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Thinking of buying a new home, but not sure what size home is right for your lifestyle and budget? There are several factors to consider when shopping for a home to make sure that you’ll be comfortable with the square footage and cost over the years. We’ve outlined important questions to ask yourself during your homebuying journey that will help you identify what size home is best for you. We’ve also included a link to a tool to help you get clear on the numbers that best work with your budget.

Wondering how much space you really need in a home? Whether you're buying your first place or planning for the long haul, this guide breaks down how to choose the right home size based on lifestyle, layout, budget, and future plans—so you can find a space that truly fits.

What Size Home Should I Buy: Forever Home, or Just for Now?

Looking for a “forever home” can feel overwhelming, you might find yourself trying to plan for every possible future scenario. While it’s important to think ahead, consider how your life might change in the coming years. A new job, a different commute, or children switching schools are just a few factors that could affect whether a home remains a good fit. Ask yourself:

• Does the home provide a good commute now?
• If you switch jobs, will still be a good commute?
• Is the location okay as the kids change schools?

On the other hand, choosing a “for now” home allows you to focus on what matters most today. You can prioritize a convenient commute and make sure there’s enough space for the people living there now, without the pressure of long-term planning.

This approach can be especially helpful for engaged or married couples buying their first home, or singles who want a space that suits their current lifestyle—like a condo that meets today’s needs while leaving room for future possibilities.

Family Size: Is a Three-Bedroom House Enough?     

The number of people living in a home is one of the most important factors when deciding how much space you need. Ask yourself:

• How many people will be living in the house right now?
• Could that number change over time?
• Do you have pets that need space indoors or in the yard?

For many families, a three-bedroom home is enough. In fact, the average American household has 2.8 rooms. Interestingly, while homes have gained more bedrooms over the years, the average number of people per household has gone down, according to Realtor.

Beyond bedrooms, think about square footage. Will everyone have enough room to relax, eat meals together, and enjoy shared spaces comfortably?

And don’t forget your pets, they’re part of the family too! Make sure there’s space for litter boxes, food bowls, pet beds, and storage for supplies.

Consider Future Needs: How Many Bedrooms Do I Need?

If you’re buying a home you plan to live in for more than six years—or even forever—it’s important to consider how your life might change during that time. Ask yourself:

• Might your family grow?
• Could a parent move in?
• Will you need a home office or dedicated workspace?

For example, a new baby might need a nursery, and some families may want a guest room for a parent who’s helping with caregiving. Others might plan for an aging parent to move in, especially if they need support or develop a medical condition.

If you’re starting or growing a business, having a designated office and storage space can make a big difference in your daily routine.

Thinking ahead helps ensure your home will continue to meet your needs as life evolves.

Personal Preferences: Home Layout and Priorities

When choosing the size of your home, it’s not just about square footage—it’s also about how the space is laid out. Ask yourself:

• Do you need a single-story home, or is a two-story layout okay?
• Which rooms do you need more space in?
• Are there specific layout features that matter to you?

For example, having a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor can be essential for family members who have trouble with stairs. Many families value a dedicated dining area where everyone can gather for meals, and the person who cooks most often may have preferences for kitchen layout, counter space, and appliance storage.

Couples with young children often want their child’s bedroom close to theirs for convenience and peace of mind.

Keep reading to learn more about the best square footage for families

Budget: How Much House Can I Afford?

Buying a home is a big commitment, so it’s important to be realistic about your budget and any potential changes in income. Even if you expect a raise in the future, it’s best not to rely on it when deciding how much house you can afford.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Consider both expected and unexpected changes in income.
• Don’t base your budget on future raises or promotions.
• Choose a home you can comfortably afford now—and still afford later.

Sometimes, people are approved for a mortgage that’s higher than what fits their actual budget. Others may plan to offset costs by renting out a room or relying on a partner’s income—even if that person isn’t on the mortgage. While those plans can work, it’s smart to have a backup plan in case things change. Could you still afford the home if a tenant moves out or your relationship status changes?

Being financially prepared helps ensure your home remains a source of comfort—not stress.

