Single-story homes have more appeal to a greater number of buyers. And, as our population ages, they will become more in demand than ever.

I suppose it depends upon the buyer.  At my age, my knees prefer a single story home.  Some areas need a two story because of the lot values. 

Personal choice.

Depends.

Raoul, we are seeing a trend toward ranch homes as people want their living space on one floor.  High end two story homes with a first floor en suite are in very high demand in our area!

One levels are becoming more popular with seniors. A one level with full walkout basement seems to be more preferred than a one level with upstairs or loft that is hardly ever used. So any combination could be a better buy depending on needs of buyer. I would say the largest % of buyers still prefer 3 level w min of 4 bedrooms. So resale in future should be a consideration.

I think this depends where you live.  Here in our area, where real estate prices are high, and homes built on plywood (rather than slab), it is not very practical, nor common to find 1 story.  Generally 1 story homes are small and cheap (and I think may be less energy efficient)...or they are super expensive.  There are definitely a few in the mid range, but that is more the exception.

We also have many older homes w/ 3 floors as well as majority of homes w/ a basement.  This really depends on the area.

Single story homes are more popular with the boomers.

It depends on the buyer and the circumstances.

It is a personal choice.

Lottie nailed this one!

I think it really depends on the buyer. I prefer a single story home. 

It is not what I think is better. It is what fits my clients' needs. This said, if I were looking for a home for myself, I would go for atwo storey. However,, 10 years later I might just have to go for single level (eventually), not because I find them better, it is just as we age, going up/down the stais becomes a challenge.

I think it depends on your area and age. Here in Tucson we have several retirement communities and to my knowledge I am not sure any of them have two stories. We also have new communities in growing family neighborhoods filled with them. 

My choice... a large single story, maybe with a basement. Unless it is a multi level with an elevator. 

There was a time when I preferred a two story home.  We downsized and are loving our smaller and single story home.

I think it depends on the situation, I have worked with a lot of young couples with small children that prefer the 2-story for added security, but overall ranches are always in demand.

I had a multi-level, super cool townhouse for sale.  It had a red lacquer kitchen, modern feel and furnishings; everything you wouldn't expect to see around here.  It was five levels if you count the half staircases as levels.

The people who bought it were a nice middle aged couple who were planning to live there with the wife's 87 year old Mom.  

The buyers had been looking for a single story home, but dragged their agent to my open house.  They walked in and the agent loudly said "OH MY GOSH!  This place is five stories tall!!"

The buyers had a relative bring Mom over.  Mom said she was a little slow on the stairs because she'd had wine with lunch.  She loved the place.

When I considered who might buy the property, I'd never considered this scenario.  People will happily surprise you all the time.

My listing was the better buy because it is what these charming and delightful buyers loved.

For a growing family, I'd say 2-story. More room, more privacy, less mess where you don't want it Lol (is it the Organizer in me saying this?)

Also, I like to take the stairs - natural exercise while at home.

Hi Raoul - I don't think it is necessarily a question of better buy or better value but what is available for sale in any given area.  New home construction, which is rare in our market, is generally multi-story due to the high cost of land.   

There is no correct answer to this question. It depends on lifestyle. Although I prefer a single story home, I've had several clients who wouldn't consider anything but a two story. For example, I had a family with elderly parents who couldn't handle stairs. The parents wanted their own downstairs suite, while the rest of the family lived upstairs.