Home Values in Tucson, AZ: Current Trends and Insights
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Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorClose
Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorKelsey Morrison worked as an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She has seven years of editorial experience in the real estate and lifestyle spaces. She previously worked as a commerce editor for World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and as an associate editor for Livabl.com. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and lives in a small mountain town in Southern California.
Musing over home values in Tucson, AZ? Whether you’re planning to sell, looking to drop PMI, or just keeping an eye on the local market, knowing your home’s worth can help guide your financial decisions.
In this article, we’ll explore the latest home price trends in Tucson and share practical tips for getting an accurate home value estimate. We’ll also discuss strategies to maximize your home’s value and introduce you to useful tools that can help you achieve the best possible price when you’re ready to sell.
Already Own a Home? What's It Worth Now?
Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes and is not intended to be construed as financial advice. HomeLight always encourages you to consult your own advisor.
Current home values in Tucson, AZ
Since 2020, the median home value in Tucson has shot up 37%. At the beginning of the decade, the average home sold for $255,000, but by June of this year, that figure had risen to $370,000, according to data from the Tucson Association of Realtors.
Tucson metro area cities that have seen the biggest jump in home prices in the past five years include Sonoita, Tortolita, Catalina, and Three Points. “There’s a sector of the housing market that has been sitting on the sidelines, and that’s the investors,” said Jim Daniel of R.L. Brown Reports in a recent interview with the Arizona Daily Star.
“Having them sit out has been positive for prices, but if interest rates go back down, investors will be back.”
The table below shows how significantly home prices have increased in the Tucson region over the past five years:
| Year | Median home price | Percent change year-over-year |
| 2024 (June) | $370,000 | +2.5% |
| 2023 (annual) | $369,680 | +3.6% |
| 2022 (annual) | $357,000 | +13.7% |
| 2021 (annual) | $314,000 | +23.1% |
| 2020 (annual) | $255,000 | +9.4% |
Source: Tucson Association of REALTORS®
This trend isn’t exclusive to the Old Pueblo; it’s happening all over the United States. Data from the Case-Shiller National Home Price Index reveals that U.S. home prices have surged 47% since early 2020. As a result, homeowners across the country have accumulated substantial equity in their homes.
ICE’s Mortgage Monitor report highlights that as of early 2024, the average equity for a mortgage-holding homeowner has reached approximately $299,000. Homeowners can use this equity for various purposes, such as buying a new home, renovating, paying off debts, or investing for the future.
For comparison, the table below shows median home prices in suburbs near Tucson:
| City | Median home price | Distance from Tucson city center |
| Catalina Foothills | $656,700 | 12-20 min (6.o miles) |
| Casas Adobes | $366,000 | 12-22 min (6.2 miles) |
| Oro Valley | $496,700 | 16-30 min (10.4 miles) |
| Tanque Verde | $807,500 | 22-50 min (14.5 miles) |
| Catalina | $490,000 | 26-50 min (18.7 miles) |
| Marana | $453,800 | 24-35 min (21.1 miles) |
| Sahuarita | $371,700 | 24-35 min (23.0 miles) |
| Saddlebrooke | $532,000 | 30-55 min (23.0 miles) |
| Corona De Tucson | $392,000 | 30-45 min (28.3 miles) |
| Green Valley | $281,800 | 30-40 min (28.9 miles) |
Home value averages of multiple public transaction sites
Typical travel times 8 a.m. midweek
Up next, we’ll explain how to accurately estimate the value of your Tucson-area home.
How to get a home value estimate
If you’re curious about your Tucson home’s worth — whether you’re looking to estimate your net proceeds or set an appropriate list price — there are several tools available to help you figure it out.
Use an online home value estimator
A quick way to get an estimate is by using an online home value estimator like HomeLight’s. These estimators gather data from public records, MLS listings, and user inputs. What sets HomeLight’s tool apart is its seven-question survey, which captures specific details about your home to provide a more accurate estimate. This process takes less than two minutes and gives you a solid starting point for your home-selling journey.
Request a comparative market analysis
A comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local real estate agent offers a closer look into your home’s value. A CMA compares your home to similar properties recently sold in your area, taking into account features like bedrooms, bathrooms, size, location, and recent updates.
These reports often include charts, graphs, and photos, giving you a detailed view of your home’s worth. Many agents will perform a CMA for free, although some may charge a small fee. If you’re working with an agent to list your home, a CMA is usually included in their service.
Considering selling your home? HomeLight can connect you with top real estate agents in Tucson. This free service matches you with up to three highly qualified agents in just two minutes. Because agents don’t pay to be listed, you can trust their expertise and ability to sell your home for more. According to HomeLight’s internal data, the top 5% of listing agents can sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent.
Get a pre-listing appraisal
In some situations, a pre-listing appraisal might be necessary for an accurate home valuation. This can be important if your home has unique features, is in a rural area with few comparable sales, or includes a large amount of land. A pre-listing appraisal ensures your asking price aligns with your property’s true value.
A professional appraisal typically costs between $450 to $550, with higher costs for complex properties. Note that if the buyer is seeking financing, their lender will still require an appraisal to determine the loan amount they’ll provide.
