Carmel Housing Market Faces Dwindling Ranch Style Home Supply and Rising Costs

Carmel's housing market is facing significant challenges as the Mayor's Advisory Commission on Senior Living discussed the dwindling supply of ranch-style homes during their meeting on July 22, 2025. The commission highlighted that ranch homes, which make up 25 to 30% of sales, are increasingly scarce, raising concerns about affordability and availability for seniors looking to downsize.

The meeting revealed alarming trends in home prices within the Carmel community, attributed to high-quality developments and escalating land and construction costs. These factors have led to inflated listing and closing prices, making it difficult for many residents to find affordable housing options. The commission emphasized the need for diverse housing types to accommodate the growing population, particularly empty nesters seeking smaller, manageable homes.

Developers like PulteGroup are responding to this demand by offering a range of housing options, including single-family detached homes, duplexes, and townhomes. Notably, Pulte's Active Adult and Del Webb brands cater specifically to seniors, providing single-story homes with features like master suites on the main floor. These homes range from 1,500 to over 2,700 square feet, aiming to retain residents within the community as they transition from larger family homes.

The commission also discussed upcoming projects, including those along the 146th Street corridor, which will introduce more ranch-style homes and townhomes to the market. However, the lack of elevator options in townhomes was noted as a potential barrier for some seniors.

As Carmel continues to grow, the commission's discussions underscore the urgent need for strategic planning to ensure that housing remains accessible and affordable for all residents, particularly seniors looking to stay in their beloved community. The next steps will involve further collaboration between developers and city officials to address these pressing housing challenges.