Michigan houses are old and getting older. It’s a ‘huge problem’ for state

August 30, 2026

Michigan faces a significant housing challenge as roughly 60% of its occupied homes were constructed in or before the 1970s, making the state's median housing age 53 years—eight years older than the national median. The aging housing stock, concentrated around major cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids, presents financial barriers for first-time homebuyers who must contend with costly repairs and outdated systems like lead paint and old electrical wiring. The state's housing situation worsened after the Great Recession dramatically slowed construction, with single-family home permits plummeting from 54,000 in 2005 to just 6,900 in 2009.

Who is affected

First-time homebuyers (whose median age reached 40 in the previous year)
Approximately 2.5 million Michigan households living in homes built in or before the 1970s
Homeowners struggling with maintenance and repair costs in homes built before 1960
Michigan's lowest-income residents facing housing affordability challenges
Communities around major cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids where aging housing is clustered
Local governments resisting zoning reform efforts
Home builders and developers in Michigan

What action is being taken

Michigan officials are trying to address an ongoing housing crisis and shortage
The state housing development authority and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration have identified ways to speed up the building process
Lawmakers have proposed bills to reform the state's zoning laws
A few regulation repeals and a new state-level tax credit have been signed into law
Michigan is offering tax credits to preserve historic homes, first-time homebuyer programs, and home-repair programs including energy efficiency improvements

Why it matters

The aging housing stock is significant because it creates financial barriers to homeownership, particularly for first-time buyers who face costs for major repairs, outdated systems, and hazardous materials like asbestos and lead paint. With Michigan's housing shortage still at approximately 97,000 units despite recent progress, the old housing stock compounds the affordability crisis. The issue affects the state's ability to provide adequate, safe housing for its residents and represents a long-term structural challenge that resulted from the Great Recession's devastating impact on Michigan's homebuilding industry. This situation requires political will and bipartisan cooperation to address effectively, as it impacts housing availability, affordability, and safety across the state.

What's next

Michigan's next governor (either Jocelyn Benson or John James) will inherit the ongoing housing debate
James proposes cutting regulations to lower construction costs and making it easier to build new homes
James plans to find a balance between workforce housing needs and property owners' short-term rental rights
Benson plans to streamline permitting, modernize aging water infrastructure to remove old pipes, and help families with weatherization
Benson's housing affordability plan proposes tax breaks for down payments, a new tax on short-term rentals, and blocking big investment firms from buying Michigan homes
Both candidates indicate they will work to make housing more affordable through their respective approaches

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com