11 Types Of Homes In Maryland Expected To Grow In Value By 2026 (And 9 That Could Outperform)
Maryland’s housing market is transforming as buyer preferences shift toward certain home styles and locations. Some properties are positioned for stronger appreciation due to changing demographics, work patterns, and sustainability concerns.
Whether you’re looking to buy or already own property in the Free State, understanding which homes might see the biggest value jumps could make a huge difference to your financial future.
1. Historic Colonial & Federal-Style Homes
Steeped in America’s early history, these architectural treasures remain highly coveted in Maryland’s established neighborhoods. Their classic proportions, symmetrical facades, and historical significance create an enduring appeal that transcends market trends.
Buyers consistently pay premium prices for authentic period details, especially in areas like Annapolis and Frederick. Many feature original hardwood floors, crown molding, and fireplaces that simply can’t be replicated in newer construction.
2. Craftsman Bungalows & Revival Styles
Handcrafted details and cozy proportions make these early 20th-century gems perpetual favorites among Maryland homebuyers. Low-pitched roofs, exposed rafters, and built-in cabinetry showcase the artisanship that’s increasingly rare in modern construction.
Their modest footprints often sit on generous lots in established neighborhoods with mature trees. The craftsman revival continues gaining momentum as younger buyers appreciate the authenticity, character, and solid construction these homes provide.
3. Well-preserved Victorian / Queen Anne Houses
Ornate gingerbread trim, wraparound porches, and turrets give these architectural showpieces their unmistakable charm and growing market value. These homes represent craftsmanship rarely found in today’s construction market, featuring hand-carved woodwork and stained glass that would be expensive to recreate.
Located in historic districts like Ellicott City, they benefit from preservation regulations. Their distinctive silhouettes create instant curb appeal that continues attracting premium-paying buyers seeking character-rich properties.
4. Suburban Single-Family Detached Homes
Family-friendly layouts with generous yards continue driving demand in Maryland’s established suburbs and emerging exurbs. The early 2020s permanently shifted many homebuyers’ priorities toward more personal space, home offices, and outdoor living areas.
Communities with top-rated schools like Howard County command especially strong premiums. Homes built between 1990-2010 often offer the sweet spot of modern amenities and established neighborhoods without the premium price of brand-new construction.
5. Townhouses / Row Houses In Transit-Oriented Areas
Proximity to Metro stations and commuter rail lines transforms these attached homes into high-demand properties for busy professionals. Maryland’s ongoing Purple Line expansion is already driving appreciation in adjacent communities.
These homes offer the perfect balance of urban convenience and private ownership without the maintenance demands of detached properties. Brick-front townhomes in walkable communities command particularly strong values as buyers prioritize commute times and neighborhood amenities.
6. Millennial-Friendly “Missing Middle” Homes
Duplexes and triplexes offer the perfect entry point for first-time buyers seeking affordability without sacrificing location. These multi-unit properties fill the crucial gap between apartments and single-family homes, often providing rental income potential that helps offset mortgage costs.
Neighborhoods like Hampden in Baltimore see strong demand for these versatile properties. Many feature separate entrances and updated interiors while maintaining charming historic exteriors that blend seamlessly into established neighborhoods.
7. Luxury Waterfront & Chesapeake Bay Homes
Private docks, panoramic water views, and resort-style amenities make these prestigious properties perennial investment winners along Maryland’s extensive shorelines. Waterfront access remains a finite resource, creating built-in scarcity that supports long-term appreciation.
Communities like Annapolis, St. Michaels, and Gibson Island offer distinctive maritime lifestyles unavailable elsewhere. Rising high-net-worth migration from higher-tax states continues fueling demand for these trophy properties, particularly those with deep-water access for larger vessels.
8. Modern Eco-friendly / Net-Zero Homes
Solar panels, super-insulation, and energy-efficient systems create forward-thinking homes that slash utility costs while commanding premium prices. Maryland’s strong renewable energy incentives make these properties increasingly attractive as energy costs rise.
Passive house designs with strategic window placement maximize natural heating and cooling while minimizing environmental impact. Buyers increasingly recognize the long-term value of homes with sustainable features, creating a growing price advantage compared to conventional construction.
9. Renovated Farmhouses / Barn Conversions In Rural Counties
Original beams, soaring ceilings, and expansive acreage create country retreats with modern amenities in Maryland’s agricultural regions. Remote work has unleashed unprecedented demand for these rural properties, particularly in Frederick and Carroll Counties.
Thoughtfully updated farmhouses balance rustic charm with contemporary comforts like chef’s kitchens and luxury bathrooms. Barn conversions offer architectural drama and flexible living spaces that appeal to buyers seeking unique properties with character and history.
10. Historic “Period” Homes In Preservation Districts
Protected by local ordinances, these architectural gems benefit from neighborhood stability and preservation requirements that maintain their distinctive character. From Federal Hill in Baltimore to historic Ellicott City, these designated districts create built-in value protection.
