How Much Are Homes Built During The Revolutionary War Worth Now?

The Revolutionary War era lasted from 1763, when people living in what would become the United States began to chafe under the rule of the British, to 1783, when the Americans and British signed the treaty known as the Peace of Paris. Homes built in that era are now at least 242 years old, and while some are beautifully preserved, others are showing their age. The criteria for determining the worth of a home built back then are the same as the ones that apply to the just-built home around the corner, with a few differences. Being able to say "George Washington slept here" certainly adds to the value of a home.

Location, condition, and the current market all play a role in determining worth. All charming Colonial-style houses aren't automatically awarded a higher worth simply because of their connection to America's past. For example, a historic 2,500-square-foot home in southern Maine with 27 acres of land was valued at $400,000 in 2019. A much larger home on a much smaller lot in Pennsylvania sold for $8 million. It's hard to say how much the fact that George Washington used the latter as his headquarters during the Revolutionary War added to the sales price, but it would be hard to argue it had none. Even without a famous war hero connection, a 1400-acre estate built in 1776 about 45 miles from Washington, D.C., is valued at $25 million. Overall, home values in the nation's 13 original colonies are higher than the national average, with homes in New York and Massachusetts fetching the highest prices. 

Leading up to the Revolutionary era, most of the land in the Colonies was owned by the wealthy, and the working class lived in tenements in cities. Both the very wealthy and the middle class built homes that mimicked the European architecture of their home countries, such as Georgian or Greek Revival — the style that later inspired the design of the White House. But even modest middle class Revolutionary War-era houses can command good prices, especially if previous owners have maintained the home's historic qualities while adding modern comforts. For example, a simple farmhouse in New Jersey with an original brick warming oven and pumpkin pine floors is valued at $550,000.

While many of the homes from the Revolutionary era have been torn down, were lost to flood and fire, or have succumbed to time, there are budget-friendly properties that are still available. Updated homes can be found for under $300,000, and houses that need work can be had for less. A stone house built by German Moravians in 1776 lacks basic amenities like plumbing, but its value is enhanced by its location in the first planned community in the country. It may be that its historical status contributes to its $225,000 asking price. These homes may not fit the real estate definition of move-in ready, but a thoughtful renovation will increase their value.