Can I Have a Small, Please?

Bruce Dickson
Jul 29
2 min read

It’s no secret that we’re in the middle of a housing crisis—in the U.S. and around the world. The average new home in the U.S. is between 2,200 and 2,500 square feet. In June 2025, the median sales price of a new home was just over $400,000, with the average hitting $501,000. These numbers are simply out of reach for people who need housing the most.

Building smaller just makes sense.

Do we really need 400-square-foot primary suites? Or giant bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs we use maybe twice a year—when they’re not doubling as kiddie pools? Do we need four or five bedrooms or a formal dining room we can’t afford to furnish?

Downsizing to well-designed, efficient homes—not tiny, just smaller—is a practical solution.

If we focused on what people actually need in a home, rather than inflating square footage for inflated prices, homeownership could become accessible again—without the crushing financial burden.

Smaller Homes Offer Big Benefits

Faster and Easier to Build: Smaller footprints mean quicker timelines and simpler construction.
More Affordable: Fewer materials and less labor should—and must—translate to lower prices.
Lower Mortgage Payments: Less house equals less debt.
Lower Insurance Costs: Smaller homes mean smaller premiums.
More Energy-Efficient: Lower heating and cooling needs saves money for homeowners and drives sustainability.
Cost Savings for Builders and Buyers: Builders use fewer resources; homeowners enjoy lower utility bills.
More Comfortable Living: Simpler, smarter design leads to better air sealing and insulation—making homes more comfortable year-round.
Smaller Carbon Footprint: Fewer materials and less waste reduce environmental impact.
Easier Maintenance: Less space means fewer repairs and lower upkeep costs.
Improved Quality of Life: Less cleaning. Less clutter. More intentional living.

It’s Time to Rethink “Bigger is Better”

To builders and developers: it's time to step up. Smaller homes are not only more affordable—they’re smarter. You can build more of them, spend less doing it, and provide homes people can actually afford. Let’s stop building oversized McMansions for the few, and start creating thoughtful, livable homes for the many.