Ask Eli: Which property types appreciate faster? | ARLnow.com (2024)

Ask Eli: Which property types appreciate faster? | ARLnow.com (1)

This regularly scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker,Arlington-based Realtorand Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to himvia emailfor response in future columns.Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on theAsk Eli, Live With Jeanplaylist.Enjoy!

Question: What type of property appreciates faster — condo, townhouse, or single-family?

Answer: Since 2012, the data is clear — single-family homes appreciate the fastest, followed by townhouses/duplexes, and then condos. Since 2012, the average single-family home has appreciated 69% compared to 27% for condos.

This pattern was true before the pandemic market sent single-family home prices through the roof (see 2016/2018 numbers below), but was amplified over the last two years as demand intensified for single-family homes.

Ask Eli: Which property types appreciate faster? | ARLnow.com (2)

South Arlington Appreciating Faster Than North Arlington

Based on appreciation since 2012, South Arlington has been a better investment than North Arlington for all three property types. I expect that trend to continue as new construction picks up steam in South Arlington, Columbia Pike development continues to thrive, and Amazon HQ2 expands hiring.

Ask Eli: Which property types appreciate faster? | ARLnow.com (3)

Two-Bedroom Condos Appreciate Faster Than One-Bedroom

Two-bedroom condos consistently offer a higher return than comparable one-bedroom units. South Arlington condos have appreciated so much since 2012 that even a one-bedroom condo in South Arlington has produced a higher percentage return than a two-bedroom condo in North Arlington since 2012.

Ask Eli: Which property types appreciate faster? | ARLnow.com (4)

Of course, return on investment isn’t the only consideration when buying a home and you certainly need a lot more money to afford a single-family home (avg. over $1.3M in 2022) than a condo (avg. $533k in 2022) and a 2 BR condo (avg. $633k in 2022) over a 1 BR (avg. $377k in 2022), but for most buyers, having a good understanding of how historical returns compare by property type and size should influence decision-making.

But please don’t forget that most single-family homes will also require a much higher maintenance, repair, and replacement budget than townhouses and condos (even accounting for condo fees) in order to access those higher long term returns.

If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at[emailprotected].

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to[emailprotected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website atEliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.

Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on theAsk Eli, Live With Jeanplaylist.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203.(703) 390-9460

Ask Eli: Which property types appreciate faster? | ARLnow.com (2024)

FAQs

What type of property appreciates the fastest? ›

Question: What type of property appreciates faster — condo, townhouse, or single-family? Answer: Since 2012, the data is clear — single-family homes appreciate the fastest, followed by townhouses/duplexes, and then condos. Since 2012, the average single-family home has appreciated 69% compared to 27% for condos.

Do houses appreciate faster than condos? ›

Determining future home appreciation is no easy feat depending on many factors from location and attractiveness to feel of the neighborhood and the value of the land that the property sits on. While there are certainly exceptions, it's common for single family homes to appreciate faster than condominiums.

Do higher priced homes appreciate faster? ›

In looking at home values over the past year, the least costly homes showed an 8.5 percent gain in their worth compared to a 3.6 percent increase for the most costly abodes, according to the findings by the provider of real estate information.

Why do single-family homes appreciate faster? ›

The standard answer has been: Of course single-family homes appreciate faster. They are what most Americans prefer to live in, so there's stronger demand. They come with their own piece of land — and we all know that land is a crucial driver of value.

What type of house has best resale value? ›

Colonial. Colonial-style homes have the highest resale factor when all other elements are equal. These two-story homes that often have a boxlike appearance are popular because of the amount of functional living space that they often have. Many homeowners also prefer their minimalistic design.

What type of real estate is most profitable? ›

Commercial real estate is known to yield higher returns than residential real estate. If you can afford to manage a commercial space, it can prove lucrative over time, depending on your area.

Do houses appreciate faster than townhouses? ›

The value of a house will appreciate faster than a townhouse, but neither are bad investments. Townhouses can be great starter homes for families who want a little more space than they'd have in a condominium.

Why do people prefer condos over houses? ›

Less maintenance – If you own a house, all of the upkeep of the property falls on you. If you don't want to worry about maintenance as much, a condo might be a better fit. More perks – Unlike a house, many condo communities come with amenities like a pool or playground, and features like security systems.

