When Changing Lifestyle You Change a home
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When Changing Lifestyle You Change a home
Listen to Current News Right Now
As we move through July 2025, the Arizona property market continues to evolve with impressive new data. Phoenix’s median home price is now $472,000, marking a healthy 4.2% annual rise, even as inventory swells by 18%. Luxury second-home markets in Sedona and Prescott remain robust, with nearly half of all deals closing in cash. Meanwhile, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley are leaning into smart zoning and mixed-use developments, fueling a 27% uptick in luxury permits. This newsletter unpacks what these shifts mean from five critical perspectives: wealth management is focused on preserving value and new portfolio opportunities, while steady property taxes and green building incentives provide both tax and regulatory clarity. Looking ahead, future-proofing through ESG and tech-driven infrastructure ensures stability for generations—and, with East Valley investing $215 million in smart-city projects, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, but a new market baseline. Let’s dive into the week’s highlights!
As of June 2025, the Phoenix metropolitan area’s median single-family home price reached $472,000, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.2% per ARMLS. Inventory levels are up by 18% compared to June 2024, with active listings exceeding 19,500, partly due to increased new builds and slower buyer activity. The Cromford Market Index sits at 128, signaling a moderately balanced market, while luxury inventory ($1.5M+) has seen slightly longer days on market, now averaging 62 days. Wealth management professionals note a shift toward longer holding periods for premium assets, reflecting strategies to preserve value amid global economic uncertainty. Property tax rates remain unchanged, but higher assessments in select Scottsdale and Paradise Valley zones could affect annual liabilities. From a regulatory perspective, ongoing discussions in the Arizona Legislature regarding investor-owned property disclosures may affect future reporting requirements. Market resilience is supported by continued in-migration and a diversified economy, underpinning value stability. Regional smart-city initiatives, such as the Phoenix Smart City pilot and increased EV charging infrastructure, are enhancing long-term desirability for high-end buyers. Source: ARMLS June 2025 Monthly Report, Cromford Report, City of Phoenix Smart City
In May 2025, Scottsdale’s City Council unanimously approved zoning amendments permitting higher-density, mixed-use developments along key corridors, notably in the Scottsdale Airpark and Old Town districts. Paradise Valley is evaluating its own overlay for boutique resorts and fractional-ownership residences, seeking to balance resident privacy with revenue diversification. These policy changes have catalyzed a 27% increase in permit applications for luxury condominiums and hotel-branded residences, as reported by the city’s Planning and Zoning Department. For wealth managers, these reforms present expanded opportunities for portfolio diversification into hospitality-backed real estate. Tax increment financing options remain available for projects meeting sustainability benchmarks, a factor now emphasized in both municipal guidelines and future-proofing strategies. Regulatory frameworks are being updated to incorporate green building codes, reflecting a growing commitment to smart-city principles and energy efficiency. Source: Scottsdale City Council Minutes, May 2025, Paradise Valley Planning Updates, Arizona Commerce Authority Zoning News
Maricopa County recorded over 15 million square feet of industrial space under construction in Q2 2025, a record high per CoStar and Yardi Matrix, with the largest projects concentrated in Goodyear, Buckeye, and Mesa. Much of this demand is attributed to supply chain investments by EV manufacturers, battery firms, and semiconductor fabs—Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and LG Energy Solutions, for instance, expanded their campuses, contributing to a 9% increase in regional construction permits. Wealth managers are monitoring increased institutional allocations to logistics and advanced manufacturing real estate. Industrial asset values are being buoyed by state tax credits, including recent enhancements to Arizona’s Qualified Facility Tax Credit program. Legislative attention is focused on water rights and infrastructure funding to ensure continued scalability of these facilities, critical to value retention. Developers are also investing in sustainable features, such as water recycling and solar integration, aligning with ESG mandates and future smart-city grid compatibility. Source: CoStar Phoenix Market Report Q2 2025, Yardi Matrix Industrial Pipeline, Arizona Commerce Authority Incentives
