For the first time in years, the average sale price for luxury homes nationwide fell to $1.55 million in the first quarter of 2019.

 

Living luxuriously just became more affordable, relatively speaking. For the first time in nearly three years, the average sale price for luxury homes nationwide fell 1.6 percent to $1.55 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Which may leave you thinking–’what should I buy?’

If you’ve been dreaming of a major upgrade–hello deep soaking tub–now may be the time to turn that into residential reality. We took a look at homes ranging from approximately $1.39 million to $2 million to help visualize this newly attainable level of luxury, both in and outside of major metro areas. Their common theme? An affinity for custom finishes. Grander estates all feature spa-inspired bathrooms, wine cellars, and kitchens guaranteed to make any star chef envious. In large cities like New York or Los Angeles you’ll find beautiful smaller properties, but to truly feel luxurious, you might just have to look outside the city limits.

Which home catches your eye?

This bright five-bedroom Bethesda, MD home has graceful 10-foot ceilings and large windows pouring in natural light. A sleek kitchen is a highlight, but the true standouts are an elegant master with a divine spa-like bath, and finished lower level with wet bar and wine cellar. Did we mention that’s all priced under the national average for luxury?

Hello high ceilings–and arched doorways, sleek lighting and an enormous chef’s kitchen. With five bedrooms and nearly 4,000 square feet, this massive home also supports a healthy environment. Heating and cooling is energy efficient, with a built-in water softener and reverse osmosis system. Relax in the large backyard, or take advantage of resort-quality amenities in the clubhouse, available to all community residents.

If you want to live waterfront in San Diego in the same price point, this two-story beach townhouse is lovely. Priced just below the central San Diego option above, it has two bedrooms and half the square footage–but it’s hardly a downgrade. Those views! Steps from the ocean, you’ll hear the sound of crashing waves from a picture perfect balcony. The gorgeous master boasts a stunning walk-in shower, a huge custom closet, and ocean views from your bed–pure bliss.

Considering how expensive San Francisco is, this five-bedroom home priced well under $2 million feels like a steal. Beautifully bright and airy, the entire property was recently renovated with thoughtful upscale touches. Gorgeous hardwood floors flow throughout the home, while stylish light fixtures compliment windows flooding the space in natural light.

Near Silicon Valley, just south of the Bay Area, this three-bedroom home is equipped with high-tech upgrades, surrounded by blossoming trees. Look for designer touches like quartz counters, a rustic barn door, and large walk-in shower and soaking tub. A panoramic pocket door opens the living room to the outside seamlessly.

Outside Sacramento, this stunning custom-built Tuscan-style estate is situated over five lakeside acres. The level of detail is extraordinary, with imported Travertine flooring, a stone fireplace, spa-inspired bath, and impressive chef’s kitchen. An inner courtyard flanked by columns feels transportive, while a generous wine cellar, home gym and detached casita ooze opulence.

For the single family home that feels like a castle, this impressive six bedroom residence delivers. Built on four acres within a gated community, the home was recently renovated with $275,000 worth of designer finishes and upgrades. The main house is outfitted with a Yamaha audio system, custom chef’s kitchen, and Viking appliances. There’s also a Butler pantry, Nest smart thermostat system, and several terraces. Need more space? Escape to the equally plush separate casita home.

Why live in Manhattan when you can gaze at it from home? This lovely apartment in Downtown Brooklyn has high ceilings, bamboo flooring, sleek lighting and a gorgeous oversized tub. It’s only one bedroom, though a smaller second room could be used as a home office or additional bedroom. Built in 1910 as a former factory, the building offers luxury amenities like a 24-hour concierge, fitness room, onsite parking, and a 7,500 square foot roof deck. Though, why mingle with the masses? This unit boasts its own private rooftop with breathtaking views.

New Yorkers know that to gain space without spending a fortune, you’ve got to move out of the city. If you’re willing, it pays off, quite actually. This Tudor-style home in Queens is not that much more than the Brooklyn condo, but includes six bedrooms and four and a half baths. Located on a half acre of land with over four stories, the grand foyer has original molding, while other desirable details include hardwood floors and an enclosed porch.

This brand new construction home is seven miles from downtown Boston, with five bedrooms, custom window treatments, a chic kitchen, and upscale bathroom fixtures. Spread over four levels, there’s 4,500 square feet of exquisite amenities, as well as a patio and fenced-in yard.

This home must be the future of luxury given the futuristic vibes it exudes. This effortlessly mod five-bedroom home was custom built with smart technology in mind. Features are environmentally friendly and designed to be energy efficient, with Tesla Powerwall batteries, solar panels, electrical vehicle outlets, Nest thermostat, and radiant flooring. Smart yes, but also luxurious–interiors include polished concrete floors, museum-like walls, Caesarstone quartz, motion-activated ambient light, and a salt water pool.

Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, every detail in this elegant six bedroom estate is customized. Stone, wood and marble dominate interiors, which also includes a screening room, wet bar, wine cellar, palatial baths, and enormous closets. A wraparound terrace overlooks a grotto-like pool and rolling green lawns.

This gated three-bedroom Mediterranean-style home has an open concept living and dining area, ideal for entertaining. Just one block from West Hollywood, the cherry wood floors are as eye-catching as the master with walk-in closet, private outdoor access, and jetted bath.

Outside the city, this residence delivers three times the space than its similarly priced Hollywood counterpart. This five-bedroom Valley custom-built home is in a gated community with nearly 7,000 square feet of upscale living. A large gourmet kitchen has double islands, stainless steel Thermador appliances, custom wood, and granite countertops. There’s also custom Travertine floors, crown molding, dry sauna, and an expansive master bath. Grab a bottle from the wine cellar and catch a flick in the screening room.

Seattle | $1,995,900

Nestled among the trees, this idyllic abode is stunning from the inside and out. A white stone facade houses glam such as soaring windows, a chef’s kitchen with double ovens and dishwashers, as well as curved staircases, tranquil terraces, ample bedrooms and space for entertaining.