I. The Housing Market Crisis in Michigan
The recent U.S. housing market has seen a significant disparity between regions. Analyzing housing value data from 1998 to 2022, Michigan’s housing market recorded lower ranks in terms of housing value appreciation and stability among major cities.
Specifically, cities like Flint, Detroit, and Bay City in Michigan are analyzed to have a high risk of more than 5% decline in housing value over the next decade. This decline risk stems from complex factors such as Michigan’s economic situation, population migration, and changes in industrial structure.
The housing market crisis in Michigan provides an essential signal to investors. Especially for long-term investors, a deep understanding and analysis of this area’s housing market are necessary. Michigan’s housing market has shown instability over the past few years, and this trend is likely to continue.
II. Opportunities in the Texas Housing Market
In contrast, cities like Austin and Dallas in Texas recorded a steep housing value increase of over 100% during the same period. This increase is attributed to positive factors such as Texas’s economic growth, corporate entry, and population growth.
The housing market in Texas is showing the exact opposite trend to Michigan. Particularly, Austin and Dallas are thriving along with the growth of the tech industry. These cities present opportunities for investors to achieve high returns.
If there is flexibility in housing purchase, it is advisable to consider cities like Texas and Florida, where value appreciation is expected, rather than crisis cities in Michigan. Especially, Texas’s housing market offers various investment opportunities and expects stable returns.
III. Consideration of Alternative Investment Methods
If not a long-term investment, it’s wise to consider alternative investment methods rather than housing investment in Michigan’s crisis cities. These alternative investment methods can bring more stable investment results than major cities in Michigan. Examples of alternative investment methods include:
- REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust): An indirect investment method that allows investment in various real estate assets, participating in the real estate market while avoiding risk areas like Michigan.
- Construction-related stocks: Direct investment in the construction industry. Investing in growth area construction projects can expect high returns.
- U.S. Housing ETF: Indirect investment in the housing market. It can capture the trend of the housing market nationwide while avoiding the risk of specific regions.
IV. Cities Showing Stable Housing Value Appreciation
Another method is to invest in cities expected to have an annual average housing value increase of more than 3% over the next decade. Cities with high and stable housing value appreciation rates include:
- San Francisco, California: Expected annual increase of 4.8%
- Washington DC: Expected annual increase of 4.7%
- New York: Expected annual increase of 3.9%
These cities are well-balanced with economic growth, population increase, and industrial diversity, considered stable choices for housing investment.
V. Conclusion
When investing in the U.S. housing market in 2023, it’s advisable to consider alternatives other than major cities in Michigan. Choosing cities with high housing value appreciation rates and stability or other indirect investment methods can achieve more stable investment results. Particularly, attention should be paid to growth areas like Texas or cities like California, Washington DC, and New York, showing stable housing value appreciation rates.