Study Links Legalized Marijuana to Strong Housing Markets – NMP Skip to main content

Study Links Legalized Marijuana to Strong Housing Markets

Apr 12, 2019
Photo credit: Getty Images/Bulat Silvia

Cities where marijuana has been legalized enjoy more vibrant housing markets versus localities where marijuana is still illegal, according to a study from Clever Real Estate.
 
The new study determined that between 2014 and 2019, cities that allowed retail marijuana dispensaries to operate saw local home values increase $22,888 more than those where marijuana remains illegal. From 2017 to 2019, cities that legalized recreational marijuana usage saw home values increase $6,337 more than those where marijuana is illegal.
 
The report highlighted the examples Colorado and Washington, the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use. According to the study, since opening their first dispensaries in 2014. Colorado home values have increased by 58 percent and Washington home values have increased 57 percent.
 
“In addition to higher home values, home sellers in Colorado and Washington have enjoyed fewer days on market compared to the national average, particularly in the last few years,” said Luke Babich, Co-Founder of Clever Real Estate and author of the study. “Following legalization in 2012, there was a significant decrease in days on the market for both states.”

 
About the author
Published
Apr 12, 2019
Rocket Raises Conforming Loan Limit To $845K Ahead Of FHFA

The higher limit gives brokers more room to keep borrowers from crossing into jumbo territory

Sep 10, 2026
Rocket Pro Launches ‘Moving Squad’ To Recruit Brokers From UWM

Rocket is offering partners up to $10,000 to help bring UWM brokers onto its platform

Sep 01, 2026
NEXA, UMortgage Leaders Explain What Drove Acquisition

Kortas relinquishes the CEO title, elevating Casa to co-equal "executive partner"

Aug 31, 2026
Warsh Sees Housing Strain, Keeps Rate Hikes In Play

Fed chair says broader financial conditions remain loose, inflation is too high, and markets should expect less guidance on what comes next

Aug 31, 2026
July CPI Eases Mortgage-Rate Risk, But Doesn’t Promise Relief

Consumer inflation rose just 0.1% in July, reducing pressure for a September Fed rate hike as mortgage rates remain near their highest levels of the year

Aug 13, 2026
The Fed Held. The Mortgage Market Got A Warning.

Three policymakers favored an immediate hike, while Warsh welcomed higher bond yields and offered no clear path toward mortgage-rate relief

Jul 30, 2026