The Louisiana real estate market in 2025 is shifting, and buyers across the state are rethinking what matters most in a home. Rising insurance costs, changing weather patterns, and a more balanced market are all playing a role in how Louisiana buyers approach their search.
Across Louisiana, people aren’t just looking for pretty houses—they want practical upgrades, smart features, and homes that can weather the storm, literally. This blog breaks down what today’s real estate buyers in Louisiana really want and how sellers can keep up.
II. Buyer Market Characteristics in Louisiana
In 2025, Louisiana real estate is officially leaning in favor of buyers. According to Zillow, the typical home value in Louisiana is about $212,343, down 1.4% from last year. Homes are taking longer to sell—about 32 days on average—and that extra time is giving Louisiana buyers the upper hand. They aren’t rushing into deals like they used to. They’re weighing their options, asking for repairs, and negotiating harder before signing off.
Inventory has grown across the state, with over 18,000 active listings reported in June. About 61% of those homes are selling under asking price, while only *14% are closing above—a clear sign that bidding wars are cooling down. Sellers can’t just throw a sign in the yard and expect top dollar anymore. Meanwhile, buyers in Louisiana are gaining flexibility and leverage, especially when homes need a little work or sit on the market longer than expected.
In New Orleans, that trend is even more obvious. The median home price is $349,000, and it’s down 3.5% year-over-year. Homes are sitting for about 62 days before they sell, and around 75% of homes are going below list price. On top of that, most are only getting one offer. That’s a huge shift from a couple years ago when houses were flying off the market and often closing above asking. Now, real estate buyers in New Orleans have more control, more options, and a better shot at negotiating a deal that works for them.
III. What Louisiana Buyers Want: Home Features
Here’s a more grounded, Louisiana-specific look at what today’s real estate buyers in Louisiana are paying attention to when evaluating homes:
Outdoor Living for Hosting & Community Vibe
Louisiana buyers crave outdoor spaces built for entertaining—from crawfish boils and Fourth of July cookouts to neighborhood gatherings. A covered porch or screened-in patio is practically a must-have, offering shade during sweltering summers. These setups aren’t just for looks—they make homes feel like a hub for family and friends, adding immediate lifestyle value. Listings that highlight ready-to-host outdoor kitchens or big backyard entertainment areas stand out in this market.
Flood Zones, Storm Protection & Insurance
For most Louisiana buyers, flood zones are a top concern—and not just because of storm risk. It really comes down to insurance costs. Homes located in high-risk zones like AE or VE often require expensive flood insurance that can add thousands per year to a mortgage. On the other hand, homes in Flood Zone X—which are considered low risk—may not require flood insurance at all, or the cost is significantly lower. That kind of savings makes a huge difference, especially for first-time buyers or anyone watching their monthly budget.
But location isn’t everything. Buyers are also looking for storm-hardened homes that can stand up to Louisiana’s weather. Raised foundations, fortified roofs, hurricane shutters, and impact-rated windows aren’t just nice to have—they can lead to real insurance savings. In fact, Louisiana offers up to $10,000 in grants for roof upgrades that meet fortified standards, and many insurers offer premium discounts for homes with these features already in place.
With insurance rates climbing across the state and some companies pulling out altogether, it’s no surprise that real estate buyers in Louisiana are prioritizing properties that are both storm-ready and wallet-friendly. A home that’s elevated, reinforced, and in a low-risk flood zone is going to move faster than one that’s not.
To learn more about rising home insurance in Louisiana click here.
Everyday Functionality That Makes Life Easier
While curb appeal gets buyers in the door, it’s the everyday details that really close the deal. Louisiana buyers are looking for homes that make life simpler and more comfortable—starting with open, functional kitchens that offer space to cook, prep, and host without feeling cramped. It’s less about fancy finishes and more about flow and counter space. Bathrooms follow the same logic: clean, well-laid-out, and ideally updated with basics like a walk-in shower or double sinks.
Storage is another big one. Buyers want dedicated laundry rooms, outdoor sheds, and extra closet space—anywhere they can tuck away tools, hurricane supplies, or seasonal gear. And in tighter neighborhoods like Gentilly or Mid-City, off-street parking is a major bonus. A driveway, carport, or gated space can make a home way more attractive in areas where street parking is a daily battle. When a house is built for real-life Louisiana living, it stands out fast.
IV. Where in Louisiana Is Seeing a Boom—and Why?
In 2025, the areas seeing the most real estate activity in Louisiana aren’t necessarily luxury neighborhoods—they’re the ones offering practical, affordable housing. With the economy under pressure and insurance costs still high, buyers are gravitating toward regions that offer value, space, and financial stability. Suburbs with good schools, safer flood zones, and commuter access to major cities are leading the way, while smaller metros with struggling job markets are cooling down.
St. Tammany Parish—which includes Mandeville, Covington, and Slidell—is one of the state’s most active markets. Homes here now sell in about 47 days, down from 61 days last year, showing a clear increase in demand. Buyers are drawn to the Northshore for its strong public schools, more suburban feel, and manageable commute to New Orleans. Even with a slight year-over-year price dip (–0.36%), the area remains competitive due to quality of life and lower insurance risk compared to flood-prone parts of the Southshore.
Over near Baton Rouge, Prairieville continues to grow as a top commuter town, especially for families. Homes in Prairieville are closing a little faster than last year—about 50 days on average, compared to 53 in 2024. Prices have softened slightly to around $337,500, which has kept demand steady. Buyers like the newer homes, good school ratings, and a little more breathing room than what’s available in the city.
