The New Middle Ground: What You Need to Know about the "Missing Middle" Homes

When you think the typical American house, you may think of detached single-family homes in the suburbs or urban apartments. Although these are the norm for choices available to families, in-between housing options like townhouses and duplexes used to be plentiful throughout the United States. New homes in the suburbs now rarely look like townhomes or condos. According to the National Association of Realtors, these attached-style living facilities were regularly built during the first half of the 20th century as affordable alternatives to detached single-family homes. However, after World War II, this type of housing has not really been built, which is why it’s now referred to as the “missing middle” in housing. Even when builders want to construct this type of housing, many city zoning codes now limit what can be placed in single-family zones. That has created the missing middle homes. However, the market for these housing options may be embarking on a revitalization. Reasons to Choose Middle Housing When it comes to building new homes, townhomes and condos should be considered by any real estate buyer. Below are just three reasons that many may now choose these "middle" homes. Lifestyle - Many people want to live in neighborhoods where they can easily walk to shops, schools, and entertainment options. Monetary Reasons - Not only are detached family homes much more expensive than middle housing, but they also typically require one to buy a car to get around in the suburbs. Best of Both Worlds - Middle housing allows people to be homeowners and move into an attached house without accruing such a huge debt that they would never be able to pay off their mortgage. What’s Being Done While the missing middle communities may have been missing for over half a century, they are poised to make a comeback. In fact, several residential communities are being planned to meet this need. It’s anticipated that more of these communities will be built as millennials seek to enter the housing market. In a recent article featured in Metromode, James Clarke, president of Robertson Homes, spoke out about millennials' interest in attached housing. He said, "A lot of our buyers are young professionals who are coming out of apartments and/or first-time homeowners. They want the convenience of condominium living as opposed to single-family homes. It's both a price and a lifestyle decision." Thus, after years of missing, it seems likely that future housing will include condos and townhomes. Builders, landlords, and residents will continue to invest in middle housing, whether to live in it or rent it out to tenants who will be seeking middle housing as it becomes increasingly available. Learn more about the great townhome and condo communities coming soon from Robertson Homes in Troy, Lake Orion, Wixom, and Northville. Enjoy working with a trusted SE Michigan builder that has been developing and building premier communities since 1945.