The median sale price of luxury U.S. homes rose 9% to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2023 versus a year ago, as a growing share of high-end buyers dodged high mortgage rates by paying in cash, according to a new report from Redfin. The median sale price of non-luxury homes also climbed 3.3% to $340,000, the highest level of any third quarter on record.
Up from 35% last year, 43% of luxury home purchases are now paid for in cash.
The report shows that more than two in five, or 42.5%, of luxury homes sold in the third quarter were purchased in cash, up from just over one-third (34.6%) one year earlier, while just 28% of non-luxury homes were bought in cash.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
“Wealthy homebuyers have more tools to weather the storm of high mortgage rates,” said Redfin Senior Vice President of Real Estate Operations Jason Aleem. “Many of them can afford to pay in cash, meaning they’re escaping high mortgage rates altogether. Others are choosing to take on a higher rate and refinance later — an expensive option that isn’t feasible for a lot of lower-income consumers.”
Housing supply rises in the luxury market
Housing supply is up 3% in the luxury market and down 21% in the non-luxury market.
However, the total number of active listings of luxury homes grew 2.9% from a year earlier, and new listings rose 0.3%. That compares with a record 20.8% decline in non-luxury homes and a 22% decline in new listings of non-luxury homes, which is the lowest third-quarter level since 2012.
One reason luxury listings are outperforming is high-end homeowners are less likely to feel locked into their low mortgage rate, either because they don’t have a mortgage or they have the means to move and pay a higher rate. After falling to historic lows during the height of the pandemic, current mortgage rates are hovering near 22-year highs at 7.79%, versus 6.94% a year ago.
Another reason luxury listings are outperforming is an increase in home construction, as new homes tend to be more expensive and fall into the luxury tier.
Where did luxury home sales jump the most?
Luxury home sales jumped in the 50 populous metropolitan areas
Redfin’s data includes 50 of the most populous U.S. metropolitan areas, except for Houston (removed due to a data issue). All changes below are year-over-year changes.
Prices: The median sale price of luxury homes rose most in New Brunswick, NJ (15.3%), Virginia Beach, VA (11%) and Baltimore (8.7%). It fell most in Austin, TX (-8.8%), Oakland, CA (-6%) and Seattle (-4.6%).
Supply: Active listings of luxury homes rose most in Austin (46%), San Antonio (25.6%) and Nashville (22.9%). They fell most in Cincinnati (-19.4%), Chicago (-18.3%) and Newark, NJ (-16.6%).
Listings: New listings of luxury homes rose most in New York (17.1%), Tampa, FL (13.9%) and San Antonio (12.7%). They fell most in Atlanta (-19.8%), Newark (-18.4%) and Chicago (-17.2%).
Home sales: Luxury home sales rose most in Tampa (35.8%), Las Vegas (33.4%) and Austin (14.5%). They fell most in New York (-33.5%), Philadelphia (-23.2%) and Baltimore (-23%).
Related Content
-
Stocks Keep Climbing as Fed Meeting Nears: Stock Market TodayA stale inflation report and improving consumer sentiment did little to shift expectations for a rate cut next week.
-
Your End of Year Insurance Coverage Review ChecklistStop paying for insurance you don't need and close coverage gaps you didn't know about with this year-end insurance review.
-
Crypto Trends to Watch in 2026Cryptocurrency is still less than 20 years old, but it remains a fast-moving (and also maturing) market. Here are the crypto trends to watch for in 2026.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
-
Looking to Relocate? Plan for Climate Changebuying a home Extreme weather events are on the rise. If you’re moving, make sure your new home is protected from climate change disasters.
-
Retirees, A Healthy Condo Has a Flush Reserve FundSmart Buying Reserve funds for a third of homeowner and condo associations have insufficient cash, experts say. Here are some cautionary steps you should take.
-
Cash Home Buyers: New Services Offer Help Making All-Cash OffersBecoming a Homeowner Some firms help home buyers make all-cash offers on homes. Weigh the fees before you sign on.
-
Home Sale Prices in the 50 Largest Metro AreasBecoming a Homeowner What’s happening in the market where you live?
-
How Much Will Home Prices Continue to Rise in 2022?Becoming a Homeowner It’s still a seller’s market, but higher mortgage rates will slow the torrid price increases. Know how to be a smart buyer or seller in these conditions.
