Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse would cost $2.7 million more now than in 1962.

Barbie's Malibu Dreamhouse would cost $2.7 million more now than in 1962.

Barbie’s Dreamhouse: A Tale of Real Estate Investment

Barbie has always been an inspiration for young girls, tackling various careers and breaking stereotypes. However, little did we know that she is also an exceptional real estate investor! A recent report from Corelogic has shed light on the impressive appreciation of Barbie’s iconic Dreamhouse since its debut in 1962.

Corelogic, a leading provider of property data, compared prices in 20 metro areas, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New York, to determine the extent of appreciation in Barbie’s imaginary real estate investment. The results were truly remarkable.

Starting in its original location of Malibu, California, the Dreamhouse would have cost $77,537 back in 1962. Fast forward to today, and the estimated price stands at a staggering $2,807,328, representing an extraordinary 3,521% increase! It’s safe to say that Barbie’s investment has been a resounding success.

To arrive at these numbers, Corelogic utilized their comprehensive sales, appraisal, and listing data. They focused on properties that shared similar features with the iconic Dreamhouse, such as a minimum of three stories, a single-car garage, an elevator, three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and an outdoor space with a pool. It’s important to note that Corelogic’s calculations do not account for inflation, and Insight magazine calculated the percentage increase over the decades.

“The Barbie Dreamhouse helps tell the story of the US real estate market over the past six decades, showing significant appreciation,” remarked Selma Hepp, chief economist for Corelogic. This remarkable increase in value aligns with the overall trend of rising home prices, which have seen a substantial surge, particularly during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The onset of the pandemic in 2020 triggered an unprecedented frenzy in the US housing market. With record-low mortgage rates making homeownership more affordable, the demand for homes far outweighed the available supply. Consequently, homes listed for sale were quickly bid above their asking price, leading to skyrocketing home prices.

While the recent rise in mortgage rates has somewhat curbed homebuyer demand, resulting in fewer sales and slower price growth, housing prices remain elevated due to the ongoing competition among buyers for the limited inventory available.

Thomas Malone, a researcher at Corelogic, shared insight into Barbie’s Dreamhouse appreciation. “On average, 25% of the overall appreciation that Barbie’s Dreamhouse has experienced since 1962 has been in the last three years,” Malone revealed. He further elaborated that since 2020, Barbie’s Malibu home has witnessed an astonishing appreciation rate of 20.42%.

Given the desirable location of Barbie’s Dreamhouse and the heightened demand seen during the pandemic, it comes as no surprise that her imaginary property commands such a high price today. The Dreamhouse serves as a symbolic reflection of the dramatic shifts and trends in the US real estate market.

Barbie’s Dreamhouse represents not only a cherished childhood toy, but also a fascinating example of the potential for real estate investment. From her diverse range of professions to now venturing into the world of property investing, Barbie continues to inspire young minds and demonstrate the power of imagination, innovation, and financial success.

So, the next time you play with your Barbie dolls, remember the incredible journey of her Dreamhouse, from a modest price in the 1960s to an exorbitant value in today’s market. Barbie truly is the ultimate role model, leading the way in all aspects of life, including home ownership!

• barbie
• Barbie Dreamhouse
• Malibu California