Why Are New Single-Family Homes So Rare in Detroit? (And How One Company Is Changing It)

In this episode of Daily Detroit, host Jer Stays sits down with Matt Temkin of Great Water Homes to explore the rare phenomenon of new single-family home construction in Detroit. Despite a citywide housing crisis and only 19 new single-family permits issued in 2024, Great Water Homes has built 40 new homes in Detroit—making them the city’s largest single-family builder. Temkin shares his journey from New York lawyer to Detroit developer, explaining how he pivoted from struggling with multifamily renovations to focusing on new homes after realizing the economic and emotional toll of rehabbing aging properties. He highlights the unique value proposition of his homes: high-quality, historically inspired designs with solid oak floors, wood siding, and modern amenities—all priced affordably at $350,000 to $550,000, with a focus on long-term affordability and low maintenance. The episode underscores how Detroit’s housing market has long favored older homes, but a growing demand exists for new, high-quality homes that don’t require constant upkeep. Temkin emphasizes that people aren’t just buying nostalgia—they’re seeking peace of mind, dog-friendly spaces, and predictable costs. He also calls for zoning reforms, particularly a proposed four-foot increase in home width, to improve design flexibility and enable more sustainable development. The conversation ends with a vision of neighborhood revitalization through coordinated, high-quality development in areas like East Village, where housing, commerce, and community converge. Key takeaways include: 1) High-quality new construction is possible in Detroit when product design and pricing align; 2) The emotional and financial burden of old homes drives demand for new, low-maintenance homes; 3) Zoning and permitting reforms are critical to scaling development; 4) Developer transparency and customer involvement in design choices increase trust and excitement; 5) A mix of housing types—new homes, renovated buildings, and multifamily—can create thriving, sustainable neighborhoods. The tone is optimistic and solution-oriented, celebrating a rare success story in Detroit’s housing landscape.