US luxury home market sees surge in home gym demand and bidding wars

Buyers of high‑end properties are increasingly expecting dedicated home gyms, a feature that now adds value and helps luxury homes sell at a premium. Real‑estate analysts note that homes with private workout spaces command higher prices as wellness becomes a core expectation of luxury living.

A new Zillow report shows luxury home sales in the United States rose 6.2% year‑on‑year in June 2026, while bidding wars pushed prices well above asking levels. In San Francisco, a six‑bedroom, seven‑bath home sold for $15 million, nearly double its $8 million list price, and 44 homes in the city closed at least $1 million over asking in the same month. The trend is strongest in the Bay Area, with San Jose and other markets also seeing sharp inventory declines.

By contrast, the starter‑home segment is weakening. Inventory for lower‑priced homes rose 4.5% in June, yet sales fell more than 5%, with the steepest declines in Detroit, Cleveland, New York City and other cities. The split highlights how wealthier buyers are weathering inflation and higher costs, while average Americans face growing affordability challenges.