Posted by MeridianLink | April 29, 2025

Why Greater Detroit’s Mortgage Market Is One of the Best in the U.S.  The Data-Driven Case  

The materials available in this article are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your own advisors with questions regarding the Detroit housing market content herein. The opinions expressed in this article are the opinions of the individual authors and may not reflect the opinions of MeridianLink, Inc. 

The Greater Detroit Housing Market Offers a Major Opportunity for Lenders  

Regardless of whether your financial institution sits in the Detroit metro, this area presents you with a tremendous opportunity to write mortgage loans in one of the most affordable home-buying markets in the U.S. Let’s take a look at the data and explore just what opportunities await near the Great Lakes. 

Famously known as Motor City, Greater Detroit’s strong residential real estate market is firing on all cylinders, making home lending a powerful opportunity for your financial institution. With a combination of affordability, strong buyer demand, and a revitalizing cityscape, the Detroit area offers an attractive proposition for mortgage lenders looking to support homeownership growth while driving lending revenue.  

A Market Primed for Homeownership Growth  

Detroit and its surrounding area continues to stand out as one of the most affordable large U.S. cities for homebuyers. Ranked #1 for the lowest price-to-income ratio, it presents a market where homeownership is more accessible compared to many other metros. With 60% of home listings considered affordable, first-time home buyers and lower-income households have an unparalleled opportunity to enter the housing market.  

Affordability in metro Detroit is further underscored by the fact that it has the lowest price-to-rent ratio among the 52 most popular U.S. metro areas in the US. Sitting at just an eight, this figure falls well below the standard affordability threshold of 15, making homeownership a compelling alternative to renting. Lenders should take note of this trend and develop tailored mortgage products that cater to a demographic eager to transition from renting to homeownership.  

Financial Benefits of Buying a Home in the Detroit Metro 

One of the most compelling reasons to buy in the Detroit area housing market is the cost savings compared to renting. The typical monthly mortgage payment is $213 less than the average rent in the area. For prospective buyers who may be hesitant to transition due to perceived financial barriers, this statistic alone makes a strong case for homeownership.  

Homeownership in Detroit and its surrounding area is also a powerful path for residents to build wealth. Every mortgage payment contributes to building equity, turning monthly costs into long-term financial gain. Plus, owning a home can unlock valuable tax benefits, including deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.  

For financial institutions, this presents an opportunity to support renters in making the leap to homeownership. By offering tailored mortgage options with flexible terms, lenders can help Greater Detroit residents secure their future, build equity, and take full advantage of the financial rewards homeownership provides. 

Significant Buying Power for Homeowners  

Another key factor driving homebuying interest in metro Detroit is purchasing power. Homebuyers in the city have $172,000 more buying power than the current median home price, a figure that speaks to the strength of affordability in the market. This means that even with rising home values, Detroit remains one of the most accessible large metro areas for homeownership.  

For lenders, this presents an opportunity to expand mortgage offerings and engage with borrowers looking to maximize their investment in a city that continues to experience revitalization and economic growth.  

A City on the Rise  

The Detroit area’s resurgence as a vibrant economic hub further enhances its appeal. As the city continues its transformation, home values are expected to rise, making now an ideal time for buyers to enter the market.  

“The city continues its exciting revitalization, with rising property values and a dynamic real estate scene.”Marco Santarelli, Founder, Norada Real Estate Investments.  

With ongoing investments in infrastructure, job growth, and community development, metro Detroit is becoming an increasingly attractive location for homebuyers. Lenders who position themselves as key partners in this growth will benefit from an engaged borrower base eager to capitalize on the city’s affordability and economic momentum.  

For financial institutions, Greater Detroit’s real estate market offers an exciting opportunity to support borrowers while expanding mortgage portfolios. By providing competitive loan products and borrower education initiatives, lenders can empower more residents to achieve homeownership.  

Metro Detroit’s housing market is not just an opportunity—it’s a call to action for mortgage lenders to step up and meet the needs of a growing community. With affordability, buying power, and a city on the rise, the time to invest in this area’s home lending sector is now.  

However, even in the strongest of markets, outdated legacy mortgage technology can hold your team back. Are inefficiencies preventing your mortgage operation from meeting the moment? With features including customizable workflow automation, a built-in automated underwriting tool, integrated debt optimization, intelligent post-close cross-sell capabilities, and so much more, the 100% browser-based MeridianLink® Mortgage LOS offers lenders the digital experiences and efficiencies they need to tap into their full potential.  

See why more and more IMBs, banks, and credit unions are upgrading to our omnichannel, cloud-native mortgage tech to capture more business in growing markets—all while remaining efficient and cost-effective. 

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