Megamansions are having a moment in Miami…

A pandemic-era trend toward larger homes has stuck around, says a Miami developer who is building homes north of 20,000 square feet in South Florida. More here: (Source)

… while New York City is on the verge of allowing thousands of ADUs in backyards, garages, or basements

In a city where reasonably priced apartments are difficult to find, a new type of affordable home may soon be legal in certain neighborhoods across the five boroughs. More here: (Source)

The S/M Take: 

A Tale of Two Cities? No, Mr. Dickens, just a tale of two extremes. And both have implications for home improvement and construction.

At the luxe extreme, these 20,000+ sq. ft. mansions embrace the most indulgent of modern design. Not long after they grace Architectural Design, the design decisions made within will trickle down to influence the industry as a whole. In other words, don’t be envious – be studious.

Meanwhile, the potential torrent of tiny homes in the Big Apple could change the expectations of a generation. If these ADUs come to pass, thousands of aspiring homeowners could break the rent shackles (see story below).

And when they do, they’ll have turned the American Dream on its ear. With their wallet, they’ll have voted for less room, less stuff, less maintenance, and less burden. Could the ADU become the poster child for anti-materialism?

What to watch for in 2025 housing market predictions

Housing is not cheap — whether you’re buying or renting.

In October, the median sales price for a single-family home in the U.S. was $437,300, up from $426,800 a month prior, according to the latest data by the U.S. Census. 

Meanwhile, the median rent price in the U.S. was $1,619 in October, roughly flat or up 0.2% from a year ago and down 0.6% from a month prior, according to Redfin, an online real estate brokerage firm.

While it can be difficult to exactly pinpoint how the housing market is going to play out in 2025, several economists lay out predictions of what’s likely to happen next year in a new report by Redfin, an online real estate brokerage firm. More here: (Source)

The S/M Take: 

Even the experts can’t decide what’s next.

Well, this much we know. The stubbornly stagnant real estate market remains that way, with low inventory and elevated interest rates. But eventually, life moves on as people relocate for jobs, downsize or upsize, or reach hard for their first home. Bottom line, the lock-in effect will end… someday.

And for those who won’t give up their low rate, they are prime candidates for aging-in-place and/or improving-in-place. Brands should pay close attention to this cohort – turns out they’re the ones with the extra money to spend.

People are sharing photos of some truly unhinged home building decisions

Home is where the heart is... or where the horrible design decisions are. This Facebook group posts some of the most questionable building interiors and exteriors on the internet.

Here are 21 photos of what look like the “before” shots on an HGTV show… but sadly, there are no “afters.” More here: (Source)

The S/M Take: 

And there are no words. 😶