What’s It Worth in 2025?

Warren Buffett’s Omaha home, which he bought for just $31,500 in 1958, is now estimated to be worth as much as $1.5 million. That’s a nearly 45-fold increase, an impressive return by any standard, once again underscoring Buffett’s focus on value and investing for the long term.

The Story Behind Buffett’s $31,500 Home

Warren Buffett purchased his Omaha home in 1958, at just 28 years old. He and his then-wife, Susan, were raising three young children and sought a practical, comfortable place to call home. The property they chose was a five-bedroom stucco house built in 1921, located on a corner lot not far from Omaha’s city center.

Buffett’s rationale for the purchase reflected the same value-driven mindset that defined his investment career. He and Susan delayed buying until they felt financially secure, weighing whether to use their savings for a home or invest elsewhere. Buffett saw the house as a sensible, long-term investment, one that offered stability for his family without unnecessary excess. He has often described the home as one of his best investments, ranking it just behind his wedding rings for the memories and satisfaction it provided.

How Much Is Buffett’s House Worth Today?

Buffett’s home is now estimated to be worth between $1.2 million and $1.5 million in 2025, according to recent valuations from Realtor.com, Zillow, and some news outlets. The most frequently cited figure appears to be $1.4 million. This appreciation far outpaces that of most U.S. homes, whose median sales price rose from $17,800 in 1963 to $416,900 in early 2025, roughly a 23-fold increase.

Despite this impressive growth, Buffett’s home remains modest by billionaire standards. For comparison, many ultra-wealthy individuals own properties valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Bill Gates’s 66,000-square-foot estate in Washington is valued at $127 million.

For Buffett, the house’s value is less about financial return and more about personal satisfaction and practicality. He has repeatedly stated in interviews and shareholder letters that, while the home was his third-best investment, he would have made more money by renting and investing the difference in stocks.

Bottom Line

Learn from Warren Buffett’s first home purchase: patience, practicality, and a focus on value can yield significant long-term financial benefits. His early experience shows that wealth isn’t all about lavish possessions and that discipline and a long-term commitment truly matter. When making your own financial decisions, prioritize lasting value, understand what you’re getting into, and let your genuine needs, not fleeting trends or outside pressures, be your guide.