As we transition into 2026, the latest housing insights built on verified 2024 data and 2025 market performance reveal a clear pattern: supply remains tight, demand is persistent, and select property types are positioned to outperform.
Our new analysis highlights 7 home categories that demonstrated exceptional momentum through 2025 — and are primed to carry that strength into 2026.
Key value-drivers include:
• Historic homes with limited inventory
• Multifamily properties near transit and urban cores
• Sustainable, energy-efficient builds
• Assisted living assets with steady occupancy
• Fully furnished units in growth markets
• Homes with ADUs offering flexible income potential
• Starter homes facing extreme scarcity
These segments showed the strongest appreciation signals across the 2024–2025 data cycle.
If you’re recalibrating your real estate strategy for 2026, this is the market intelligence worth acting on.
Explore the full insights at vipproperty.com and reposition for the year ahead.
We’re about to dive into the wild world of real estate predictions. It’s 2024, and let me tell you, the housing market is crazier than a cat on catnip. We’re talking about a seller’s market that’s hotter than a jalapeño popper fresh out of the oven.
According to multiple housing indicators, supply remains constrained, and months’ supply is far below typical balanced-market levels — with supply at around 3.2–3.7 months in early 2024 and 4.0 months by early 2025, whereas roughly 6 months is often considered a true buyer’s market. (huduser.gov)
Now, I’m no math whiz, but even I know that’s not a lot. For all you aspiring real estate moguls, just remember: we need more than six months of inventory for a true buyer’s market. So, if you’re looking to buy, you might want to grab a snack and get comfy — we could be here a while.
Now, let’s talk numbers, shall we? U.S. median home prices have climbed to record high territory in recent years. According to the National Association of Realtors and other market data, median existing home prices nationally reached over $400,000 through 2024–2025 and continued upward trends, reflecting affordability pressures for many buyers. (Trading Economics)
And don’t even get me started on those interest rates — they’re high enough to give you a nosebleed.
But hey, don’t lose hope just yet! The real estate market is like a toddler on a sugar rush — it can change direction faster than you can say “mortgage.” We’ve got some inside scoop on which types of homes might just skyrocket in value by the end of 2025. So whether you’re a savvy seller looking to cash in or a bright-eyed buyer trying to make a smart investment, pay attention. We’ve got the tea, and it’s piping hot!
We’ve chatted up some real estate pros who’ve been kind enough to share their crystal ball predictions. So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let’s dive into the seven types of homes that might just make you rich (or at least slightly less poor) by the end of 2025!
1. Historic Homes: Because Cookie-Cutter is So Last Century
Let’s face it, folks. We’re living in a world where every new neighborhood looks like it was built by the same person who designs hotel rooms — bland, boring, and more beige than a khaki convention. That’s why historic homes are making a comeback faster than acid-wash jeans in the 90s.
Think about it. Would you rather live in a house that looks like every other house on the block, or in a Victorian masterpiece that makes your neighbors green with envy? I’m talking about homes with secret passages, turrets, and maybe even a resident ghost or two (hey, some people are into that sort of thing).
Plus, these old beauties tend to be in prime locations where inventory is traditionally tighter, increasing demand relative to supply.
2. Multifamily Units: Because Sometimes More is More
Multifamily Units
Remember when your mom used to say, “Why can’t you be more like your brother?” Well, in the world of real estate, multifamily units are the overachieving siblings that everyone’s trying to emulate.
Matt Morgan, a licensed real estate salesperson with IPA Commercial Real Estate, says, “Multifamily housing, especially units close to city centers and transportation hubs, have seen high demand from both investors and homebuyers.”
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But I don’t want to live with a bunch of strangers!” Hold your horses there, partner. Investing in a multifamily unit doesn’t mean you have to start a commune (unless that’s your thing, in which case, peace and love, man). It could mean buying a duplex and renting out half, or investing in an apartment building and becoming the landlord you always wished you had.
Matt’s got some numbers for us too. He expects “values for multifamily properties in walkable, amenity-rich neighborhoods to increase 10%-15% annually over the next five years.” That’s enough to make your piggy bank do a happy dance!
3. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Homes: Because Mother Earth is the Ultimate Landlord
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Homes
Move over, McMansions! The cool kids are all about that eco-friendly life now. As the younger generation starts flooding the housing market like it’s the next Coachella, they’re bringing their reusable water bottles and composting habits with them.
Lindsey Harn, a top agent at Christie’s International Real Estate (fancy!), says, “Homes that are carbon neutral, energy conscious, use passive solar, and consider the environment will continue to soar.” It’s like the real estate version of eating your vegetables — good for you and surprisingly tasty once you get used to it.
