20 Perfect House Plans For First-Time Homeowners

These cover every base for first-time homeowners.

Aiken Street, Plan #1807
Photo: Southern Living

Moving into your first home comes with plenty of excitement and decisions. What square footage fits your family? Which design style matches your own? Will your budget cover a wraparound porch? Luckily, our Southern Living House Plans cover every base.

For first-time homeowners, we chose our favorite compact plans—under 2,500 square feet—that appear much larger with clever layouts and cozy accents. We married traditional Southern styles, like Colonial and Lowcountry, with stylish updates that keep things fresh. From modern farmhouse plans to charming cottage house plans, this collection is chock-full of inspiration.

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Sizes To Fit All Families

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Farmdale Cottage, Plan #1870

Farmdale Cottage
Laurey W. Glenn

Find a country cottage with more charm, we dare. This 2,057-square-foot abode offers a satisfyingly symmetrical exterior and stunning entry for first-time homeowners that want character and style.

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Sparta II, Plan #1810

Sparta II, Plan #1810
Southern Living House Plans

From the stately Colonial influence seen on the exterior to the traditional Southern influences felt inside, this house plan is a perfect fit for first-time buyers that love a classic look.

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Aiken Street, Plan #1807

Aiken Street, Plan #1807
Southern Living

Want every day to feel like a getaway? Enter this classic cottage with a Lowcountry feel and vintage twist. It features a mix of simple spaces and natural materials that set the tone.

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Randolph Cottage, Plan #1861

Randolph Cottage, Plan #1861
Southern Living

Southern charm meets New England style. This charming cottage lives more significantly than its sweet size thanks to an open floor plan.

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Tideland Haven, Plan #1375

SL1375 Tideland Haven
Southern Living

This haven is detailed for comfort. A wraparound porch and tucked-away bedrooms are cozy touches, while a free-flowing living and kitchen space makes for easy entertaining.

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Fontanel Carriage House, Plan #1856

Fontanel Carriage House, Plan #1856
Southern Living

Tiny house lovers, rejoice! This Fontanel carriage house plan packs its 1,099 square feet with country farmhouse charm. Modern accents make it feel fresh and stylish enough for young buyers who prefer cozy over spacious.

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Four Gables, Plan #1832

Four Gables, Plan #1832
Southern Living

Joanna Gaines might swoon over this modern farmhouse plan. For those who love shiplap, this one's for you. Built-in cabinets in the entry hall and laundry room help maximize efficiency.

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Cottage Revival, Plan #1946

Cottage Revival, Plan #1946
Southern Living

You'll love this modern take on a classic cottage. Enjoy a lived-in, organic flow thanks to its L-shaped layout—Placing the great room towards the back of the home positions it to open to the outdoor deck and kitchen.

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Charlestowne Creek Cottage, Plan #1956

Charlestowne Creek Cottage, Plan #1956
Southern Living

This house plan offers plenty of historic character on the outside while fitting first-time homeowners' needs with contemporary interior details (since it's a newer house plan). And there's no denying the curb appeal garnered from Chippendale front railing, front columns, and floor-to-ceiling windows flanking the front door.

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Nautical Cottage, Plan #224

Nautical Cottage, Plan #224
Southern Living

This coastal-inspired cottage is ideal for those who love relaxing at home. It's warm and inviting—all at a compact square footage perfect for young owners. The cedar shake exterior amplifies the Nantucket-inspired porch for an authentic look.

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Eastover Cottage, Plan #1666

Eastover Cottage Plan #1666
Southern Living

Find this plan somewhere between Greek Revival and Southern cottage on the style spectrum. The front porch lets you enjoy winding down the day on the porch together—a perk of living in the South.

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Pendleton, Plan #1812

Pendleton, Plan #1812
Southern Living

Talk about curb appeal. This front porch is a warm welcome for all guests, while a Dutch Colonial shingled roof is a cute finishing touch.

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Sugarberry Cottage, Plan #1648

Sugarberry Cottage, Plan #1648
Southern Living

This house plan, pairing compact square footage with ample covered and screened porch space, appears larger than its not-too-big, family-oriented layout. Enjoy the blend of Craftsman and bungalow styles and a welcoming owner's suite.

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Bay Breeze, Plan #1914

Bay Breeze, Plan #1914
Southern Living

Who doesn't love a little bay breeze? This house plan agrees. The two-story home makes a case for late-afternoon porch sits and cheery-hued shutters.

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Sadie Springs Retreat, Plan #1957

Sadie Springs Retreat, Plan #1957
Southern Living

This shingled home, influenced by the traditional Colonial style, keeps things cozy with a Southern cottage feel. The primary suite opens up to a personal porch space, a special treat for young buyers.

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Cottage of the Year, Plan #593

Cottage of the Year, Plan #593
Southern Living

This plan is infinitely versatile in fitting potential owners' personal style and location, making it an easy pick for first-timers. The slightly larger square footage will work for those who want the room to expand.

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Beaufort Cottage, Plan #1136

Beaufort Cottage, Plan #1136
Southern Living

This Carolina-inspired cottage is a beautiful blend of past and present. A galley-style kitchen and fireplace-focused living space make the plan warm and inviting.

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Grace Park Cottage, Plan #2063

Grace Park Cottage House Plan
Southern Living House Plans

This house is as functional as it is comfortable, with 12-foot ceilings in the great room that creates a sense of space and scale to this home. The great room, kitchen, and dining areas have box beams to accentuate the gathering spaces.

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Hawthorn Cottage, Plan #2004

Southern Living House Plan 2004 Hawthorne Cottage
Lake & Land Studio, LLC

Hawthorn Cottage is a perfect blend of style, function, and size. In just over 1600 square feet, this cottage has two bedrooms, two baths, and a large screened-in porch. Enjoy the separation between entertaining spaces and private bedroom areas.

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River Place Cottage, Plan #1959

River Place Cottage, Plan #1959
Southern Living

The great room features a beamed ceiling, reflecting the inviting and open floor plan. River Place Cottage is ideal for entertaining with a classically comfortable atmosphere and screened porch with an outdoor fireplace.

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