Thoughtful community development with access to amenities more popular than ever
Infill development along with an increasing demand for tear-down properties is a signal that urban housing continues to grow denser. Showing signs of market saturation, demand for walkable neighborhoods, multi-generational housing and access to public transportation remains very strong, but improvement has leveled off, according to the findings from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the third quarter of 2016, which focuses on community and neighborhood design.
AIA Home Design Trends Survey highlights
|
Community design elements |
2016 |
2015 |
|
· Infill development |
68% |
65% |
|
· Increase in tear-downs |
68% |
57% |
|
· Mixed-use facilities |
56% |
51% |
|
· Access to public transportation |
55% |
55% |
|
· Higher density development |
53% |
52% |
|
· Multi-generational housing |
52% |
56% |
|
· More recreational opportunities |
50% |
44% |
|
· More walkable neighborhoods |
49% |
49% |
(% respond. report. popularity of feature “increasing” minus % report. “decreasing”; Q3)
All of the data from this survey can be access in this infographic.
“After years of growth in multi-generational housing, we’re now seeing demand level off,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “This could be a result of a strengthening economy paired with a housing stock that can better accommodate homeowners’ needs in this area.
|
Popular Home Exteriors Features |
2016 |
2015 |
|
· Low maintenance exterior materials |
68% |
69% |
|
· Windows (number and size) |
47% |
40% |
|
· Contemporary design |
43% |
45% |
|
· Front/side porches |
40% |
40% |
|
· Metal finishes |
36% |
35% |
|
· Smaller / emphasis on styling |
35% |
39% |
|
· Fire resistant exterior material |
26% |
19% |
|
· Single story homes |
25% |
26% |
|
· Simpler exterior detailing |
22% |
21% |
|
· Exterior accent lighting |
18% |
19% |
|
· Cool roofs |
16% |
13% |
(% respond. report. popularity of feature “increasing” minus % report. “decreasing”; Q3)
“As building product technologies advance, such as smart glass windows, demand for more and larger windows is increasing,” Baker added.
Housing market business conditions
AIA Home Design Survey Index for Q3 2016 (any score above 50 is positive)
♦ Billings: 55
♦ Inquiries for new projects: 59
♦ Regional averages: Midwest (54.2), South (54.5), West (61.4) Northeast (45.1)
Baker noted, “Business conditions continue to strengthen across all regions, however the uneven housing recovery continues with a setback in demand for more affordable homes, as well as for second homes.”
|
Specific construction segments |
2016 |
2015 |
|
· Additions / alterations |
57% |
66% |
|
· Kitchen and bath remodeling |
49% |
54% |
|
· Move-up home market |
22% |
34% |
|
· Custom / luxury home market |
20% |
42% |
|
· Townhouse / condo market |
11% |
19% |
|
· First-time buyer / affordable home market |
-1% |
10% |
|
· Second / vacation home |
-6% |
-2% |
(% respond. report. popularity of feature “increasing” minus % report. “decreasing”; Q3)
About the AIA Home Design Trends Survey
The AIA Home Design Trend Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of over 500 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector. Residential architects are design leaders in shaping how homes function, look, and integrate into communities and this survey helps to identify emerging trends in the housing marketplace. Business conditions are also monitored on a quarterly basis. Future surveys will focus on kitchen and bath trends (March 2017), overall home layout and use (June 2017), and specialty rooms and systems (September 2017).
About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.
