Metro Detroit Emerges as Top U.S. Luxury Housing Market With More Affordable Entry Prices

A fresh analysis shows Metro Detroit leading U.S. luxury real estate markets, with prices 38% below national levels. The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com study, published Oct. 25, 2025, points to striking shifts in high-end property trends.

In the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area, top-tier homes start at $721,625 - a stark contrast to the $1,243,506 national benchmark. Anthony Smith of Realtor.com points to three key factors: "Detroit shot to first place by mixing strong buyer interest, fair prices, and steady market basics." His comments appeared in a news release and were reported on by CBS News.

Million-dollar properties in the metro zone sell fast. Buyers snap them up in 57 days - three weeks faster than the U.S. average. The most select properties, the top 1%, begin at $2.84 million, well under the $5.41 million U.S. mark, as per facts shared by CBS News.

The Realtor study spans wealthy areas near Detroit. In Birmingham, typical asks hit $1,478,125. Rochester Hills and Bloomfield Hills show more modest figures: $1,019,900 and $1,107,500.

Smith clarified the scope, as shared by CBS News: "Our data covers the whole Detroit-Warren-Dearborn zone, not just city bounds. The fancy suburbs hold most of the pricey homes."

Max Broock Realtor's Erica Collica sees unique value. "You can buy amazing homes or condos here, often under a million. Plus you get the buzz of city life, real community spirit, and genuine local flavor," she told Realtor.com.

The St. Louis region crossed Missouri and Illinois borders to claim second place. Charlottesville, Virginia took the third spot in this year's standings.