In New Orleans East, neighborhoods like Little Woods have become attractive to entry-level buyers looking for affordability in the metro area. Over the last five years, home values in Little Woods have increased by roughly 47%, yet prices are still low compared to other parts of the city. That’s made it a standout option for those who want a deal but still want to stay within city limits.
Meanwhile, smaller cities like Lake Charles and Monroe are seeing the opposite trend. With local economies still recovering and insurance costs rising, demand has slowed and home prices are either flat or falling. Lake Charles, in particular, is projected to see a decline of around 10% by the end of the year, which could present buying opportunities—but also signals that confidence in those markets is weaker.
To learn about New Orleans’s most fun up and coming neighborhoods to live in click here.
New Orleans-Area Growth: Westbank, Suburbs, and Why Buyers Are Jumping In
As the market cools across much of Louisiana, buyers are shifting their focus to more affordable, accessible neighborhoods just outside of New Orleans. Suburbs like Kenner, Gretna, Harvey, Terrytown, Westwego, and Marrero are seeing renewed interest—especially from local buyers priced out of the city’s higher-demand neighborhoods.
Kenner
Kenner has seen home values drop by over 12% year-over-year, and homes are now selling in about 28 days, down from 55 days this time last year. That jump in buyer activity shows that demand is rising as prices cool. Kenner remains popular for its location near the airport, easy access to the city, and solid infrastructure—making it a strong option for buyers who want convenience without the premium price tag.
Gretna & Westwego
Gretna is one of the most active markets in the area right now, with home values up 25% year-over-year and listings going under contract in about 37 days, compared to 65 days last year. Buyers are drawn to its walkability, riverfront charm, and quick commute into downtown. Westwego, while quieter, is still trending up with a 5% increase in values, and homes selling slightly faster than in past years. Both areas offer a mix of older homes, some renovation opportunities, and pricing that’s still manageable for first-time buyers.
Harvey
Harvey is seeing renewed momentum in 2025. Home values are down about 6.7% year-over-year, but listings are selling faster—slipping from an average of 56 days on market last year to about 47 days now. In June, 64% of Harvey homes closed within 30 days, which tells us buyers here are moving quickly when prices drop. With its central location, access to the Westbank Expressway, and a mix of home styles, Harvey offers entry-level affordability without sacrificing convenience.
Terrytown
Terrytown buyers are still active in 2025, despite a slower market. Home values are up 11.4% year-over-year, but listings are taking longer—averaging 117 days on market compared to 73 days last year. This tells us that while the seller market has cooled, there’s still value for both buyers and sellers. Many homes in Terrytown hit the market below expectations or need cosmetic upgrades—and buyers seem willing to wait for a solid deal.
Marrero
Marrero has quietly picked up steam. Home values have increased about 2.8% year-over-year, and homes are selling faster—averaging 36 days on market, down from about 64 days last year. Another Zillow update says homes go pending in roughly 23 days. That kind of pace signals balanced activity: strong enough that sellers aren’t desperate, but not so fast that buyers must rush. Marrero’s appeal lies in its suburban layout, Westside access, and the opportunity for buyers ready to step into a home that’s move-in ready or worth a minor upgrade.
VI. What If Your Home Doesn’t Match What Buyers Want?
The reality is, not every home fits the current market. Maybe your property isn’t in a low-risk flood zone. Maybe it needs repairs you just don’t have the time or money to handle. Or maybe it’s been sitting on the market longer than expected with no real bites. If you’re in that situation, you’re not alone—and you still have options.
That’s where Bertucci Investment Group comes in. We work with homeowners in the greater New Orleans area who are ready to move on from a house that’s become more of a burden than a benefit. Whether your home needs repairs, is in a tough location, or just doesn’t line up with what today’s buyers are looking for, we can make a fair, all-cash offer and close on your timeline. You won’t need to worry about inspections, agents, or even cleaning it out. We specialize in buying homes as-is—no listing, no stress.
If your home doesn’t match the 2025 wish list buyers are chasing, that doesn’t mean it’s worthless. It just means you may need a different kind of solution—and we’re here to help you find it. Give us a call at (504) 920-4747 or fill out the form below to learn how we can take that weight off your shoulders and help you move forward.
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Sources & References:
Zillow Research. (2025). Louisiana Home Values & Market Overview. Retrieved from: https://www.zillow.com/home-values/25/la/
Redfin. (2025). New Orleans Housing Market Trends. Retrieved from: https://www.redfin.com/city/14233/LA/New-Orleans/housing-market
Redfin. (2025). St. Tammany Parish Housing Market. Retrieved from: https://www.redfin.com/county/1281/LA/St-Tammany-Parish/housing-market
Redfin. (2025). Prairieville Housing Market. Retrieved from: https://www.redfin.com/city/34525/LA/Prairieville/housing-market
Redfin. (2025). Harvey, LA Housing Market Data & Trends. Retrieved from: https://www.redfin.com/city/23265/LA/Harvey/housing-market
Redfin. (2025). Terrytown, LA Housing Market Overview. Retrieved from: https://www.redfin.com/city/26228/LA/Terrytown/housing-market
Redfin. (2025). Marrero, LA Housing Market Overview. Retrieved from: https://www.redfin.com/city/24384/LA/Marrero/housing-market
Zillow. (2025). Marrero, LA Home Values. Retrieved from: https://www.zillow.com/home-values/12579/marrero-la/
Rocket Homes. (2025). Harvey, LA Market Report – June 2025. Retrieved from: https://rocket.com/homes/market-reports/la/harvey
Realtor.com. (2025). Terrytown, LA Real Estate Market Trends. Retrieved from: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Terrytown_LA/overview