SingleFamily

A single-family home is a standalone residential structure designed to house one family. It is typically situated on its own parcel of land and is not physically connected to other dwellings.

It is distinct from multifamily housing, which contains multiple separate housing units within one building. Some markets use the term for detached dwellings regardless of ownership, while 'single-family attached' refers to properties connected to others but designed for one family.

Typical features include a private yard, an entry, and at least one parking space. Floorplans vary, with common layouts spanning one or two stories, and garages are common but not universal. Zoning rules often govern lot size and setbacks.

Policy and planning often designate single-family zoning to limit density, influencing suburban development and land use. Critics argue it contributes to urban sprawl and higher land consumption, while proponents cite privacy, perceived stability, and predictable development patterns.

Historically, the rise of the single-family home is linked to postwar suburban expansion in many countries, especially the United States, shaped by mortgage credit, highway construction, and promises of home ownership. Trends have shifted with affordability pressures and demographic change.

Economic aspects include purchase price, mortgage costs, ongoing maintenance, and property taxes. Equity accrues with home value appreciation, but costs can be higher per unit of living space compared with denser housing. Availability depends on local housing supply.

Regionally, single-family homes are most common in North America and parts of Oceania and Europe with low-density planning; in many dense urban centers they are less prevalent, replaced by apartments, townhouses, or multiplexes.

Environmentally, larger lots and longer commutes can increase energy use and vehicle dependence, prompting discussions about efficiency, green building standards, and the integration of ADUs (accessory dwelling units) or zoning reforms to support denser development.