Study: Energy Costs Won’t Deter Buyers

Rising energy costs won’t preclude people from building larger homes, according to a recent study from the National Assn. of Home Builders.

The study, “The Next Decade for Housing,” predicts that the typical new home a decade from now will be 2,200 square feet or larger, up from today’s 2,100 square feet. However, the typical lot size is expected to shrink by more than 1,000 square feet from today’s standard.

Future home buyers are projected to pay more for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, high-speed data access capabilities and more flexible interior designs.

A decade ago, roughly 36% of homes had four bedrooms, up from 25% 20 years ago, the NAHB report stated.