10 Home Types Losing Value In Idaho And 10 That Are Set To Skyrocket
Idaho’s housing market is changing fast, with some property types falling out of favor while others are becoming hot commodities. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or looking to buy your first place, knowing which homes are losing value and which are gaining can save you thousands of dollars. The landscape is shifting dramatically based on location, design, and amenities that today’s buyers want most.
1. Outdated McMansions
Large cookie-cutter homes built in the early 2000s are rapidly declining in value across Idaho. Their massive size and high maintenance costs are turning off younger buyers who prefer efficiency over excess.
These homes typically feature formal dining rooms and living spaces that no longer match how families live today. High utility bills and dated finishes further decrease their appeal in today’s market.
2. Remote Rural Properties
Once coveted during the pandemic, rural homes far from amenities are losing their luster. Properties located more than 30 minutes from grocery stores, healthcare, and employment hubs face declining demand.
Rising fuel costs have made the commute burden significant. Modern buyers increasingly value convenience and proximity to essential services, making these distant properties harder to sell in the current Idaho market.
3. Homes Without Home Offices
Properties lacking dedicated workspace options are seeing values drop. The remote work revolution has fundamentally changed buyer priorities, making home office space essential rather than optional.
Houses with only traditional living spaces and no flexibility for creating a productive work environment face longer market times. Buyers are increasingly unwilling to compromise on this feature as hybrid work becomes the norm.
4. High Maintenance Luxury Homes
Sprawling luxury estates requiring constant upkeep are rapidly losing appeal. Features like extensive landscaping, pools, and ornate finishes that demand professional maintenance are now seen as liabilities rather than assets.
The combination of rising service costs and water concerns in Idaho has made these properties increasingly difficult to sell. Buyers are shying away from the ongoing financial commitment these homes represent.
5. Homes Near Declining Industries
Properties near struggling economic sectors are seeing significant value drops. Homes located near traditional manufacturing or resource extraction areas that are experiencing downturns face uncertain futures.
As these industries contract, surrounding communities often experience population decline. The resulting reduced demand for housing creates a buyer’s market with little competition, driving prices downward across entire neighborhoods.
6. Homes With Poor Internet Connectivity
Houses in internet dead zones are becoming increasingly difficult to sell at premium prices. Reliable high speed connectivity has shifted from luxury to necessity for work, education, and entertainment.
Properties in areas with limited broadband options face significant disadvantages. Potential buyers often eliminate these homes from consideration immediately upon learning about connectivity issues, regardless of other attractive features they might offer.
7. Single Story Ranch Homes
Traditional ranch style homes built between 1960 and 1980 are losing market share. Their dated floor plans typically feature small kitchens, compartmentalized rooms, and limited storage that don’t match contemporary living preferences.
Low ceilings and minimal architectural interest further reduce appeal. While these homes once represented the suburban ideal, today’s buyers often view them as renovation projects rather than move in ready options.
8. Homes With Small Kitchens
Properties featuring cramped, closed off kitchens are seeing values stagnate or decline. Modern families increasingly view the kitchen as the home’s central gathering space rather than just a functional cooking area.
Limited counter space, outdated appliances, and poor flow to living areas significantly impact marketability. Buyers regularly cite kitchen limitations as deal breakers when passing on otherwise suitable properties in Idaho’s competitive market.
9. Energy Inefficient Homes
Houses with poor insulation and outdated heating systems are rapidly losing market position. Idaho’s extreme temperature variations make energy efficiency a financial consideration rather than just an environmental one.
Single pane windows, inadequate insulation, and aging HVAC systems create comfort issues and high utility bills. As energy costs continue rising, these properties face increasing value gaps compared to more efficient alternatives in the same neighborhoods.
10. Homes In Flood Prone Areas
Properties in areas with increasing flood risk are experiencing significant value challenges. Idaho’s changing climate patterns have expanded flood zones in several regions, affecting previously safe neighborhoods.
Rising insurance costs compound the problem for these homeowners. As flood insurance premiums continue increasing and coverage becomes harder to obtain, buyer interest diminishes dramatically, creating a downward spiral for property values.