Sedona and Prescott’s luxury second-home segment remains stable in mid-2025, with median sale prices at $1.05M in Sedona (+2.8% YoY) and $925,000 in Prescott (+1.7% YoY), according to Redfin and Zillow data. Cash purchases account for over 48% of closed sales above $800,000, underscoring strong demand from out-of-state buyers seeking lifestyle and asset diversification. Property tax regimes remain favorable for primary residences, but buyers should be aware of Sedona’s enforcement of short-term rental ordinances, which affect income potential. From a legislative standpoint, recent city council measures have strengthened short-term rental licensing, requiring enhanced disclosures and higher compliance costs. Both cities are investing in wildfire resilience and water conservation as part of their sustainability planning, initiatives that underpin long-term value and insurability of hillside properties. Source: Redfin Sedona Data Center, Zillow Prescott Home Values, Sedona City Council Minutes
The Tucson metro area multifamily sector saw effective rents decline 1.3% year-over-year in June 2025, with average monthly rent at $1,225, per Yardi Matrix. Over 3,000 new units delivered since January, the highest half-year figure since 2008, have temporarily increased vacancy to 8.9%. Institutional investors have paused acquisitions, shifting focus to asset management and value-add upgrades. From a tax perspective, Pima County’s property tax roll update in March increased assessments for several new luxury projects, but no rate hike is expected. Legislative discussions on rent stabilization have not advanced, maintaining a landlord-favorable environment. Long-term, Tucson’s adoption of the Smart Water Initiative and expanded transit options are expected to support sustainable growth, but near-term pricing power remains limited for owners. Source: Yardi Matrix Tucson Multifamily Report, Pima County Assessor, City of Tucson Smart Water
Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek have jointly committed over $215 million in 2025 toward smart-city infrastructure, including advanced traffic management, IoT sensor networks, and next-gen fiber broadband, according to municipal budget documents and the Arizona Commerce Authority. Mesa’s EV-ready building code for new developments, effective January 2025, is among the first in Arizona, incentivizing developers with expedited permitting for qualifying projects. Wealth management advisors highlight these improvements as value enhancers for both residential and commercial portfolios, with new builds in Gilbert and Chandler achieving LEED Gold or equivalent at a rate 32% higher than in 2023. Property tax abatements for green-certified projects are under review for expansion by county authorities. The legislative context includes new state-level grants for smart water systems and disaster resilience planning, signaling a policy alignment toward future-proofed community assets. Source: Mesa City Budget FY25, Arizona Commerce Authority Infrastructure, Gilbert Green Building
In 2025, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek collectively allocated more than $215 million toward smart-city and sustainability projects, according to municipal capital improvement budgets and ACA disclosures. Mesa’s CIP outlines multi-million-dollar investment in advanced traffic signal systems integrated with AI-powered sensors and real-time analytics; Queen Creek’s FY 25–26 budget includes significant fiber broadband infrastructure, notably backed by Google Fiber’s expansion, now underway in both Mesa and Tempe. Chandler's FY 25–26 technology plan emphasizes cybersecurity, telematics for fleet vehicles, and digital billing platforms within the Development Services group. Source: Yardi Matrix, Arizona Department of Transportation EV Plan
—mandating EV charger wiring in all new residential developments—accompanied by expedited permitting incentives. This aligns with Arizona’s broader EV infrastructure goals Arizona Department of Transportation. Complementary commercial incentives are in place: up to $2,500 per Level‑2 charger—or $4,000 for public/government projects—supporting robust electric vehicle adoption. Wealth advisors note that these smart-city upgrades substantially enhance both residential and commercial portfolio resilience and liquidity. Specifically, homes in Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert are seeing a 32% increase in LEED Gold or equivalent certifications among new builds since 2023—boosting long-term value retention through lower utility and insurance costs under green frameworks. Concurrently, Maricopa County is evaluating property tax abatements for green-certified projects to further incentivize sustainable development. Source: Arizona Department of Transportation EV Plan
—such as the Water Infrastructure and Commerce Grant Fund supporting smart water systems. Mesa’s water-conservation rebates for commercial accounts also reflect broader sustainability goals. From a future-proofing perspective, these initiatives—integrating traffic intelligence, fiber broadband, EV readiness, green building, and water-smart systems—position East Valley communities for ESG-aligned investment. They address evolving investor expectations, regulatory preparedness, and demographic demand for tech-integrated living environments, reinforcing long-term portfolio stability. Source: Arizona Department of Transportation EV Plan
