Are Mid Century Modern Homes Worth More In Michigan?
Michigan buyers are paying a premium for authentic mid century modern homes. In The Great Lakes State, these homes often command top-end prices when they’re well-preserved, architect-designed, and located in desirable areas. Thoughtfully cared-for mid mods are not only livable and beautiful, but also strong long-term investments.
Quick overview: what we’ll cover
What “mid century modern” really means
Whether mid century modern homes sell for more
How this plays out in Michigan specifically
Whether mid mods are a good investment
Maintenance and repair realities
What happens if the home’s been heavily remodeled
Buying & selling tips for mid century modern homes in Michigan
What counts as a mid century modern home?
When we say “mid century modern,” we’re usually talking about homes built roughly between the mid-1940s and late-1960s that share some or all of these features:
Low, horizontal rooflines
Big panes of glass and strong indoor–outdoor connection
Simple, clean lines (no heavy ornamentation)
Open or semi-open floor plans
Natural materials – wood, brick, stone, terrazzo
Integration with the site (the home feels “of the landscape”)
In Michigan, that can mean anything from architect-designed works in Bloomfield Hills or Midland to modest mid mod ranches tucked into post-war subdivisions around Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and beyond.
A 1956 mid century modern home located in Ann Arbor’s historic Old West Side, designed by noted architect James Livingston.
So…are mid century modern homes worth more?
Across many markets, there is evidence that true mid century modern homes can sell at a premium compared to more typical houses of the same size and era.
A Wall Street Journal analysis found that popular midcentury modern homes were “fetching top dollar,” with buyers paying premium prices to own a recognizable slice of architectural history.
Listings data show mid century modern homes are being specifically marketed in Michigan (which suggests a recognized value niche).
Mid century specialists and agents consistently report that these homes “often sell for a premium” over standard mid-century ranches, while noting that they may take a bit longer to find the right buyer because the audience is more niche).
In other words: when the home is truly special – good architecture, intact character, strong location – buyers will often pay more.
What about Michigan specifically?
Michigan doesn’t have a single published “mid mod premium” percentage, but we do see strong pricing and demand when the right ingredients come together:
Architect-designed midcentury estates in Bloomfield Hills and other Oakland County enclaves can list well into the seven figures, with marketing that centers architecture and pedigree rather than just square footage.
In Midland, homes and estates designed or redesigned by Alden B. Dow (Dow Chemical’s resident architect and a major midcentury figure) are regularly treated as trophy properties, with multimillion-dollar listings and intense interest from buyers who specifically want that history.
Statewide, there are hundreds of active listings that specifically use “mid century” as a selling point, showing just how common it’s become for agents and sellers to market the style itself, not just the house.
Bottom line: In Michigan, mid century modern homes can be worth more, especially when they’re:
Architect-designed or in a recognizable style
In desirable suburbs or urban neighborhoods
Well-maintained or sensitively updated
Marketed correctly (architecture first, granite countertops second)
But not every 1958 ranch with a low roofline automatically commands a premium.
Why buyers are willing to pay more for mid century modern
Here’s why these homes often punch above their weight:
Scarcity
There are simply fewer well-preserved mid century modern homes left, especially in move-in-ready condition. Once a neighborhood has been remodeled heavily or torn down, you can’t recreate the original housing stock.Design-savvy buyers
Thanks to design magazines, Instagram, and architecture accounts, there’s now a large audience that specifically wants mid mod. They’re willing to trade a bigger or newer house for better design.Architectural pedigree
Homes tied to recognized architects (Alden B. Dow, Donald Scholz, and other Michigan names) or published in magazines often carry an extra premium, especially when their original plans and features are documented.Lifestyle & light
Large windows, indoor-outdoor flow, and simple layouts feel good to live in. That emotional response is part of the value.Renovation fatigue
Many buyers would rather pay more for a thoughtfully preserved or restored home than take on a major design-sensitive renovation themselves.
Are mid century modern homes a good investment?
Potential upsides:
Strong appreciation for the right properties
Thoughtfully restored midcentury homes in good locations can deliver “exceptional investment returns,” especially when the restoration respects the original architecture and avoids trendy, short-lived finishes.Resilient buyer demand
Even when the broader market cools, there’s usually a core group of buyers hunting for architectural homes. That can support values over time.Limited supply
New construction rarely reproduces true mid century proportions and detailing. As more mid mods are altered or lost, intact examples become more valuable.
Things to watch out for
Niche buyer pool
You’re selling to people who really care about the style. That can mean your home sells for more money, but not necessarily faster, you may wait a bit longer for the right match.Higher cost of “doing it right”
Restoring original materials (terrazzo, custom woodwork, period-appropriate windows, etc.) can be more expensive than basic cosmetic updates.Location still rules
A beautifully restored mid mod in an undesirable location will always struggle compared to a more modest home in a top-tier neighborhood.
Michigan-specific take:
If you buy a mid century modern home in an established neighborhood (think Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Ann Arbor, parts of Metro Detroit, Midland, Grand Rapids, etc.), care for its original character, and keep up with maintenance, it’s very likely to be a solid long-term hold.
What is maintenance like for mid century modern homes?
This is where many buyers have questions, and it’s smart to go in with eyes wide open.
Common maintenance and upgrade considerations:
Roofs
Many mid mods have flat or low-slope roofs, which need excellent waterproofing and regular attention.
Expect more frequent inspections and potentially higher replacement costs than a basic pitched asphalt roof.
Windows & glazing
Large expanses of original single-pane glass can be drafty and less energy efficient.
