 square feet. However, a 1,500 square foot home can still be a comfortable size in many situations – as a starter home, urban residence or downsized space. The number of bedrooms and overall layout also impact whether a 1,500 square foot home feels too small. Buyers should evaluate their family’s needs to determine if 1,500 square feet suits their lifestyle or if they require a larger home.