Many feature brick sidewalks, gas lanterns, and other period-appropriate streetscapes that enhance overall neighborhood appeal. Buyers increasingly seek the authenticity and craftsmanship these homes provide, particularly those with original architectural details intact.
11. Mid-Century Modern Homes In Suburban Markets
Flat planes, large windows, and open floor plans characterize these architectural statements from the 1950s-70s that continue gaining appreciation among design-conscious buyers. Some communities feature original mid-century homes designed by renowned architects like Charles Goodman.
Their integration with nature through walls of glass creates living spaces that feel remarkably contemporary. Younger buyers particularly value the clean lines and indoor-outdoor flow these homes provide compared to more traditional styles.
12. Fully Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Homes
Separate entrances, kitchenettes, and private living spaces create versatile properties perfect for multigenerational families or rental income in Maryland’s high-cost areas. Recent zoning changes in Montgomery County have increased the feasibility and value of these flexible living arrangements.
ADUs provide perfect solutions for aging parents, adult children, or income-generating rental units without sacrificing privacy. Properties with well-designed ADUs typically command 20-30% higher prices than comparable single-unit homes in the same neighborhoods.
13. Small Multifamily Homes In Growing Suburbs
Duplexes and triplexes in walkable suburban centers provide the perfect investment vehicle for owner-occupants seeking rental income while building equity. These 2-4 unit properties often fly under the radar of larger investors, creating opportunities for individual buyers in certain communities.
Many feature separate utilities, private entrances, and dedicated outdoor spaces for each unit. With conventional mortgage financing available, these properties offer excellent entry points into real estate investing while providing housing for multiple families.
14. Walkable-Urban Condo / Flat Conversions
Former commercial buildings transformed into residential spaces offer unique character with exposed brick, industrial elements, and soaring ceilings in Maryland’s urban centers. Warehouse conversions and office-to-residential transformations create distinctive living spaces unavailable in conventional developments.
These properties often feature premium amenities like rooftop decks, fitness centers, and concierge services. Their walkable locations near restaurants, entertainment, and employment hubs continue attracting professionals seeking urban convenience without sacrificing comfort.
15. Tiny Homes / Micro Houses In High-Demand Areas
Efficient layouts, multi-functional furniture, and minimal maintenance make these compact dwellings increasingly popular options in Maryland’s most expensive markets. Typically under 600 square feet, these small-footprint homes offer affordability in otherwise out-of-reach neighborhoods.
Their thoughtful designs maximize every square inch through built-in storage, loft sleeping areas, and convertible spaces. Buyers increasingly prioritize location over size, making these compact properties surprisingly valuable on a price-per-square-foot basis in prime areas.
16. Homes In Opportunity Zones / Revitalizing Neighborhoods
Strategic investments in emerging areas like Station North in Baltimore offer significant appreciation potential as revitalization efforts transform formerly overlooked neighborhoods. Federal Opportunity Zone tax incentives create additional financial advantages for long-term investors in these designated areas.
Many feature historic housing stock with character-rich details at more accessible price points than established neighborhoods. Early adopters benefit most as commercial amenities, improved infrastructure, and community investment gradually enhance these transitional neighborhoods.
17. Modular / Prefab Homes With Premium Finishes
Factory precision, reduced construction timelines, and architectural innovation create surprisingly sophisticated homes that challenge prefab stereotypes across Maryland. These aren’t your grandparents’ manufactured homes.
Today’s modular construction features architectural details, energy efficiency, and premium materials indistinguishable from site-built homes. Some counties offer rural and suburban lots ideal for these custom-designed prefab properties. Their construction quality often exceeds site-built homes due to controlled manufacturing conditions and rigorous quality control.
18. Homes With Strong Rental / Income Potential
In-law suites, basement apartments, and carriage houses create built-in income streams that significantly boost property values across Maryland’s diverse housing markets. College towns like College Park and tourism destinations like St. Michaels offer particularly strong returns for income-producing properties.
Smart home designs incorporate separate entrances, sound insulation, and private outdoor spaces for rental portions. The growing acceptance of home-sharing platforms has expanded the income potential for properties with flexible guest accommodations.
19. Smart Homes / High-Tech Upgrades
Integrated automation, energy management systems, and security features create premium living experiences that command higher prices in Maryland’s competitive markets. From smartphone-controlled thermostats to whole-home automation systems, tech-forward properties appeal particularly to younger buyers and busy professionals.
Communities like Columbia and North Bethesda attract tech-savvy buyers willing to pay premiums for these conveniences. Properties with structured wiring, high-speed internet infrastructure, and dedicated tech spaces gain increasing value advantages as remote work becomes permanent.
20. Homes With Unique Architectural Appeal
Distinctive design elements, unusual floor plans, and authentic period details create standout properties that transcend market fluctuations in Maryland’s diverse housing landscape. From Tudor revivals to Victorian homes, architectural uniqueness creates built-in scarcity value.
Many feature irreplaceable craftsmanship like hand-carved woodwork, leaded glass windows, or distinctive stonework. These architectural standouts consistently command price premiums as buyers seek properties with character, history, and visual distinction.
