Opening the door to buying a split-level home

Realtor Katelyn E. Sullivan recalls assisting two first-time homebuyers in 2021 in finding their ideal home.

Sullivan remembered that the woman had stated, “Katelyn, we are not looking at any split-level homes.” Split-level homes irritate us.

It’s likely that you could identify a split-level even if you’re not familiar with the word. Homes with two stories with staggered first and second floors are known as split-levels. A set of stairs leads up to the higher level as soon as you arrive, and another flight descends to the lower level.

Split-levels, which were once frequently avoided by purchasers, are now being accepted.

During the post-World War II baby boom, the architectural style became popular throughout the United States. Because it allowed builders to maximize square footage on relatively small lots, it was a popular choice from the 1950s until perhaps the early 1980s. For this reason, split-levels are almost common in several suburbs, including Greater Boston.

But they’re viewed negatively. Perhaps since split-levels made up 12% of all new houses on the market in 1975, according to the National Association of Home Builders, many buyers believe that split-levels are out of style. According to Kate Ziegler of Arborview Realty in Boston, they are accepted but not adored in New England.

However, that does not preclude the possibility of changing their opinions. Sullivan’s previous clients from a few years ago? According to Sullivan, who works for Coldwell Banker Realty Boston, Natick & Framingham, they did indeed purchase a split-level. Eventually, they became more receptive.

Likewise, Rahel Choi, a broker associate at Boston’s eXp Realty, has dealt with clients who have changed their minds. According to Choi, I’ve had purchasers who were expecting single-story homes or colonials but were taken aback by a split-level. A split with a sunroom, walkout basement, and modernized kitchen completely changed the minds of one couple who had been on the fence. They now adore the way the bedrooms and work-from-home areas are divided from the entertaining area.

Some buyers are beginning to view split-levels as appropriate, reasonably priced homes with personalization options in today’s expensive market. Additionally, buyers become less selective when there is less product, Sullivan said.

Although most buyers aren’t actively looking for split-level homes as their first choice, they are beginning to look at a wider range of possibilities because affordability is a key concern, particularly for those who can’t afford other types of real estate, according to Choi. Astute purchasers are discovering that split-levels frequently provide greater space at a lower cost, and that the layout and finishes may be truly customized to suit their tastes with the correct upgrades.

Pointing to two split-levels that were just listed in the same week, Choi stated that split-level homes that draw from their retro, mid-century heritage typically generate more interest.

According to her, the one with obvious mid-century appeal sold for roughly 14% more than it was originally listed for after receiving several bids. The split-level that is more conventional? It received just one offer. Price undoubtedly had an impact, but it was also evident that design and aesthetics had an impact.

The versatility of split-levels for multigenerational living is one of its main selling advantages. Additional dwelling units, or ADUs, are a particularly good use for split-levels, according to Brian Harvey, owner of Harvey Home Modifications in Natick.

Where we reside, there are many split-level homes. In November, Harvey told the Globe, “They’re great because it’s basically two houses: two ranch homes stacked on top of each other.” It is possible to swiftly make the bottom level self-sufficient and accessible.

According to Sullivan, having the additional living space can appeal to both remote professionals and families with small children, even if the downstairs living area isn’t intended to be converted into an in-law apartment with a kitchenette and complete bathroom.

“I definitely see people using the splits’ lower-level rooms as at-home gyms or offices,” she said. Additionally, those extra rooms downstairs make excellent playrooms, so I usually advise parents to go for them. While the open kitchen and dining area upstairs can serve as your more sophisticated, elegant entertaining space, you can conceal all the toys downstairs.

Although split-levels are less likely to be rejected by buyers these days, they nevertheless have some valid disadvantages. For starters, the doorway is little; it’s frequently only a small landing between the two stairways.

Additionally, there isn’t a coat closet as soon as you enter. Simply simply, there isn’t much room for your possessions, Sullivan stated.

Additionally, people who prefer to stay still may find it difficult to navigate several sets of steps. Because of these, Sullivan is able to sell these houses to first-time purchasers with greater success than downsizers.

Split-levels appear ready to overcome their ugly-duckling image despite their flaws. So what will be the housing design that consumers avoid the most? Ziegler said, Victorians.

She claimed that they require too much maintenance, if not outright remodeling. At the moment, first-time purchasers are extremely cautious about undertakings or labors of love.

Split-levels are relatively modern when compared to residences constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. “I have had a client express interest in a split-level over other housing styles exactly once,” Ziegler remarked. However, that choice was more related to the genre’s age—it was newer by our standards.

Based in Boston, Madeline Bilis works as a freelance journalist covering travel, real estate, and design. She will always stand up for the brutalist structures in the city.