How to increase the value of your home in Tucson, AZ
If you want to boost the value of your Tucson home, these six strategies can help you achieve that goal.
Curb appeal: Improving your home’s exterior can make a big difference. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, 92% of realtors recommend enhancing curb appeal prior to listing. Easy-to-tackle projects like painting the front door, updating landscaping, and power washing the siding and walkways can help draw in potential buyers.
Strategic updates: Focus on high-impact home improvements that offer the best return on investment. The 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Zonda shows that replacing a garage door can yield a 103% return on investment. Additionally, updating kitchens and bathrooms with new fixtures, lighting, and modern appliances can significantly enhance your home’s appeal and value.
Necessary fixes: Before listing your home, make sure all major systems are in good working order. This includes addressing issues with the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and foundation. Tackling these repairs can help you avoid negative inspection results and keep potential buyers interested. However, it’s always a good idea to consult your real estate agent before investing in costly repairs.
Decluttering and depersonalizing: Preparing your home for sale involves more than just cleaning. Decluttering and depersonalizing spaces is crucial for helping buyers envision themselves in the home. A HomeLight survey found that decluttering can increase your home’s sale price by $8,000 or more. Remove personal items like family photos, religious symbols, and collectibles, as well as excess furniture to make rooms appear larger and more inviting.
Deep cleaning: A spotless home can make a lasting impression on buyers. According to a HomeLight survey, deep cleaning can boost a home’s value by $3,700. Focus on areas like carpets, grout, windows, and baseboards to ensure your home looks its best. A thorough cleaning can make your home more appealing and help buyers overlook minor imperfections.
Home staging: Effective staging can showcase your home’s best features and help buyers visualize themselves living there. HomeLight’s Agent Insights Report indicates that professionally staged homes can sell for up to 13% more than unstaged homes. Staging involves arranging furniture and decor to highlight your home’s strengths and create a welcoming atmosphere. More than 30% of the real estate agents surveyed by HomeLight consider staging essential for a successful sale.
Unlock Your Equity and Buy Before You Sell
Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. You can then make a strong offer on your next home with no home sale contingency.
How to buy before you sell in Tucson, AZ
If you’ve found your dream home in Tucson but are worried about selling your current one, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell (BBYS) program can help. This program lets you unlock a percentage of your existing home’s equity to secure a new property without the typical contingencies.
The BBYS program works by allowing eligible homeowners to access their equity within 24 hours, with no upfront fees or commitment required. This means you can buy your new home first and then sell your old one, making the transition smoother and eliminating the need for temporary housing or rushed sales.
HomeLight charges a 2.4% fee based on the final sale price of your current home. If your home doesn’t sell within 90 days after you’ve purchased your new one, HomeLight steps in to buy it. They’ll continue to market and sell the home, passing the remaining profits to you after deducting any costs.
Press play on the video below for more information about HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program:
How to find a top agent in Tucson, AZ
Finding a top real estate agent in Tucson is essential to maximizing your home’s selling price. HomeLight’s agent matching service can connect you with the best agents in your area within minutes. This free tool matches you with up to three top-performing agents based on their track record, sales history, and local market expertise.
One key metric to look for is an agent’s sale-to-list ratio. This ratio compares the final sale price of a home to its original listing price, expressed as a percentage. A high sale-to-list ratio indicates that the agent prices homes accurately and consistently sells them for top dollar, which can significantly boost your profits.
It’s important to interview at least three agents to compare their strategies, experience, and fit for your needs. During these interviews, consider asking the following questions:
- How long have you been in business?
- How well do you know this neighborhood?
- What types of homes, and price ranges, do you specialize in?
- What’s your average number of days on market?
- What is your commission rate?
- What would your marketing plan look like for this property?
- Could you provide me with a few client referrals?
Leveraging HomeLight’s agent match tool and conducting thorough interviews will help you find a top real estate agent who is a local expert and dedicated to getting the best results for your home sale.
Get a free preliminary home estimate today
Knowing your home’s value in Tucson is crucial for making well-informed decisions about selling, refinancing, or applying for a home equity loan. Use HomeLight’s free home value estimator to get a fast, initial estimate of your property’s value in less than two minutes.
HomeLight also offers services to connect you with top agents who can ensure you get the best price for your home or help you buy a new house before selling your current one. Staying informed on Tucson’s market trends and leveraging these resources can significantly boost your home’s value and support your financial goals.
Header Image Source: (Lindasj2/ Depositphotos)
- "S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index," Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (June 2024)
- "Most REALTORS® Recommend Improving Curb Appeal, and Homeowners Can Benefit Financially and Emotionally by Remodeling Outdoor Features, NAR-NALP Report Finds," National Association of Realtors (March 2023)
- "Top Agent Insights for End of Year 2023," HomeLight (December 2023)
- " Top Agent Insights for Fall 2022," HomeLight (September 2022)
- "Top Agent Insights for Summer 2023," HomeLight (July 2023)
- "2023 Cost vs. Value Report," Zonda (March 2023)
- " February 2024 Mortgage Monitor," ICE Mortgage Technology (February 2024)
- "Market Activity & Pricing", MLS of Southern Arizona®Tucson Association of Realtors (June 2024)
- "Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Arizona", Arizona’s Family (February 2024)
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
