From Supervillain Lair to Real Estate Gem, CoreLogic Explores the V...

CoreLogic Finds the Despicable Me Star's Home has Increased More than 1,000%

IRVINE, CA, July 30, 2024 - In celebration of the recent release of Despicable Me 4, CoreLogic embarked on a whimsical journey through time to explore the real estate value of the most iconic house in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is Gru's infamous lair, complete with its underground laboratory and rocket-launching silo.

Back in the 1960s, Gru's house was the talk of the town, not just for its sinister style but also for its jaw-dropping features. In an Albuquerque neighborhood in the 1960s, this home was valued around a modest $63,000. Fast forward to today, and Gru's abode has seen quite the appreciation in value. According to our latest estimates, this villainous villa would fetch $736,000 in today's market, reflecting both the charm of its unique features and the booming Albuquerque real estate scene. In addition, nearby McKinley County remains one of the safer places to live in the U.S. from climate risk. What drives this stability in the low-risk rankings is little exposure to hurricane risk and only moderate exposure to wildfire, inland flooding and severe convective storms.

"While most homes do not have an underground laboratory or a gaggle of minions, Albuquerque has seen strong growth over the years," said Selma Hepp, chief economist for CoreLogic. "When it comes to the intersection of real estate trends and cultural phenomena, this comparison of Gru's house offers both insight and entertainment, reminding us that even the most unconventional homes have their place in today's dynamic market."

Methodology: This analysis was based off Gru's mansion as portrayed in the Despicable Me films that includes: an elevator, basement, 3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen and an outdoor space with a treehouse. Artistic license was taken in neighborhood selection.

About CoreLogic

CoreLogic is a leading provider of property insights and innovative solutions, working to transform the property industry by putting people first. Using its network, scale, connectivity and technology, CoreLogic delivers faster, smarter, more human-centered experiences, that build better relationships, strengthen businesses, and ultimately create a more resilient society. For more information, please visit www.corelogic.com.

Media Contact:
Robin Wachner
[email protected]