A new analysis of online property searches in Oregon reveals a fascinating split in public interest, with a modest fixer-upper in Southeast Portland capturing the most attention, closely followed by a sprawling $25 million mansion. This diverse range, from homes needing significant work to luxurious estates, highlights the varied dreams and curiosities of potential buyers and property enthusiasts across the state.
The data, covering listings from January through November 2025, shows that a 1911 house in Portland's Foster-Powell neighborhood, priced at $325,000, became the most-viewed property with over 44,000 online visits. At the other end of the spectrum, a meticulously restored Tudor Revival mansion in the West Hills, listed for $25 million, also drew significant online traffic, demonstrating a public fascination with both accessible projects and unattainable luxury.
Key Takeaways
- A $325,000 fixer-upper in Southeast Portland was the most-viewed Oregon property, attracting over 44,300 views.
- A $25 million renovated Tudor mansion was the third most-viewed home, indicating strong interest in high-end real estate.
- The list includes a wide variety of homes, from a floating house without a permanent slip to historic mansions and a home designed by a cartoonist.
- Many of the most popular listings are fixer-uppers, suggesting a strong interest in properties with potential for renovation and personalization.
The Allure of the Fixer-Upper
The property that garnered the most online attention this year was a 1911 house in Southeast Portland's Foster-Powell neighborhood. With a price tag of $325,000, the home attracted an impressive 44,393 views over 424 days on the market.
Marketed as a short sale and sold "as is," the 1,700-square-foot house presents a significant project for its next owner. Listing agent Maureen Swan of Portland Proper Real Estate noted its potential, highlighting features that spark imagination. "High ceilings, a fireplace and original details will make your heart race with possibility," Swan said.
This trend of interest in project homes was not an isolated case. Another property, an unoccupied "shell" of a house in Oregon City built in 1955, also ranked high on the list. Listed for $309,000, it has accumulated over 25,900 views while on the market for more than a year, signaling a clear appetite for renovation opportunities among Oregonians.
Top Viewed Property Snapshot
- Location: 4417 S.E. 65th Ave., Portland
- Price: $325,000
- Views: 44,393
- Year Built: 1911
- Status: Fixer-upper, short sale
A Window into Extravagant Living
While affordability and potential drove views for some properties, opulence and history captivated another segment of online viewers. The third most-viewed home was the Mittleman Estate, a 1930 English Tudor Revival mansion in Portland's West Hills, listed for an eye-watering $25 million.
The historic residence, which underwent a $20 million restoration, received over 35,000 views. The extensive renovation was led by JHL Design and Green Gables Design and Restoration after the property was purchased unrestored for $4 million in 2017.
"The work clearly wasn’t done to flip this property, but as an investment to honor one of Portland’s most prominent, iconic and historic residences," listing broker Terry Sprague stated.
Another luxury property drawing significant interest was the Albee House in the Laurelhurst neighborhood. The 1912 Colonial Revival mansion, listed for $5,998,000, was the fifth most-viewed home with over 30,800 views. Recently featured in Architectural Digest, the home was designed by famed architect A.E. Doyle and underwent a complete contemporary-classic revision.
Unique Homes Capture Oregon's Imagination
Beyond the extremes of price, several unique and architecturally significant properties proved to be popular among online browsers. A floating house moored in Southeast Portland's Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood drew nearly 30,000 views.
Priced at $195,000, the 1968 structure was offered without a permanent slip, meaning the buyer would need to relocate the entire home. "This sale is for the floating home structure only," explained listing agent Jett Even of Works Real Estate. "The home must be relocated from its current location at the Oregon Yacht Club."
What Makes a Property Go Viral?
Online property viewing habits often extend beyond active house hunting. Many users browse listings out of curiosity for unique design, to tour multimillion-dollar mansions virtually, or to imagine the potential of a fixer-upper. This digital window shopping provides valuable insight into the architectural and lifestyle aspirations of a region.
In Corbett, a home designed and built by the late Portland commercial cartoonist Ernie Hager also captured significant attention. The 1952 house, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural principles, gained over 25,600 views in just 34 days on the market.
The property, listed for $599,500, features reclaimed brick, beam ceilings, and four fireplaces, embodying the ideal of blending indoor and outdoor living with its natural surroundings in the Columbia River Gorge.
Historic Charm and Modern Updates
The list also featured several historic homes that have been thoughtfully updated for modern living. A 1926 West Slope house, remodeled by a shoe designer and his artist partner, received over 24,000 views. Listed at $999,000, the home blends original character with bold, design-forward updates, including hand-painted murals and a European-style spa bath.
In Portland's Dunthorpe neighborhood, the 1895 Cedarhurst mansion, overlooking the Willamette River, also made the list. After an extensive renovation completed in 2023, the $5,295,000 property showcases a blend of historic craftsmanship and modern refinement. The project, overseen by interior designer Kristin Lane, removed decades of alterations to highlight classic features like box-beam ceilings and six fireplace mantels.
The wide-ranging interest in these properties—from projects requiring a complete overhaul to meticulously preserved historic estates—paints a picture of a public captivated by the stories, potential, and diverse character of Oregon's real estate landscape.
