Barndominiums are one of the most interesting trends in U.S. real estate today. What do these spacious, steel farmhouse buildings have that other homes don’t?
Barndominiums attract individuals and families that crave a more connected living environment — without skimping on the space. Internet searches for “barndominium” increased by 3% since 2022, with an average monthly query of 106,000 per month! Made famous by the HGTV series Fixer Upper, the demand for barndominiums is increasing and they’re likely here to stay.
WHAT IS A BARNDOMINIUM?
First, tiny homes were popular. Then, we saw the wild creations of shipping container homes. Now, homebuyers are leaning in a similar but roomier direction: barndominiums.
Barndominiums — taken from “barn” and “condominium” — are one of the hottest new trends in real estate!
While living in a barn might not seem like the most appealing household decision, barndominiums (or “barndos”) are actually quite impressive. Their open floor plans and modern, welcoming layouts can suit many homebuyers today.
Barndos often combine household living areas with an attached garage or workstation, making them especially ideal for country dwellers who spend a lot of time on one property. Popularized during COVID when families needed more room to dwell indoors, barndos attract people seeking more affordable, simplistic home preferences.
They’re most often found in rural, suburban, and country settings.
Barndominiums typically offer a large amount of us able space, ranging from 1,200 to 6,000 square feet per home. Unlike standard homes, they require fewer building materials, allowing owners to customize much of the space.
THE BARNDOMINIUM LIFESTYLE
Home Layout
A barndominium home is great for families who like to spend time with each other and enjoy a lot of breathing room. With its open floor plan, you can expect the kitchen, dining room, and living room to be one large, shared space that’s central to the home. Bathrooms are often larger than usual Bedrooms usually take up the top floor of the barn-style layout. It’s also common for there to be upstairs balconies and other unique amenities throughout the home, since it’s more affordable and structurally convenient to add on.
Land Ownership
Most notably, barndominiums are almost always constructed on large plots of land. Some barndos rest on one acre, whereas others in vast country expanses oversee hundreds of acres. Because of this, you’re not limited to one specific lifestyle. You can live a short distance from a metropolitan area, or enjoy the solace of farmland
Top Buyers
Often converted from old barns, barndominiums naturally attract buyers who value repurposing and upcycling. They also draw individuals who seek alternative, unconventional options that prioritize independence and novelty. In fact, barndo homes are most popular among younger buyers under the age of 40, which make up about 25% of today’s market.
BARNDO PROS AND CONS
Whether you’re thinking, “Who would want to live in a barn?” or dreaming of owning a barndominium someday, here are the pros and cons to consider before making up your mind!
Barndominium Pros:
- More affordable than traditional homes
- Easy to build and customize
- Fewer maintenance requirements
- Abundance of natural lighting
- Spacious high-vaulted ceilings
- Significantly eco-friendly
- Fewer taxes and insurance costs
- Durable and long-lasting
Barndominium Cons
- Hard to find (or build) in certain locations
- Slower increase in value compared to standard homes
- Financing options can be limited
- Challenges faced with zoning restrictions
- Often difficult to resell
- Less privacy than traditional homes
- Can be noisy
If you’re on the fence about deciding whether or not a barndo is suitable for your family, read further!
BUYING VS BUILDING IN TODAY’S MARKET
Since barndominiums originated from converted barns in the 1980s, the builder aspect is a priority among many owners. However, it’s possible to buy brand-new barndominiums in many states thanks to their rise in popularity. Here’s what you need to know when considering which direction to go!
Building a Barndominium
Choosing the “build your own” option is realistic for people who:
1. Already own land, or
2. Have skills, resources, and finances for custom construction.
Barndos are no tiny home project. They require a lot of planning, dedication, and money, especially as supply chains fluctuate in today’s market.
Buying a Barndominium
If you’d rather buy, know what to expect beforehand. You should choose a location that’s suitable for barndominiums (so forget city living). Determine the main purpose of your barndo, whether that includes living, vacationing, or working. Factor in what you want to do with the surrounding land, such as gardening, future building, or running a business. Hiring a real estate agent who’s familiar with barndominiums and other non-conventional homes is worthwhile. Find a professional who can help you explore what you need and guide you through every step of the buying process.
If you can see a barndominium in your family’s future, there are a lot of decisions to weigh. While barndos aren’t as popular as standard family homes, it’s still an exciting and realistic way to buy!