Dec. 26 -- ROCHESTER -- If you've found your dream home on Zillow for more than $1 million in Rochester, you've seen a luxury home market that is stable, robust and exciting, as real estate leaders described.

The homes feature personalized spaces that have become "almost essential" in luxury homes, such as wellness spaces, home offices, wine cellars and entertaining areas, as Realtors Hanan Absah and Michelle Kalina said. The five most expensive single-family, non-new construction homes sold in Rochester this year ranged from $1,700,000 to $2,440,000.

At $2,440,000, Kalina described how the home at 5250 Trident Lane SW "exudes grandeur," including Restoration Hardware finishes, the backyard "resort-style oasis" with a pool and the scullery kitchen.

The top home sale in 2023 was $1,950,000 and in 2019, the top was $1,490,000, according to Minnesota Department of Revenue property records.

Over the past six months, 21 new and non-new construction luxury homes sold in Rochester, according to Southeast Minnesota Realtors Association Chief Executive Officer and Government Affairs Director Eric Brownlow. About half were new construction. Those are sales tracked through the Multiple Listing Services, though Brownlow said many luxury homes are sold outside the MLS, such as custom-built homes.

"The 2024 luxury home market in Rochester has been robust, characterized by a steady demand for upscale properties with modern amenities. Buyers are increasingly seeking homes with smart technology, energy-efficient designs, and unique architectural features," Absah, Realtor and global luxury specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, said in an email. She worked with the buyer or seller on many of the most expensive home sales this year. "Inventory has remained somewhat limited, which has supported competitive pricing."

Southwest Rochester has seen many luxury homes over the last 10 to 15 years. Brownlow said 17 of the 21 homes sold in the last six months were in southwest Rochester.

"A big driver (of the 2024 luxury home market) has been the Destination Medical Center initiative -- and the Mayo Clinic's $5 billion expansion under their 'Bold. Forward. Unbound.' initiative," Kalina said in an email. She introduced the Sotheby's International Realty brand to Rochester in 2021. "There is incredible momentum drawing in professionals and investors from all over. Because of that, we're seeing a lot of demand for luxury homes, especially those with modern finishes, smart home technology, and spaces for relaxation and entertaining."

Here are the year's top five non-new construction home sales in Rochester:

1. $2,440,000 (sold in December)

With five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a five-car garage, the 6,039 square-foot home is a "private sanctuary of modern luxury," the listing on Realtor.com stated. The home also includes heated bathroom floors, an interior sound system and an exercise room, according to features highlighted in the listing description. The Lilly Farm home at 5250 Trident Lane SW was built in 2020.

2. $2,395,000 (sold in August)

The baby blue, custom-built home at 1259 Boulder Creek Lane SW "prioritizes comfort" with heated bathroom floors, a sunroom and four fireplaces, the listing stated. The six-bedroom and seven-bathroom home in the Boulder Creek neighborhood was built in 2016. With 8,484 square feet, the home "harmonizes luxury, functionality & style."

3. $1,900,000 (sold in April)

As a Cape Cod-inspired home, there are "picturesque views of the lake from every angle," the listing stated. The home at 3772 Mayo Lake Road SW has access to about 150 feet of shoreline on the private Mayo Lake along with a patio, screened-in porch and decks. The 5,747 square-foot home with six bedrooms and seven bathrooms was built in 2014.

4. $1,770,000 (sold in April)

At 6,008 square feet, one of the home's shining features is an indoor basketball court with an exercise room, as noted in the listing. The stone and brick exterior home at 2952 Alderock Lane SW was custom-built in 2019. The home includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a three-car "oversized heated" garage in Mayowood Hills.

5. $1,700,000 (sold in October)

As one of several brick homes sold on the market in 2024, the Mayowood Hills home at 2363 Transit Court SW includes five bedrooms and five bathrooms, according to Zillow. On about 4 acres, the home is near the Mayowood Historic Home and Mayowood Stone Barn. The 7,500-square-foot home was built in 1994.