These 12 Michigan Home Styles Are Growing In Value

Michigan’s housing market is showing some surprising trends lately. Certain home styles are seeing their values climb faster than others across the Great Lakes State.

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just curious about what’s happening with home values in your neighborhood, knowing which architectural styles are hot right now could save you thousands or help you cash in big.

1. Mid-Century Modern Ranches

Ranch homes built between 1945-1975 are seeing a remarkable resurgence across Oakland County. Their open floor plans and large windows connecting indoor and outdoor spaces perfectly match modern lifestyle preferences. Younger buyers especially love the clean lines and retro appeal.

Even homes needing updates are being snapped up at premium prices, with some neighborhoods seeing these properties sell for 20% above asking price!

2. Colonial Revivals

Stately and symmetrical, Colonial Revivals stand proud in established neighborhoods like Grosse Pointe and Birmingham. Their formal layouts with center hallways and separate dining rooms are back in demand after years of open-concept dominance.

Families appreciate the clear separation between living spaces. The pandemic changed how we use our homes, making these traditional floor plans surprisingly practical for today’s work-from-home needs.

3. Tudor-Style Homes

Looking like they stepped out of an English storybook, Tudor homes with their steep roofs and decorative half-timbering are commanding premium prices in Detroit suburbs. Their solid construction and distinctive charm can’t be replicated in newer builds.

Buyers are willing to pay top dollar for these architectural gems. Many Tudor homes built in the 1920s and 30s feature unique details like leaded glass windows and intricate brickwork that modern homebuyers crave.

4. Prairie School Designs

Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence is alive and well in Michigan! Prairie-style homes with their horizontal lines and organic connection to the landscape are seeing values climb by 18% on average. Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor buyers are particularly drawn to these architectural masterpieces.

The emphasis on craftsmanship and natural materials resonates with environmentally-conscious homebuyers who appreciate the harmony between structure and surroundings.

5. Lakefront Cottages

Nothing says Michigan quite like a lakefront cottage! These charming retreats along Michigan’s countless inland lakes have seen their values skyrocket by 25% since 2020. Remote work has turned weekend getaways into potential year-round homes.

Even smaller, vintage cottages needing updates are being snatched up at record prices, especially those within a two-hour drive of major cities like Detroit or Grand Rapids.

6. Craftsman Bungalows

You’ll find these charming homes scattered throughout Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids neighborhoods. Their handcrafted details and cozy front porches are winning over buyers who appreciate quality workmanship.

The market for these homes has jumped nearly 15% in the last year alone! Their efficient use of space and distinctive built-ins make them perfect for today’s buyers seeking character without excess square footage.

7. Victorian Painted Ladies

Those ornate, colorful Victorian homes that grace historic districts in Marshall and Bay City are experiencing a remarkable renaissance. Their elaborate woodwork and distinctive turrets capture the imagination of buyers seeking character-filled homes.

Young families are breathing new life into these historic treasures. While maintenance costs can be higher, the investment pays off – Victorian homes in well-preserved neighborhoods have appreciated nearly 16% faster than the overall market in the past three years.

8. Modern Farmhouses

The modern farmhouse trend has taken Michigan by storm! These homes blend traditional farmhouse elements with contemporary finishes – think white board siding, black windows, and open floor plans. New constructions in this style are commanding premium prices in suburban and rural areas alike.

The aesthetic appeals to buyers seeking a balance of comfort and style, with practical features like mudrooms and kitchen islands that support today’s lifestyle needs.

9. Arts and Crafts Foursquares

Those boxy, practical homes built in the early 1900s are seeing surprising value growth in Kalamazoo and Lansing neighborhoods. Their efficient square layout maximizes living space, while built-in cabinets and hardwood details showcase craftsmanship rarely found today.

Families appreciate the sensible floor plans with four rooms on each level. Many buyers are specifically searching for these historic gems, willing to pay 10-15% above market rate for well-preserved examples with original woodwork intact.

10. Converted Industrial Lofts

Former factories and warehouses transformed into residential spaces are red-hot in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and even smaller cities like Flint. Their exposed brick, high ceilings, and industrial character offer unique living environments impossible to duplicate.

Remote workers especially value these spacious, flexible layouts. The combination of historic character and modern amenities creates a perfect storm for value appreciation, with some converted lofts seeing 30% increases in just two years.

11. Contemporary Eco-Homes

Forward-thinking designs emphasizing sustainability are commanding premium prices, especially near university towns like Ann Arbor and East Lansing. These homes feature solar panels, superior insulation, and energy-efficient systems that significantly reduce utility costs.

Environmentally-conscious buyers willingly pay more upfront for long-term savings. The combination of modern aesthetics and practical efficiency creates exceptional resale value, with eco-homes appreciating about 22% faster than conventional new constructions across Michigan.

12. Lakeside A-Frames

Remember those triangular vacation cabins popular in the 1960s? They’re making a massive comeback across northern Michigan! Their distinctive silhouette and large windows maximize views and create unforgettable spaces.

Instagram has fueled desire for these photogenic getaways. What once might have been torn down as outdated is now preserved and celebrated, with renovated A-frames near popular destinations like Traverse City selling within days of listing, often at 40% above their value just five years ago.