What do you all think about these style homes?

These are popping up everywhere in Nashville now. I’m not sure if it’s common in other cities but I have mixed feelings. It feels like you’re paying a high price for something that’s not quite a ‘real’ house. A lot of them are new builds, and some are on lots where an older house was knocked down and replaced with two long, skinny houses. They often share driveways and sometimes backyards. Some are even attached, and I’m just not sure about paying $650k+ for what’s basically half a duplex. Maybe this is just the way cities are handling housing supply issues?

I like tall, narrow houses but this one isn’t doing it for me. It looks like a semi truck, and the inside is just… no.

Ashwin said:
I like tall, narrow houses but this one isn’t doing it for me. It looks like a semi truck, and the inside is just… no.

Ha yeah, this was just an example. I’ve seen at least a hundred of these in the metro area.

They’re all over the country now. It’s a way to appeal to folks who want to be close to amenities but can’t afford a big lot.

They pack a lot of square footage on small plots of land. Reminds me of urban rowhouses. I bought one in Chicago years back, but it was tough with kids, so we moved. Wish I hadn’t sold it—it quadrupled in value!

They’re called ‘tall skinnies.’ They’re a response to high land costs and zoning rules. Not ideal but better than condos or big single-family homes for some people. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into with shared driveways and easements.

@Indigo
Do you think they’re a good investment? I’m thinking about buying but I’m worried about resale value. Not sure if builders are pushing them or if there’s real demand.

Vail said:
@Indigo
Do you think they’re a good investment? I’m thinking about buying but I’m worried about resale value. Not sure if builders are pushing them or if there’s real demand.

Honestly, they fill a niche. Builders wouldn’t keep making them if people weren’t buying. But yeah, resale can be hit or miss—depends on the neighborhood.

I’ve seen this in Houston too, where lots were cheap, and it’s been a success. People want to live near the city center, so these houses work for that.

Cassian said:
I’ve seen this in Houston too, where lots were cheap, and it’s been a success. People want to live near the city center, so these houses work for that.

It’s cheaper for builders to put two homes on one lot, and people seem willing to pay the price.

I don’t like it because there’s barely any yard space. But the rooftop space could be nice. Not sure how practical it is though.

Not a fan. These are popping up in gentrified areas. Often replacing older homes, and sometimes in less ideal spots like near railroads. $500k for one of these with no yard and a detached garage feels off.

The first thing on the Zillow listing was ‘shiplap,’ which cracked me up. But yeah, these are common in places like Seattle where you can’t build out anymore, only up.

I get that these make sense in a dense urban environment, but seeing them in more suburban spots feels weird.

I’ve seen similar homes in Nashville but ended up buying a 1960s place on a big lot. The lack of privacy and shared spaces were deal-breakers for me. My daughter loves these though because they’re shiny and new.