Replacing glass or framing while preserving the original look can be costly, but there are now more options for slim-profile, high-performance replacements.
Heating & cooling
Some mid century homes have radiant slab heat, older boilers, or electrical systems not designed for today’s loads.
Modernizing systems while minimizing wall/ceiling damage is key – it’s doable, but plan for it in your budget.
Insulation & energy efficiency
Many 1950s–60s homes were built before current insulation standards.
Adding insulation in roofs and walls and upgrading mechanical systems can significantly improve comfort and lower energy bills.
Hazardous materials
Like many homes of the era, mid mods may contain asbestos (in tile, mastic, duct wrap) or lead-based paint.
Professional testing and remediation, when needed, is an important part of ownership and resale planning.
Original finishes
Wood paneling, built-ins, tile, and terrazzo can last decades with proper care – but repairing or matching them requires specialized trades.
If you’re buying, plan to pair your general home inspection with experts familiar with older Midwest construction, especially for roofs, HVAC, and insulation.
A 1966 Midland mid century interior, designed by architect Jackson Hallett in 1966.
Midland has the most mid century modern architecture of any city in the United States, with over 400 homes, offices and other structures.
What if the mid century modern home has been heavily remodeled?
Short answer: it depends on how it was remodeled.
When remodeling helps value
Chopped-up floor plans where open spaces became small rooms
Fake “Tuscan,” “farmhouse,” or overly ornate finishes that clash with the simplicity of the structure
Additions that overwhelm the original home (multiple stories stacked on a low ranch, for example)
Cheap replacement windows and doors that destroy the original proportions
In those cases, the house may still sell fine as a regular home, but it will likely lose the mid century premium.
If you’re a buyer in Michigan looking at a heavily remodeled mid mod:
Decide whether you’re okay with it as-is (as “just a house”)
Or whether you’d want to reverse some of those changes, and price your offer accordingly
Buying a mid century modern home in Michigan: key tips
Start with the big three: location, site, structure
Favor solid neighborhoods with established values and good schools or strong urban amenities.
Look at how the house sits on the lot – mid mods are often at their best on wooded or sloping sites.
Prioritize untampered architecture over cosmetic perfection
A slightly dated but intact home is often a better buy than one with fresh finishes but compromised architecture.
Budget for mechanical and energy upgrades
Assume you’ll invest in roof, insulation, windows, electrical, and HVAC over your ownership horizon if it hasn’t already been done.
Use an inspector who “gets” older homes
Mid century details (slab radiant heat, steel windows, etc.) deserve an informed eye.
Ask for documentation
Original plans, old photos, or past listing materials can help you understand what’s been changed – and give you a roadmap if you want to restore.
Think about your time horizon
The best returns usually go to patient owners who appreciate the architecture and invest thoughtfully over time, rather than flipping quickly.
Selling a mid century modern home in Michigan: how to maximize value
If you already own one, here’s how to lean into what makes it special:
Lead with architecture in your marketing
Professional photos that highlight the lines, light, and site
Listing description that calls out original features, architect (if known), and any period-appropriate updates
Show off livability, not just style
Stage to emphasize cozy corners, workspace options, and indoor-outdoor connections (not just the furniture and art).
Handle pre-listing maintenance
Address obvious roof, mechanical, or moisture issues before buyers ever see the home.
Even mid mod super-fans will discount heavily for deferred maintenance.
Be realistic about pricing
Architectural homes need careful pricing: enough to capture the premium, but grounded in comps and appraisals so you don’t miss the market.
Work with an agent who understands the style
Marketing a mid century modern in Bloomfield Hills or Midland is different from marketing a standard Colonial.
You want someone who can speak to both everyday buyers and the design-obsessed crowd.
FAQs about mid century modern homes (Michigan edition)
Q: Are mid century modern homes always worth more than other homes?
No. They can sell for more when architecture, location, and condition line up, but a tired, poorly maintained mid mod in a weak location won’t automatically beat a well-kept traditional home in a stronger area.
Q: Are mid century modern homes harder to resell?
They can be slightly harder to resell than very conventional styles because the buyer pool is more specific, but when properly priced and marketed, they generally resell well and often at a premium.
Q: Are they good rentals?
It depends on your market and numbers. In some urban or university-adjacent areas (Ann Arbor, certain Detroit neighborhoods, East Lansing, etc.), a well-located mid mod can do very well, but you’ll want to be sure you’re okay with tenant wear-and-tear on original finishes.
Q: Should I buy a heavily remodeled mid mod if I love the layout?
If the remodel respects the architecture and improves comfort, it can be an excellent choice. If the remodel fights the style, it may be better to treat it as “just a house” and not pay a premium for the midcentury label.
Q: I love the look but don’t want the upkeep. What are my options to consider?
Later “organic modern” homes that borrow mid mod cues but were built with more modern materials
New builds that intentionally echo mid century proportions and materials
A well-updated true mid mod where big-ticket systems have already been addressed
Thinking about buying or selling a mid century modern home in Michigan?
Whether you’re dreaming of a glass-walled hideaway in the woods, a pedigreed architect’s home in Bloomfield Hills or Midland, or a modest mid mod ranch you can restore over time, it pays to have an agent who understands:
How to price architectural homes
What to look for in older systems and construction
Which updates protect (or hurt) long-term value
How to market design-driven properties to the right buyers
The Gilson Home Group has deep experience with Michigan’s mid century modern housing stock and the buyers who love it. If you’re considering buying or selling a mid mod home anywhere in Metro Detroit or across Michigan, reach out – we’re happy to talk through your specific property, neighborhood, and goals.
