Realtor.com
In Michigan, Detroit’s housing market is making gains, and its most beloved home style is leading the way. According to the Realtor.com® latest architectural report, Craftsman homes dominate the Motor City’s for-sale landscape. These homes offer buyers authenticity, history, and affordability—three traits that continue to define Detroit’s evolving real estate scene.
While prices are rising, Detroit remains one of the most budget-friendly metros in the U.S., giving first-time buyers and investors room to enter.
Craftsman homes shape Detroit’s listings
Craftsman homes make up 3.7% of Detroit’s active listings, one of the highest concentrations in the country and the third-most prevalent style in the metro. These homes are known for built-in cabinetry, tapered porch columns, and exposed woodwork—features that speak to Detroit’s deep architectural roots and love of craftsmanship.
In spring, the median list price in Detroit rose to $109,000. That’s just a fraction of the national median of $459,000 and far below the national median for Craftsman homes, which sits at $467,000.
“Craftsman homes typically attract buyers who value authenticity and hand-crafted details,” said Maggie Ives of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. “They are creative professionals, academics, or people who appreciate the artisan details like built-in bookcases and original woodwork”.
Aging gracefully and gaining value
Nationally, Craftsman homes have a median year built of 2000, but in Detroit, many are older—dating back to the early 1900s. These homes tend to be well-built, with quality materials that have withstood decades of use and restoration.
Craftsman homes are also among the top-performing styles for long-term appreciation. Over the past year, prices for this style increased 3.8% nationally. Over the past six years, they’ve grown 43.7%—proof that classic features can hold strong appeal over time.
Buyers in Detroit can still find original Craftsman features, such as leaded glass windows, wood-burning fireplaces, and natural wood trim. These elements are increasingly hard to come by in newer construction—and help Detroit stand out.
Detroit’s market is heating up, but still a bargain
Home prices in Detroit rose sharply this past spring, particularly in April. The median list price increased to $109,000, and price per square foot climbed 1.4%—beating the national gain of 1.0%.
Inventory is also expanding, though slowly. The number of homes for sale rose 3.1% from March to 2,112, and new listings hit 880—up 3.3% month-over-month.
But homes are also selling faster. The average time on market dropped to 51 days, down from 59 the previous month and below the national average of 50 days. That suggests demand is returning, especially for well-maintained, character-filled homes.
Historic style at entry-level prices
While Detroit may not appear on the list of the top 2025 housing markets, it stands out for affordability and authenticity. Craftsman homes, with their unique blend of style and function, remain a key part of that equation.
Nationally, this style is often sought by buyers priced out of newer modern homes. In Detroit, buyers can find Craftsman charm at a deep discount—offering a rare chance to own historic architecture without breaking the bank.
“There’s a certain kind of buyer who walks into a Craftsman home and immediately feels at home,” said Phillip Gazca of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “These homes speak to people who appreciate character and a sense of history”.
For buyers seeking genuine charm, enduring quality, and prices that make sense, Detroit’s Craftsman homes continue to deliver.