Why do people choose condos over houses? ›

A condo is usually less expensive than a free-standing house. Condos are much smaller in square footage, and maintenance is typically cheaper because you're only responsible for the interior of your home. You don't have to worry about landscaping, the roof or the exterior walls. The condo board or HOA covers those.

What increases home value the most? ›

Upgrades that add physical square footage or make the home feel more spacious
  • Convert or build a home office. ...
  • Finish your basem*nt. ...
  • Open up the floor plan. ...
  • Add stone veneer to the front of your house. ...
  • Get a door of steel. ...
  • Replace your garage door. ...
  • Update your mailbox and house numbers. ...
  • Touch up or re-do your exterior paint.
Jan 31, 2022

What makes a house worth more? ›

Age and condition. Typically, homes that are newer appraise at a higher value. The fact that critical parts of the house, like plumbing, electrical, the roof, and appliances are newer and therefore less likely to break down, can generate savings for a buyer.

What makes a property valuable? ›

A home's value is affected by local real estate trends, the housing market, the home's condition, age, location and property size.

How long do most people own their first home? ›

35% of homeowners have lived in their homes for 10 to 15 years. 16% have lived in their homes for less than five years. The average length of homeownership years is eight years.

Why do some homes sell faster than others? ›

Move-In Condition

Your home will likely sell more quickly if it is move-in ready. This covers small repairs, from leaky faucets or chipped paint, to major eyesores. Overlooked minor repairs don't look enticing to potential buyers, leading them to wonder if more important areas have been neglected.

What age do most people buy their first home? ›

And are these the factors Americans should consider when deciding to become a homeowner for the first time? In 2022, the average age of first-time homebuyers was 36, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This is up from 33 in 2021.

Which property type is it the best to buy? ›

One reason commercial properties are considered one of the best types of real estate investments is the potential for higher cash flow. Investors who opt for commercial properties may find they represent higher income potential, longer leases, and lower vacancy rates than other forms of real estate.

What decreases property value the most? ›

It's best to be aware of what hurts property value so you can protect your home and get the most ROI when it comes time to sell.
  • 1) DIY projects gone wrong.
  • 2) Lack of curb appeal.
  • 3) Unsightly interior wall paint.
  • 4) Lack of upkeep.
  • 5) Wall to wall carpeting.
  • 6) Excessive clutter can hurt property value.
  • 7) Unpleasant smells.
Oct 9, 2020

What is the most valuable part of a house? ›

The Framing

A home's framing is its skeleton. Because so much material and skilled labor is required, this is an incredibly expensive part of building a home.

What is the 2% rule in real estate? ›

2% Rule. The 2% rule is the same as the 1% rule – it just uses a different number. The 2% rule states that the monthly rent for an investment property should be equal to or no less than 2% of the purchase price. Here's an example of the 2% rule for a home with the purchase price of $150,000: $150,000 x 0.02 = $3,000.

What is the 1 rule in real estate? ›

The 1 percent rule is a real estate investment guideline that lets investors quickly estimate the minimum monthly rent they must charge to break even (at minimum) on a particular property.

Why are most millionaires in real estate? ›

Because of the many tax benefits, real estate investors often end up paying less taxes overall even as they are bringing in more income. This is why many millionaires invest in real estate. Not only does it make you money, but it allows you to keep a lot more of the money you make.

Why do townhouses not appreciate in value? ›

Because the demand for townhomes is lower and lenders often have stricter financing requirements for them, they generally don't increase in value like single-family homes.

How quickly do houses appreciate in value? ›

What Is The Average Home Appreciation Rate? According to Millionacres.com, the current national average appreciation rate is 2% month over month and 14.5% year over year. But it's important to note that this appreciation doesn't happen on its own.

Why do people choose townhomes? ›

Townhouses are often built as part of gated communities or neighborhoods. Pros of townhouse living include affordability, HOA and shared amenities, and close proximity to neighbors. Cons of townhouse living include less square footage, less freedom about your home's appearance, and less privacy.

Why are condos higher risk? ›

Characterizing Condo Ownership

Condos pose a higher risk to lenders because the complex is governed by a homeowners association, which oversees daily maintenance, performs major repairs and maintains the budget for the entire complex.

Why don't condos increase in value? ›

There are 5 major reasons condos historically lag in appreciation; No land - land is actually what appreciates, buildings depreciate. A condo has less land per unit. Less Able to Differentiate - selling a home one must create one of a kind to hold price (the only home backing to protected woods etc).

