The typical home in Detroit was built around 1947. Painting, window, siding and remodeling work that disturbs paint in homes built before 1978 must follow the EPA lead-safe (RRP) rule. Ask any contractor for their RRP certification before work starts.

Older plumbing and sewer lines

78% of homes here were built before 1960, when cast iron drains, clay sewer laterals and galvanized supply pipe were standard. A sewer camera inspection before buying or remodeling is cheap insurance.

Wiring and electrical capacity

Homes of this age often have 60 or 100 amp service and older wiring. Adding a heat pump, EV charger or kitchen remodel usually needs an electrical panel check first.

Pre-war construction

36% of homes predate 1940. Expect plaster walls, balloon framing and possible asbestos in old pipe wrap or floor tile; test before demolition with a licensed asbestos contractor.

Michigan basements

Freeze-thaw cycles and clay soils make foundation cracks and wet basements common across Metro Detroit. Foundation and sump pump checks belong on every spring list.

Homes for sale in Detroit

$35,000

ARV $120,000 (wholesaler estimate)

3 Bed Single Family in Detroit

3 bd 1 ba 1,000 sq ft

📍 Detroit, MI 48219 Address locked

Posted by Jonathan

$65,000

ARV $140,000 (wholesaler estimate)

3 Bed Single Family in Detroit

3 bd 1 ba 1,472 sq ft

📍 Detroit, MI 48219 Address locked

Posted by Jonathan

$25,000

ARV $130,000 (wholesaler estimate)

4 Bed Single Family in Detroit

4 bd 2 ba 1,851 sq ft

📍 Detroit, MI 48227 Address locked

Posted by Jonathan

$35,000

ARV $160,000 (wholesaler estimate)

3 Bed Single Family House in Detroit

3 bd 2 ba 1,750 sq ft

📍 Detroit, MI 48213 Address locked

Posted by Flipping Detroit

$45,000

ARV $140,000 (wholesaler estimate)

3 Bed Single Family in Redford

3 bd 1 ba 937 sq ft

📍 Redford, MI 48239 Address locked

Posted by Flipping Detroit

See all homes for sale in Detroit →

Detroit neighborhoods

Explore 209 neighborhoods with home values, schools and local pros. Open the neighborhood map.

Living in Detroit

Living here

Getting things done

Education & health

Stories & culture

Permits and local government

Building permits

Most roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and structural work needs a permit. Start with the Detroit permit office, or read our permit guide.

City services

Trash pickup, water bills, property taxes and who to call. Detroit city services and the official Detroit website.

Cities near Detroit

Compare nearby communities in Wayne County and beyond. Median home value shown.

Detroit FAQ

What county is Detroit in?

Detroit is in Wayne County, Michigan. The county seat is Detroit.

What is the median home value in Detroit?

The median value of owner-occupied homes in Detroit is about $83,900, and median rent is about $1,074 a month, according to the latest Census five-year estimates.

How old are homes in Detroit?

The typical home in Detroit was built around 1947, and 78% of homes were built before 1960. Older homes often need updated wiring, plumbing and lead-safe work practices.

Do I need a permit for home repairs in Detroit?

Most electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing and structural work needs a permit. Check with the Detroit building department before work starts, and make sure your contractor pulls it.

How do I find a reliable contractor in Detroit?

Compare at least three local pros, check their Michigan license on the state LARA lookup, ask for proof of insurance and a written estimate. Rebuild Detroit can match you with pros serving Detroit for free.

What cities border Detroit?

Detroit shares a boundary with Dearborn, Redford, Dearborn Heights, Lincoln Park, Grosse Pointe, Harper Woods.

Need a pro in Detroit?

Tell us what you need. We will match you with local pros for free, usually the same day.

Call (833) 313-2434

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Detroit, MI: Local Pros, Homes & City Services