Clawson & Berkley, MI Real Estate Market Update 2026 — What Homeowners Need to Know By Cody Roark | HomesbyRoark.com | Epique Realty

Clawson and Berkley don't always make the headline conversations about Oakland County real estate — but they absolutely should. These two tight-knit communities are quietly delivering some of the strongest value and market activity in Metro Detroit right now, and homeowners here are sitting in a much stronger position than most people realize.

Here's the 2026 market data for both cities — and what it means for you.

Berkley, MI Real Estate Market Snapshot — 2026

Berkley is outperforming. The median sale price of a home in Berkley was $319,500 — up 7.8% year-over-year — making it one of the strongest appreciation stories among Oakland County's smaller communities. The median sale price per square foot in Berkley is $259, up 4.6% year-over-year.

And the pace? Homes in Berkley sell after just 25 days on the market — down from 32 days the year prior. In April 2026, Berkley homes were listed to buy for a median price of $362,000. That's a community where correctly priced, well-presented homes are moving fast and appreciating consistently.

The Berkley housing market is rated very competitive — and the data backs that up. This is a market where buyers who wait lose.

Clawson, MI Real Estate Market Snapshot — 2026

Clawson is one of Oakland County's most walkable and charming small cities — and the market reflects that lifestyle appeal. In March 2026, Clawson homes were listed to buy for a median price of $304,000, with homes spending a median of 27 days on the market.

Clawson has the highest housing density in the greater Berkley region at 2,795.9 housing units per square land mile — which tells you this is a densely packed, highly sought-after community where inventory is structurally tight. Limited supply combined with consistent lifestyle-driven demand keeps Clawson values supported even in more challenging rate environments.

Why Berkley and Clawson Are Punching Above Their Weight

These two cities share a profile that drives durable, consistent demand:

Established character and charm. Berkley and Clawson have the kind of tree-lined streets, character homes, and community feel that buyers from denser urban markets actively seek out. These aren't cookie-cutter subdivisions — they're communities with identity.

Location on the Woodward Corridor. Both cities sit along or near the Woodward Avenue corridor, giving residents access to one of Metro Detroit's most vibrant commercial and cultural stretches — restaurants, shops, entertainment, and easy commuting to Birmingham, Royal Oak, and Detroit proper.

Affordability relative to neighbors. With median prices in the $300,000s, Clawson and Berkley offer genuine value compared to neighboring Birmingham, Royal Oak, and Bloomfield Hills. That price positioning attracts a steady flow of buyers who want Oakland County quality without the top-tier price tag.

Strong rental demand as a backstop. The Berkley housing market data shows a significant portion of residents paying 40% to 50% of income toward rent — which tells you rental demand is strong and home equity here is supported by a robust renter population that continues to aspire to ownership.

What Mortgage Rates Mean for Clawson and Berkley Sellers

As of May 23, 2026, the current 30-year fixed mortgage rate in Michigan is 6.49%, with 15-year fixed rates at 5.875%.

Here's why this is particularly relevant for Berkley and Clawson sellers: at the $300,000 to $362,000 price point, these communities sit in one of the most mortgage-rate-sensitive segments of the market. Buyers here are often first-time or move-up buyers financing the majority of the purchase price — and every rate movement directly impacts their monthly payment and buying power.

The practical math: a buyer purchasing a $340,000 Clawson home with 10% down is financing $306,000. At 6.49%, that's a monthly principal and interest payment of roughly $1,935. At 5.5%, the same buyer pays about $1,737 — nearly $200 less per month.

As rates have already come down from the 7%+ levels seen earlier this year, more buyers have entered the market. And if rates continue their modest downward trend as many experts project, the buyer pool for Clawson and Berkley homes expands further — which is directly good for sellers.

As someone who works on both the real estate and mortgage side, I help Clawson and Berkley sellers understand the financing landscape their buyers are navigating — because understanding your buyer's situation is how you negotiate from a position of strength.

How Berkley and Clawson Compare to the Broader Oakland County Market

Oakland County home prices were up 3.5% year-over-year in March 2026, with a median price of $352,000. Berkley is outpacing that county appreciation rate at 7.8% year-over-year — a strong signal that this community is gaining momentum, not losing it.

Both cities are priced below the Oakland County median, which positions them as the value play in an otherwise premium market. That's a powerful selling point when marketing to buyers who are stretching their budgets in today's rate environment.

In Michigan statewide, 29% of homes sold above list price in March 2026 — and in competitive small-city markets like Berkley where inventory is tight and demand is lifestyle-driven, that percentage is even higher for well-prepared homes.

What This Means If You're Thinking About Selling in Berkley or Clawson

The data is telling a clear story for both communities in 2026:

Berkley is appreciating at nearly 8% year-over-year with homes selling in 25 days. Clawson is moving at 27 days with consistent lifestyle-driven demand and structurally tight inventory. Both markets sit below the Oakland County median — making them attractive to a wide and growing buyer pool.

Sellers who win in these markets are the ones who:

• Price based on recent sold comps — not wishful thinking
• Present the home beautifully — first impressions in photography determine whether buyers schedule a showing
• Move quickly when offers come in — in markets this active, hesitation costs money
• Understand their buyer's mortgage situation — buyers in this price range are often rate-sensitive, and knowing that shapes smart negotiation strategy

Ready to Find Out What Your Berkley or Clawson Home Is Worth in 2026?

I'm Cody Roark, a listing-focused realtor and mortgage production partner serving Berkley, Clawson, and all of Oakland County through Epique Realty. I help homeowners in these communities get maximum value through honest pricing, aggressive marketing, and a deep understanding of what buyers can actually afford right now.

My commitment goes beyond the closing table. I'm here to maximize your long-term wealth and be a trusted resource for life.

📍 HomesbyRoark.com 📞 Reach out today for a free home valuation — no pressure, just answers.

Cody Roark | Epique Realty | Serving Berkley, Clawson, Royal Oak, Troy, Rochester Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Madison Heights, and all of Oakland County