The JohnHart blog has been focusing on location lately because it’s arguably the driving factor in modern real estate development. But it’s not everything. And maybe it’s because we’re jonesing for the Los Angeles Architecture 101 blogs of yore, but we thought it might be time to remind our readers of the importance of architecture in a city like LA. The Architecture 101 series underscored the city’s diversity of architectural styles, but we didn’t really touch on how these different house styles affected market performance. No matter how you’re investing in real estate, it’s important to recognize how leading architectural styles of the region can reinforce your competitive edge in a serious market.
The Importance of Architecture in LA’s Competitive Housing Market
Few American cities can compete with Los Angeles in architectural diversity. From Pasadena’s wealth of Craftsman homes to the Mid-Century Modern masterpieces peppering Hollywood’s hills, the city’s abundance of distinct properties tends to attract a healthy mix of regional and international investors. Design plays a significant role in a property’s long-term value, especially when paired with a coveted neighborhood. So, which of the different house styles on display in the LA region offer reasonably reliable results?
“I Wish They All Could Be California… Craftsman Homes”
Among the most reliable single-family home designs in the region, Craftsman homes rejected the mass production of the Victorian era in favor of quality craftsmanship. So, no false advertising here then! Neighborhoods where demand is on the rise, like Highland Park and Eagle Rock, are known for their sturdy Craftsman homes. Recognizable by their intricate woodwork, generous front porches, and unique built-ins, Craftsman houses tend to hold their value better than most structures. A lot of this boils down to the construction quality and historical feel, but buyers also frequently seek this particular housing style for restoration projects.
Storied Romance Comes to Life in Spanish Colonial Revival Designs
But you can find Craftsman houses all over the country. Spanish Colonial Revival homes, on the other hand? Those are quintessential LA! Marked by their ruddy-tiled roofs, arched entries, and stucco facades, Spanish Colonial Revival homes are even more appealing among the different house styles of the region due to their very limited inventory. However, if your heart is seriously set on Spanish Colonial architecture, your best bets are neighborhoods like West Adams, Beverly Grove, and Hancock Park, where the style particularly blossomed.
Mid-Century Modern Marvels
While Palm Springs is the mecca of Mid-Century Modern architecture, Los Angeles has its fair share of examples, particularly in the Hollywood Hills. Possibly the neatest and cleanest of the different house styles you’ll find in the region, Mid-Century Modern homes were a result of a post-war housing boom meeting modern construction technology for exciting new vistas in design. While many homeowners have since upgraded their Mid-Century Modern sanctuaries, those with original features seem to command the highest premiums.
Sometimes You Just Need Something New
That’s not to say all the different house styles in LA with real sales appeal are historic. New construction does quite well in Los Angeles, too – on the exceedingly rare occasion that you can find it. The modern homes that tend to net the biggest sales prices are those that conform to minimalist designs, state-of-the-art energy efficiency, and smart home conveniences. Sure, they lack the historic charm of the other design types we listed. But if you check neighborhoods like Venice, Mar Vista, and Silver Lake, you’ll find that new properties remain in high demand.
Different House Styles That Are More Prone to Market Volatility
In Los Angeles, virtually any home is a desirable home when inventory is low – especially if it’s sitting on premium land. But there are still different house styles that underperform within this context. It seems that homes built in the 1980s and ‘90s suffer from passé layouts and design elements that don’t appeal to the modern buyer. These homes can still make worthy investments, though they may demand significant upgrades to meet the discerning tastes of buyers willing to pay top dollar for the property of their dreams.
Investing Intelligently
So, historical significance, neighborhood popularity, and different house styles all factor into the power of property investment in LA’s real estate landscape. For historical options, Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Mid-Century Modern are reliable in terms of both buyer demand and lasting value. But there’s something to be said for modern construction, too. Ultimately, though, practically any home is a beacon in this market if you’re smart about it!
With a brand that says as much as JohnHart’s, Senior Copywriter Seth Styles never finds himself at a loss for words. Responsible for maintaining the voice of the company, he spends each day drafting marketing materials, blogs, bios, and agent resources that speak from the company’s collective mind and Hart… errr, heart.
Having spent over a decade in creative roles across a variety of industries, Seth brings with him vast experience in SEO practices, digital marketing, and all manner of professional writing with particular strength in blogging, content creation, and brand building. Gratitude, passion, and sincerity remain core tenets of his unwavering work ethic. The landscape of the industry changes daily, paralleling JohnHart’s efforts to {re}define real estate, but Seth works to maintain the company’s consistent message while offering both agents and clients a new echelon of service.
When not preserving the JohnHart essence in stirring copy, Seth puts his efforts into writing and illustrating an ongoing series entitled The Death of Romance. In addition, he adores spending quality time with his girlfriend and Romeo (his long-haired chihuahua mix), watching ‘70s and ‘80s horror movies, and reading (with a particular penchant for Victorian horror novels and authors Yukio Mishima and Bret Easton Ellis). He also occasionally records music as the vocalist and songwriter for his glam rock band, Peppermint Pumpkin.
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