P
hoenix ranks 22nd in the US for newest homes, with a median build year of 1995. The city's rapid growth and booming build-to-rent sector contribute to its new housing stock. A recent study by "This Old House" analyzed data on the median year housing units were built in the 150 most populous metropolitan areas, ranking Phoenix among the top 30 metros with the youngest home constructions.

    The report found that Phoenix has a median home age of 30 years, more than a decade younger than the national average of 44 years old. The city's housing market expansion is driven by its rapid population growth in recent years. A separate study by Point2Homes showed that Phoenix had the nation's highest surge in construction of rental house units in 2024, contributing to a national historic high in the build-to-rent sector.

    Phoenix completed nearly 4,500 new single-family rentals in 2024 and over 12,700 in the past five years, representing a 309% increase from 2019 levels. This makes Phoenix an attractive city for homebuyers who prioritize features like energy efficiency, low maintenance, and modern amenities found in newer construction.

    The nation's youngest housing stock is concentrated in the South and Southwest, with many homes built around the late 1900s and early 2000s. Analysts suggest this could be due to natural disasters prompting rebuilding efforts in southern states. The top 10 metros for new home constructions include Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas; Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina.

    In contrast, the metro areas with the oldest homes are concentrated in the Northeast, potentially due to slower population growth and higher costs of living. The 10 metro areas with the oldest homes include Buffalo-Cheektowaga, New York; Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; and Springfield, Illinois.

    When deciding between an old or new house, homebuyers should consider factors like maintenance costs, energy efficiency, and initial costs. Analysts suggest that newer homes may require less maintenance but come at a higher price point. Older homes often showcase superior craftsmanship but may lack modern amenities. Ultimately, the decision depends on what buyers value most – charm and durability or convenience and efficiency.

    The "This Old House" study analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau 2023 American Community Survey to determine median construction years for the 150 most populous metropolitan statistical areas. For insight into home quality, the company analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau 2023 American Housing Survey.