In May 2025, Sedona’s median home sale price jumped to $1.2 million—a 49% year-over-year increase—driven by affluent second-home buyers seeking mountain vistas and prestige properties. Luxury listings (priced near $1.3 million) currently average 85–106 days on market with roughly one offer apiece, indicating a selective yet steady pace. Cash buyers comprise nearly half of sales above $800,000, underscoring out-of-state demand, portfolio diversification strategies, and strong liquidity preferences. Wealth management advisors emphasize that these trophy assets act as inflation hedges and estate diversification tools. Sedona’s property taxes remain favorable for primary-use exemptions, though potential rental income from short-term rentals (STRs) is heavily influenced by municipal licensing and enforcement changes. Recent STR ordinance enhancements require stricter disclosures, higher fees, and caps—limiting yield but supporting neighborhood character. Sustainability and risk mitigation are central to value: recent council sessions approved accelerated funding for wildfire mitigation and water-conservation infrastructure, bolstering insurability and future resilience. Source: Redfin, local government records, PAAR study
Zillow reports the average Prescott home value at about $610,800—a 1% decline year-over-year as of June 30, 2025. Yet luxury properties—particularly those adjacent to Prescott National Forest or priced above $700,000—continue to attract cash buyers seeking second residences or vacation retreats. Although these premium listings are less frequent, inventory remains tight in desirable enclaves such as forest fringe neighborhoods. This bifurcation allows luxury-tier homeowners to preserve or modestly grow equity, even as mid-market segments soften. Wealth advisors note that the region's combination of lifestyle appeal, tax stability, and low volatility makes it a defensible niche investment. Prescott’s property tax assessments are steady, and no new levies have been introduced. On the regulatory front, the city has approved several water-conservation and wildfire-hardening initiatives—such as defensible-space grants and drip-irrigation rebates—enhancing long-term asset resilience in hillside locales. Source: Zillow, Yavapai County Assessor, City of Prescott public records
● Both Sedona and Prescott see ~48–50% of luxury sales executed in cash, reflecting
investor confidence and reduced financing risk.
● Sedona’s tighter licensing and fee structures limit rental income potential but reduce
oversupply risk—supporting value stability. Prescott has not adopted similar STR
restrictions, which may favor rental flexibility but carry market perception risk.
● Continued allocation of municipal funding toward wildfire mitigation, defensible-space
mapping, and enhanced water infrastructure boosts insurability and fortifies long-term
equity.
● Favorable primary-residence tax assessments, combined with limited new levies and no
major state tax shifts, support portfolio viability. Regulatory clarity around rentals ensures
better forecasting of net yields and compliance cost structures.
● Both communities are prioritizing environmental resilience and infrastructural
sustainability—key criteria in modern wealth preservation and generational asset transfer
strategies.
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Thank you for exploring this week’s real estate brief with me! I hope these insights help you navigate the ever-changing Arizona market with confidence and clarity. If you found value in these updates, please share this newsletter with friends and colleagues who want to stay ahead in real estate. For more timely insights, follow me on social media—and don’t hesitate to schedule a private Zoom strategy session for tailored guidance on your wealth, tax, and property plans. Here’s to smart investing and a sustainable future!
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Nice to meet you! I’m Katrina Golikova, and I believe you landed here for a reason. I help my clients to reach their real estate goals through thriving creative solutions and love to share my knowledge—giving lots of freebies along the way.
See You Soon,
Katrina
You can listen right now to current news
You can listen to all AZique real estate news and insights on Spotify or any other preferred platform of yours: YouTube, Amazon, Audible, Apple Podcast. Daily Arizona real estate market pulse – straight from Sonoran Desert to you where ever you are!
Always fresh, smart, data-driven from Sonoran Desert straight to your mailbox
Click here to explore current mortgage rates. Rates may vary based on credit score, loan type, and lender policies. For the most accurate estimate, consult with a lender.
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Katrina Golikova
Real Estate Professional
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17550 N Perimeter Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
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