We’re talking about homes with solar panels that’ll make your electricity meter spin backwards, insulation so good you could probably survive a nuclear winter, and water systems that would make even Aquaman jealous. These houses aren’t just homes; they’re like your own personal Captain Planet headquarters.
But it’s not just about saving the planet. As wealth transfers from older generations to younger ones, eco-features are increasingly prioritized. Younger buyers are more eco-conscious and consider greener elements significant in housing decisions.
And let’s not forget about manufactured and modular smart homes. These high-tech, energy-efficient houses can be customized quickly, appealing to buyers who want sustainable living with minimal environmental impact.
4. Assisted Living Facilities: Because Golden Girls Was Onto Something
Assisted Living Facilities
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room — we’re all getting older. I know, I know, it’s shocking. But unless you’ve discovered the fountain of youth (and if you have, call me), it’s time to face facts.
Demand for senior housing and assisted living continues to grow, with occupancy rates in many markets above 80% and new units in limited supply. This indicates a persistent strong demand for quality senior living options as the population ages and continues to retire.
5. Furnished Apartments and Condos: For When You’re Too Lazy to Buy a Couch
Furnished Apartment
Let’s face it, some of us are just not cut out for the whole “homeownership” thing. The mere thought of mowing a lawn or fixing a leaky faucet is enough to send us running for the hills (or more likely, the nearest fully furnished apartment).
Before you start picturing your grandma’s floral couch and doilies everywhere, let me stop you right there. We’re talking about sleek, modern furnishings that’ll make you feel like you’re living in an IKEA catalog, minus the frustration of trying to assemble everything yourself.
There’s growing demand for move-in-ready furnished units, especially close to city centers and public transit. Some markets have shown double-digit year-over-year price increases for furnished units in key locations, reflecting this trend.
So, if you’re the type who thinks “home improvement” means ordering a new shower curtain from Amazon, this might be the investment for you. Plus, think of all the money you’ll save on furniture — more cash for avocado toast, am I right?
6. Homes With ADUs: Because Who Doesn’t Want a Mini-Me House?
Home With ADU
ADU – it sounds like a new text abbreviation the kids are using, doesn’t it? But in the world of real estate, it stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit. Fancy term for what’s essentially a secondary living space that can be rented out or used flexibly.
Properties with ADUs have seen stronger growth in appraised value compared to similar homes without ADUs, reflecting their utility and additional income potential. In some markets like California, homes with ADUs have historically shown higher median value growth — illustrating how these units can enhance property worth.
These little units are more versatile than a Swiss Army knife. You can rent them out and become a mini-landlord (cue evil laugh), use them as a home office (pants optional), or even let your in-laws stay there (just make sure the wi-fi doesn’t reach). As one pro points out, “The opposite could also apply. The homeowner could live in the ADU and the main house be rented, lowering their costs substantially.” It’s like real-life Monopoly, but with less chance of family arguments!
7. Starter Homes: The Unicorns of Real Estate
Starter Homes
Last but not least, let’s talk about starter homes. Remember those? The cute little houses that first-time buyers could actually afford without selling a kidney? Yeah, they’re about as rare as a politician who keeps all their promises.
In today’s market, starter homes are scarce, with many buyers priced out by high prices and elevated mortgage rates. As a result, when starter homes do appear, their value tends to climb because demand far outweighs supply. This scarcity effect makes them valuable assets for investors and first-time buyers alike.
But here’s the kicker — because they’re so rare, their value just keeps going up. It’s like they’re the Beanie Babies of the housing market (minus the creepy button eyes). So if you manage to snag one of these elusive creatures, hold onto it tighter than your grandma clutches her purse at the mall.
Resources (Data & Verified Sources)
U.S. housing inventory & supply: According to HUD reports, months’ supply of homes on the market remained below balanced buyer market levels, with around 3.2–3.7 months in early 2024 and rising to 4.0 months by early 2025. (huduser.gov)
Median home prices: National existing home median prices exceeded $400,000 in 2024–2025, reflecting affordability pressure and price growth trends. (Trading Economics)
ADU value trends: FHFA data shows properties with accessory dwelling units have experienced higher relative growth in median appraised values compared with properties without ADUs, particularly in markets like California. (FHFA.gov)
Senior housing demand: Assisted living occupancy rates and demand for senior housing remain high, with many markets exceeding 80% occupancy, highlighting strong demand in the aging demographic. (National Investment Center)
Housing shortage context: Broader estimates show structural housing shortages of millions of units relative to demand in the U.S., underpinning continued supply constraints and price pressures. (Brookings)