Are higher floor condos worth more? ›

Higher condos get more resale value

From an investment perspective, higher condos are always better as they give the most return on the value. Investors are more interested in buying condos on a higher floor as they are aware of its demand in the market.

Are condos good or bad investments? ›

While renting can be an affordable option for those who aren't ready to invest in real estate, buying a condo can be a practical and lucrative move that sets you up for future financial success. This is because purchasing a condo allows you to build equity in the home that you wouldn't with renting.

Why do condos appreciate less? ›

On the other hand, when you purchase a condominium, you only own the specific unit. No land = less value. Also, it's likely that more condominium units can fit on single plot of land than single family homes, as condos are often built up instead of out. This higher supply of condos can in turn drive prices down.

Does flooring increase home value? ›

So the short answer to “does new flooring increase home value?” is yes—if you're smart about your selections. The right upgrades also make your house move faster on the market. Follow these 5 pro tips to get the most out of this wise home investment.

What is the #1 thing that determines the value of a home? ›

Ultimately, the financial backing in a deal determines the property's value, and it's most often a mortgage lender making the call.

What brings down the value of a house? ›

Changes in the real estate market can lower the value of your home. Natural disasters and climate change can lower your property value because the property is a greater risk to purchase. Foreclosures in your neighborhood can also drive down property value.

How can I make my house look more expensive for an appraisal? ›

How to Increase Home Value for Appraisal
  1. Improve your house's curb appeal. ...
  2. Mow and clean up your yard. ...
  3. Examine the exterior of your home. ...
  4. Document all of your home upgrades. ...
  5. Give your home a deep cleaning. ...
  6. Patch up any imperfections. ...
  7. Let the appraiser do their job. ...
  8. Be open to the appraiser's questions.

What adds more value to a home bedroom or bathroom? ›

Bathroom additions return the most, according to Remodeling magazine's report — an average of 86.4 percent. The addition of attic bedrooms, family rooms and sunrooms returned anywhere from 70 to more than 80 percent of the money spent — and that doesn't factor in the value of your own enjoyment of all that new space.

What are the three types of property value? ›

You should know the difference between these three values; in particular: Market Value, Assessed Value and Replacement Cost of a property.

What are the 4 ways to value a property? ›

Top 4 Methods of Real Estate Appraisal
  • Sales Comparison Approach. The sales comparison approach assumes that prior sales of similar properties provide the best indication of a property's value. ...
  • Cost Approach Appraisal. ...
  • Income Approach Appraisal. ...
  • Price Per Square Foot.
Feb 22, 2022

How do you know if a property is worth it? ›

The One-Percent Rule

It's a tool that you can use to determine if a property deserves a closer look. All the one-percent rule says is that a property should rent for one-percent or more of its total upfront cost. For example: A property that costs $100,000 should rent for at least $1,000 per month.

What age do most people pay off their mortgage? ›

While the average age borrowers expect to pay off their mortgage is 59, the number of survey participants who have no idea when they will pay it off at all stood at 16%. In 2019, 9% of those asked didn't know and in 2020, 11% gave this answer.

How long to live in a house before selling to avoid capital gains? ›

2 years of ownership and. 2 years of use as a primary residence.

How long should you live in a house before selling? ›

A guideline commonly cited by real estate experts is to stay at your house for at least five years. On average, this is how long it takes a homeowner to make up for mortgage interest and closing costs.

What state sells houses the fastest? ›

California leads the nation for fastest home sales, with the average property snapped up in just 52 days. Compare that to Vermont, the slowest of all 50 states, where it takes nearly half a year — 161 days on average — just to lock down a buyer.

Where do houses sell the fastest? ›

Nashville was the hottest market, with an average listing time of 14 days. Seattle was the second fastest-moving, averaging 17 days. Omaha and Salt Lake City both averaged 18 days, and Cincinnati, Birmingham, Charlotte, Denver, Las Vegas, Manchester and San Francisco were also among the busiest.

What is most often the reason a property does not sell? ›

The price is too high. When it comes to reasons a home isn't selling, “If it's not condition, it's always price,” says Simpkins. “And in fact, it's usually always price.”

How many people don't have a mortgage? ›

Q: How many homeowners have paid off their mortgage? A: 37% of U.S. households no longer have a home mortgage to pay, according to a Zillow data analysis.

What is the average age of first time mothers? ›

One factor impacting the birth rate is the age at which women first become mothers. And the mean reached a high of 27.3 years in 2021, up from 27.1 in 2020.

