People tend to have their own understanding, but starter homes are typically perceived as being on the smaller side, in need of renovation, or both. “It has become more expensive, almost financially not viable, to build what we thought was a starter home: a 1,000-square-foot home. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementRedfin economist Chen Zhao says the limited inventory of starter homes goes beyond the dearth of new construction. People with smaller homes are still moving out as their families grow or needs change. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementStill, people looking for starter homes now are justified in feeling that their predecessors had it easier, Zhao said.

Source: Washington Post January 05, 2026 23:09 UTC