Information obtained from the US Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) and tabulated by NAHB, shows that the share of new homes with a two-story foyer continued to decline nationally and regionally except the Northeast.

According to the Census, a two-story foyer is defined as the entranceway inside the front door of the house and has a ceiling that is at the level of the second-floor ceiling. In the United States, the share of new homes with two-story foyers fell to 27% in 2019. The share was 32% in 2017 and 29% in 2018.

Regionally, the share decreased in six of the nine divisions. Among these divisions, the West South Central has the highest share of new homes started with two-story foyers (40%). The New England, Middle Atlantic and East North Central are only three divisions to see an increase in the share of two-story foyers from 2018 to 2019, though the share is not very different from other divisions.

A two-story foyer has been one of the most unwanted features from both buyers’ and builders’ perspectives since 2012, according to NAHB survey conducted in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2020. Homebuyers consider two-story foyers as energy-inefficient, though this preference varies across generations.

NAHB survey data in 2015 reveals that two-story foyer is more likely to be rejected by older buyers than younger ones. It appeared on the most unwanted lists for Boomers and Seniors, but not for Millennials or Gen X’ers. The 2019 survey also shows that 50% Millennials want a two-story entry foyer, compared to 33% of Gen X’ers, 20% of Boomers, and 17% of Seniors.

Tags: Census, SOC, two-story foyer