Why Are Split-Level Homes Harder to Sell? Tips Inside

Selling a split-level home can feel like trying to explain a joke that no one gets. You know it’s got charm, space, and potential, but buyers just don’t seem to see it. The truth? Split-level homes often sit longer on the market because of their unique layout and old-school design. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck.

In this guide, I’ll break down why these homes are harder to sell and share real tips to help you flip the script. Whether you want to make some smart upgrades or skip the whole listing process altogether, there’s a way forward.

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What Is a Split-Level Home?

A split-level home is kind of like a house with layers. Instead of one big main floor or a traditional upstairs-downstairs setup, the rooms are spread across multiple short levels. You walk in and usually have to go either up a few stairs to reach the bedrooms, or down a few to get to the basement or living room.

They became popular in the 1960s and ’70s because they made smart use of space without making homes too tall or too wide. You’ll often see living areas like the kitchen and family room on the ground level, with bedrooms upstairs and bonus space, like a den or laundry room, down below.

While they were practical back then, today’s buyers don’t always love the layout. But understanding what makes them different is the first step to selling one with confidence.

What Makes Split-Level Homes Harder to Sell?

It mostly comes down to buyer expectations. Today’s homebuyers want open layouts, smooth transitions between rooms, and easy-to-navigate spaces. Split-level homes, with their staggered floors and short flights of stairs, just don’t match that picture. Instead of flowing naturally, the layout can feel disjointed, even if the square footage is generous.

Another factor is how buyers perceive value. A split-level with the same square footage as a two-story colonial often sells for less. Why? Because people think the layout limits their options for furniture, entertaining, or future renovations. It’s more about perception than actual function, but perception drives decision-making.

That said, this isn’t a dealbreaker. While split-levels don’t appeal to everyone, they can still attract the right buyer, with the right approach.

The Common Complaints From Home Buyers

When buyers walk through a split-level home, certain issues tend to come up again and again. One of the biggest? Stairs. Even though they’re just short flights, the constant up-and-down can be a turnoff, especially for older buyers or families with small kids.

Then there’s the entryway. In many split-levels, you step inside and face an immediate choice: up or down. That tight, decision-point layout can feel awkward compared to a traditional front door that opens into a wide, welcoming space.

Natural light is another concern. Because the rooms are split and sometimes partly below ground, they don’t always get even lighting throughout the day. Combine that with lower ceilings in some parts of the house, and it can feel darker than buyers expect.

And from the street? Many split-levels lack curb appeal. Their shapes are harder to dress up with porches or shutters, which can make them seem dated even if the inside is well-kept.

Who Actually Likes Split-Level Homes?

Not every buyer is turned off by a split-level. In fact, some are actively looking for the features they offer. For families with older kids or multiple generations under one roof, the layout gives everyone a bit more personal space. Parents upstairs, teens downstairs, it works.

Work-from-home buyers also see the benefit. Having a home office on a separate level from the main living space means fewer distractions and more quiet. And let’s not forget the price tag. Split-level homes often give buyers more square footage for less money compared to ranch-style or two-story homes.

The key is knowing how to market it. What some see as “choppy,” others see as privacy. What looks “dated” to one buyer might feel like a great value to another.

5 Practical Ways to Sell Your Split-Level Home Faster

1. Stage for flow.

Split-level homes have a natural separation between spaces, which can confuse buyers who prefer an open concept. Use furniture placement and rugs to guide the eye and create a feeling of connection between levels. Keep color schemes consistent throughout the home, especially in adjacent areas, to help tie things together. A few coordinated design touches go a long way in making the home feel unified.

2. Let the light in.

Natural light helps every space feel bigger and more inviting. Since some split-level rooms are partially below ground or have smaller windows, it’s important to brighten things up. Swapping in lighter window treatments, adding mirrors across from windows, and using LED bulbs with a daylight tone can all help. If you’re doing any upgrades, consider enlarging basement windows or adding a skylight to the upper level.

3. Boost the curb appeal.

The exterior of a split-level isn’t always eye-catching, but small changes can make a big difference. A fresh coat of paint on the front door, new house numbers, and some updated lighting can give the entrance a much-needed refresh. Keep the landscaping clean and symmetrical, especially around split-level stairways or retaining walls, which can quickly look overgrown or dated.

4. Speak to the right buyer.

This layout may not be for everyone, but for certain buyers, it’s a great fit. Highlight the benefits that matter to them. Talk up the privacy between floors, the extra living areas, and how the layout separates noisy zones (like a TV room) from quiet ones (like bedrooms or a home office). If your home has been well cared for, stress that too, many buyers are more flexible on layout if the bones of the house are solid.

5. Consider selling direct.

Sometimes the fastest way to move on is to skip the market altogether. If you’re short on time, can’t make updates, or just don’t want the hassle, a direct cash buyer might be the better route. These buyers will purchase your home as-is, no open houses, no repairs, no waiting. It’s a smart option if you want speed and simplicity over squeezing out top dollar.

Different Types of Split-Level Homes and Their Pros/Cons

Not all split-level homes are built the same. In fact, the layout and usability can vary a lot depending on the type. Knowing which one you have, and how to talk about it, can help you market it more effectively.

Side Split:

This is the most common style. From the front, it looks like a regular two-story home, but inside, the floors are staggered. Bedrooms are usually on the upper level, with the kitchen and living room in the middle, and a family room or basement space below.

Pros: Feels spacious, often has a full basement
Cons: Can confuse buyers expecting a standard two-story

Back Split:

Looks like a single-level home from the front, but more of the house is visible as you go toward the back. These often have living areas that step down in the rear.
Pros: Maintains curb appeal from the street
Cons: Can feel dark or closed off in the lower rear levels

Stacked Split:

This style stacks multiple levels above one another, usually with four or more half-stair flights.
Pros: Tons of space, often more affordable per square foot
Cons: Lots of stairs, which can be a dealbreaker for some

Split-Level Ranch:

A twist on the classic ranch home, with short stairs leading to extra living space above or below the main level.
Pros: More square footage than a regular ranch
Cons: Might still lack the open feel modern buyers want

Reilly’s Two Cents

I’ve worked with plenty of sellers who felt stuck with a home that just didn’t fit today’s trends. Split-levels can be one of those cases. They’ve got solid bones, but the layout throws people off. When I’ve helped clients in that position, the key was always about leaning into what the home does offer instead of apologizing for what it doesn’t.

If you’re selling a split-level, think like a buyer. Walk through your home and ask yourself, “Would I know what to do with this space?” If the answer is no, fix that. Stage that extra room downstairs as a home office or media space. Turn a small landing into a reading nook. You’re not just selling square footage, you’re selling a lifestyle.

Also, be realistic about upgrades. Don’t pour money into big renovations unless you know you’ll get it back. Most buyers would rather tweak things after moving in. Focus on lighting, curb appeal, and layout clarity, those give you the best return without draining your wallet.

Know How To Highlight What Works

Selling a split-level home might come with a few extra hurdles, but it’s far from impossible. Once you understand how buyers see the layout, and know how to highlight what works, you’re already ahead of the game.

Whether you choose to freshen up the space, find a buyer who loves the style, or go the direct-sale route, the right strategy makes all the difference. There’s a buyer out there for every home, split-levels included.

If your split-level home isn’t getting the attention it deserves, or you just don’t have the time or energy to make updates, you’ve got another option. Skip the open houses, repairs, and long waits. With iBuyer.com, you can sell your home as-is and close on your schedule.

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