What age does the average American buy a house? ›

In the US, first-time homebuyers are, on average, 33 years old. The average age of homebuyers overall is 47.

What type of property is best for investment? ›

The best commercial properties to invest in include industrial, office, retail, hospitality, and multifamily projects. For investors with a strong focus on improving their local communities, commercial real estate investing can support that focus.

What appreciates in value quickly? ›

One of the most popular assets that appreciate in value is real estate. You can start by buying single-family rental homes. Also multi-family homes such as apartments, commercial real estate like malls or offices, and even land. Real estate is a long-term investment.

What assets are likely to appreciate? ›

Appreciating Assets: 9 Ultimate Examples
  • Real estate. They usually consist of land or buildings used for residential or commercial purposes. ...
  • Stocks. ...
  • Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) ...
  • Commodities. ...
  • Art. ...
  • Private Equity. ...
  • Saving Accounts. ...
  • Bonds.

Which assets always appreciate? ›

An appreciating asset is any asset which value is increasing. For example, appreciating assets can be real estate, stocks, bonds, and currency.

What type of investment property is best for beginners? ›

The best investment property for beginners is generally a single-family dwelling or a condominium. Condos are low maintenance because the condo association takes care of external repairs, leaving you to worry about the interior.

What is the 50% rule in real estate? ›

Like many rules of real estate investing, the 50 percent rule isn't always accurate, but it can be a helpful way to estimate expenses for rental property. To use it, an investor takes the property's gross rent and multiplies it by 50 percent, providing the estimated monthly operating expenses. That sounds easy, right?

Which property has the lowest investment risk? ›

#5 Single Family Property (Lowest Risk)

Single family properties are usually the least risky investment property type. They are typically less expensive and easier to manage than other property types, making them ideal for first-time investors.

What items don't lose value? ›

Goodwill, luxurious items, high quality art don?t depreciate in value over the time. Goodwill is referred to as reputation of an organization does not depreciate in value. Some luxurious items such as branded watches, exclusive handbags don?t lose their value over the time.

What assets appreciate with inflation? ›

Several asset classes perform well in inflationary environments. Tangible assets, like real estate and commodities, have historically been seen as inflation hedges. Some specialized securities can maintain a portfolio's buying power including certain sector stocks, inflation-indexed bonds, and securitized debt.

What is the most thing that you value the most? ›

  1. Your Health. Treat your body with the respect it deserves. ...
  2. Your Friends. Spending time with friends is key to our emotional wellbeing. ...
  3. Gratitude. Appreciate the miracle of life. ...
  4. Your Reputation. ...
  5. Your Family. ...
  6. Your Education. ...
  7. Giving To Others. ...
  8. Life Experiences.
Oct 17, 2022

What are your 3 greatest assets? ›

Your 3 greatest assets are not what you sell, it's not your customers, it's not your territory. Your three greatest assets are your time, your mind, and your network. Each day your objective is to protect your time, grow your mind, and nurture your network.

Which asset Cannot be appreciated? ›

You can't depreciate assets that don't lose their value over time – or that you're not currently making use of to produce income. These include: Land. Collectibles like art, coins, or memorabilia.

What asset is most likely to appreciate rather than depreciate? ›

Some of the most common appreciating assets are stocks, bonds, real estate, REIT (real estate investment trust), saving accounts, private equity. On the other hand, depreciating assets are the ones which decrease in economic value over time and with usage.

What is man's most valuable asset? ›

Jim Rohn, one of the pioneers of personal development once said: “Time is our most valuable asset, yet we tend to waste it, kill it and spend it rather than invest it.” and this is as true today as it has ever been.

Which assets are more profitable? ›

The 9 Best Income Producing Assets to Grow Your Wealth
  • Stocks/Equities. If I had to pick one asset class to rule them all, stocks would definitely be it. ...
  • Bonds. ...
  • Investment/Vacation Properties. ...
  • Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) ...
  • Farmland. ...
  • Small Businesses/Franchise/Angel Investing. ...
  • CDs/Money Market Funds. ...
  • Royalties.
Mar 9, 2023

Which asset is never valued? ›

Land, although a fixed asset is never depreciable. It has an unlimited useful life and therefore can not be depreciated. Depreciation is allocation of cost of fixed asset over its useful life. Value of land can not be reduced to zero and it can not be allocated over its useful life.

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