Demand for affordable housing in West Michigan remains high.
A steady influx of young professionals is fueling the need for townhomes, duplexes, and starter homes under $350,000.
“Our medical mile has added medical as a diversity within our economy here in Grand Rapids… we have automotive over to the lakeshore and a lot of tool-and-die”
John Bitely is president of Sable Homes, which specializes in mid-range attainable housing.
“It just goes on and on with our diversification. And that's what stabilizes us. Keeps us from as many ups and downs.”
Nationally, high interest rates and median home prices over $400,000 are pricing out first-time buyers. In Michigan, median prices sit below $300,000, keeping entry-level homes within reach for working families - though Bitely says demand outpaces supply.
“When you get homes that are in the 300 - 310 price range, we're still seeing them selling in six or seven days, because there's a shortage of that price rate for homes. Our overall market is still doing well.”
Bitey adds that since fixed overhead costs like permits, utility hookups and site supervision remain the same regardless of home size, many builders prioritize higher-end homes with better profit margins, leaving the starter-home inventory tight.
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