Use our free financial calculator to quickly learn how much home you can afford

Consider Maintenance Time and Cost of Small vs Large Home

How much time and money can you realistically commit to home maintenance? This is a key question when deciding what size and type of home is right for you. More space often means more upkeep, including more time spent cleaning, more furniture to buy, and more time and money spent on landscaping.

Before committing, think about the responsibilities that come with certain features. For example, if you love the idea of beautiful landscaping but have a busy schedule or travel often, you might want to consider a home in a development with an HOA that handles yard maintenance. And depending on your location, a long driveway could mean extra time spent shoveling snow.

Ask yourself:

• How much time do I have to clean each week?
• Am I willing to maintain the yard myself?
• Can I afford to hire landscapers if needed?
• Can I afford to furnish the space comfortably?

Being honest about your lifestyle and budget will help you choose a home that feels manageable—not overwhelming.

What Are Your Life Priorities? Keep The Bigger Picture in Mind

Your home should support your lifestyle, not limit it. A mortgage that stretches your budget too thin can leave you feeling “house broke,” stuck at home and unable to enjoy the things you love.

Before committing, ask yourself:

• Can I still afford my hobbies, travel, or shopping?
• Will I have room in my budget for dining out, entertainment, or personal growth?
• Am I choosing a home that aligns with my values and priorities?

Also consider location. Would you rather have a larger home farther from your favorite places, or a smaller home that’s closer to parks, restaurants, and downtown? Weigh the pros and cons of size versus proximity to the things that bring you joy. 

Get your home buying questions answered, schedule an appointment with a mortgage advisor today

Square Footage Matters, But How It’s Used Matters Even More

When deciding what size home is right for you, square footage is important, but layout and design can make a big difference in how that space feels and functions.

During a walk-through, pay attention to:

• Layout efficiency: Is the space distributed in a way that fits your lifestyle?
• Room proportions: Are the kitchen, bedrooms, and common areas sized appropriately?
• Design features: High ceilings and natural light can make smaller spaces feel more open and inviting.

For example, if you love to cook, you’ll want plenty of space in the kitchen. On the other hand, extra square footage in the entryway might be nice, but not essential.

Ask yourself:

• Does the layout support how I live day to day?
• Which rooms need more space?
• Would a smaller home with a smart design feel just as comfortable?

How Much Space Do You Really Need? The Ideal Home Size for a Family of Four

According to Go Downsize, a podcast and blog focused on living efficiently, the ideal home size is about 400 square feet per person. That means a family of four would need at least 1,600 square feet to ensure everyone has enough space and privacy. Remodel or Move recommends between 1,600 and 2,400 square feet for a family of four.

Of course, affordability and location play a big role. If a home of that size isn’t within budget, focus on finding one that uses its square footage wisely. In smaller homes, it’s especially important that the space is distributed in the areas that matter most to your lifestyle—like the kitchen, living room, or bedrooms.

Quick reference:

• Number of people × 400 = recommended square footage
• Family of four = 1,600–2,400 sq ft recommended

What’s the Ideal Home Size For First-Time Home Buyers?

According to Rentable Blog, a home around 1,000 square feet can be a great starting point for couples buying their first home. A modest-sized home helps keep maintenance and repair costs manageable, perfect for those who don’t want to take on too much responsibility right away.

The number of rooms also affects how comfortable the space feels. For example:

• A one-bedroom home at 1,000 sq ft may feel just right for a couple
• A two-bedroom home is often more comfortable at 1,200 sq ft or more, according to Remodel or Move

Lifestyle matters too. If you spend most of your time at work or enjoy going out in the evenings and weekends, you may not need a large home for entertaining. In that case, something between 1,000 and 1,400 square feet could be a great fit.

So what size home is right for you?

Start by getting clear on how much square footage you’ll need and what fits within your budget. Keep those numbers in mind as you tour homes, and pay close attention to layout, room distribution, and design features that affect how spacious a home feels.

Need expert guidance? The United Federal Credit Union mortgage team is here to support you every step of the way in your homebuying journey.