11. Sustainable Mountain Retreats
Eco friendly homes nestled in Idaho’s mountain regions are seeing tremendous value growth. Properties featuring sustainable building materials, solar power, and minimal environmental impact appeal to both environmental consciousness and practical concerns about utility costs.
These homes offer the perfect balance of natural beauty and modern convenience. The combination of mountain views, outdoor recreation access, and energy independence creates a compelling package for today’s premium buyers.
12. Turnkey Farmhouses
Updated farmhouses with modern amenities are commanding premium prices across Idaho. These properties blend rustic charm with contemporary comforts, offering the aesthetic appeal of traditional architecture with the convenience of updated systems.
The combination of character and move in readiness is particularly attractive. White painted exteriors, wrap around porches, and tastefully modernized interiors create an irresistible package that appeals to both traditional and contemporary design sensibilities.
13. Homes With Accessory Dwelling Units
Properties featuring separate living spaces are experiencing significant value increases. These versatile setups allow for rental income, multi generational living, or dedicated home office space separate from the main living area.
The financial flexibility these arrangements provide is highly valued. Whether as a detached cottage, converted garage, or basement apartment, these additional living spaces offer solutions for changing family dynamics and income opportunities that buyers are willing to pay premium prices to obtain.
14. Smart Homes
Tech integrated houses are commanding increasingly higher prices throughout Idaho. Properties featuring comprehensive smart home systems that control security, climate, lighting, and entertainment from mobile devices offer convenience that today’s buyers eagerly seek.
The appeal extends beyond mere gadgetry to practical benefits. Energy monitoring, remote access, and automated routines create both lifestyle enhancements and efficiency improvements that translate directly into stronger property values and faster sales.
15. Lakefront Properties
Homes with direct water access continue their upward value trajectory in Idaho. Waterfront living offers recreational opportunities and stunning views that remain in consistently high demand regardless of broader market fluctuations.
Limited supply drives competition among buyers. Properties on popular lakes like Coeur d’Alene and Payette Lake benefit from both local interest and out of state buyers seeking vacation homes, creating a resilient market segment even during economic uncertainty.
16. Small Luxury Homes
Compact but high end residences are experiencing remarkable value growth. These homes typically offer between 1,200 and 2,000 square feet of meticulously designed space with premium finishes, smart storage solutions, and thoughtful layouts.
Quality over quantity resonates with today’s buyers. The combination of manageable size, reduced maintenance demands, and sophisticated design creates strong appeal for both downsizers and younger buyers seeking affordable luxury in Idaho’s competitive market.
17. Homes With Outdoor Living Spaces
Properties featuring well designed outdoor entertainment areas are seeing values climb steadily. Covered patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and thoughtfully landscaped yards extend living space and enhance lifestyle quality in Idaho’s scenic environment.
These outdoor amenities have transitioned from nice to have to essential. Buyers increasingly view these features as necessary for entertaining, relaxation, and daily living, making them willing to pay significant premiums for homes that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor experiences.
18. Mid Century Modern Homes
Authentic mid century properties are experiencing a remarkable renaissance in Idaho’s market. Homes built between 1945 and 1975 featuring characteristic clean lines, large windows, and open floor plans are attracting passionate buyers willing to pay premium prices.
The timeless design principles resonate with contemporary tastes. Original features like wood paneling, terrazzo floors, and distinctive architectural elements that once might have been considered dated are now celebrated as desirable period details worth preserving.
19. Walkable Neighborhood Homes
Properties in pedestrian friendly locations are commanding increasing premiums. Homes within easy walking distance of coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and essential services offer lifestyle convenience that more isolated properties simply cannot match.
Reduced car dependency is increasingly valued by buyers. The combination of community connection, environmental benefits, and practical advantages creates strong and growing demand for these properties in Idaho’s more developed areas, particularly in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and similar cities.
20. Homes With Home Gyms
Properties featuring dedicated fitness spaces are seeing significant value increases. The pandemic permanently shifted attitudes about home exercise, making dedicated workout areas a priority rather than a luxury for many buyers.
These spaces offer both convenience and privacy for maintaining fitness routines. Whether a converted garage, finished basement, or purpose built addition, homes that accommodate physical wellness activities without requiring a separate gym membership have strong appeal in Idaho’s health conscious communities.
