Unraveling the Mystery: The White House’s Hypothetical Sale and Its Status as a National Park Service Property

The White House, an emblem of American democracy and the official residence of the President of the United States, has often sparked public curiosity and intrigue. One notable instance of this curiosity is the hypothetical sale of the White House and its listing on Zillow.com, a well-known real estate service. While the idea of buying this iconic building sounds intriguing, it’s essential to understand the reality behind these speculations and the property’s actual ownership.

Zillow has indeed assessed the White House’s value using its Zestimate tool, which estimates a home’s worth based on public data and recent sales. This algorithm has been in place since 2009. According to Zillow, during President Barack Obama’s administration, the value of the White House increased by 15 percent, coinciding with the recovery of the US housing market. As per the latest estimates, the White House is valued at nearly $400 million, considering its 55,000 square-foot area and its peak valuation due to the overall appreciation of home values across the country【20†source】【33†source】【49†source】【50†source】.

Moreover, Zillow’s hypothetical figures also extend to the rental value of the White House. If it were to be rented out, the monthly rent could be around $2 million, given its extensive facilities, including 16 bedrooms, 35 bathrooms, and amenities such as basketball and tennis courts, a gym, a sun room, and a library. The top two floors of the six-story Executive Residence are designated as the private living area for the President and their family【22†source】【37†source】【52†source】【53†source】.

However, these figures and listings by Zillow are hypothetical and should not be interpreted as a real estate opportunity. The White House is not for sale and has never been listed on a platform like Zillow for purchase. These listings and valuations are speculative exercises that serve more as points of discussion rather than real estate transactions. They highlight the property’s immense value and unique status in the real estate market but do not indicate a genuine sales listing or transaction.

Crucially, the White House is owned by the National Park Service and is designated as a National Historic Landmark and National Park. This means that the property technically belongs to the federal government and is part of the President’s Park. It has housed every American president except George Washington and represents a significant historical and governmental site【59†source】【60†source】.

The valuation and hypothetical listing of the White House on Zillow are intriguing topics blending real estate, history, and politics. They offer insight into the monumental worth of one of the world’s most famous residences, both in monetary terms and its unparalleled historical and political significance. However, the property remains a pivotal piece of national heritage, under the stewardship of the National Park Service, and far from the realm of commercial real estate transactions.