T
he 1980s saw the rise of "McMansions," a style of homes criticized for their size, craftsmanship, and architectural design. They've also been viewed as poor investments due to their construction using cheap materials like stucco, fake stone veneer, and vinyl siding. According to Kate Wagner, founder of McMansion Hell, these homes were built with an emphasis on amenities and excess space, such as movie theaters and great rooms.

    Despite criticism, Americans continue to seek larger homes, driving demand for McMansions. "Buying a home is rarely a bad investment," says Joel Berner, a senior economist at Realtor.com. However, the U.S. has been underbuilding since the 2007 housing crisis, resulting in a supply gap of over 3.8 million units by 2024.

    The median square footage of new single-family homes increased from 1,900 to 2,286 between 1993 and 2023, while household sizes decreased. Construction costs have risen, and potential tariffs on steel and aluminum would exacerbate the issue, making McMansions an attractive option for first-time homebuyers seeking affordable space.

    Low housing inventory in suburbs near large metros has also driven up demand for McMansions. In Bergen County, New Jersey, real estate sales associate Melissa Rubenstein notes that these homes are often in high demand, citing a recent bidding war over a McMansion-style property.