Cemetery plot prices jumped 65% from 2018 to 2024, and now people are trying to flip them for profit

From 2018 to 2024, the cost of cemetery plots skyrocketed by 65%, sparking interest in flipping these plots for financial gain. This phenomenon, though unconventional, is not surprising considering the broader trend of commodifying various aspects of life and the increasing difficulty of making a profit in traditional real estate, material, and labor markets.

Cemetery plots, in particular, are a desirable commodity due to their persistent demand, limited supply, and the inevitability of death. Premium plots can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, driving up prices beyond general inflation rates. The $4-billion industry of private cemeteries and crematories reflects this demand.

Cemeteries, like other forms of real estate, can be considered an asset. However, unlike other properties, they do not come with the same ownership rights. Instead, owners receive internment rights on land owned by entities such as churches, governments, or private companies. Even so, the high demand for these burial spaces has led to the emergence of a brokerage industry focused on buying and selling cemetery plots.

One brokerage, Bayer Cemetery Brokers, reported a 65% increase in plot prices between 2018 and 2024. While this indicates a significant rise in value, the firm emphasized that plots are a niche market, especially in terms of location. Selling a plot can take years, and the secondary market is subject to various restrictions, such as state laws, cemetery bylaws, and fees imposed by the cemetery itself.

Maureen Walton, founder and CEO of the Cemetery Exchange listing service, expressed similar sentiments. She noted that flipping cemetery plots is not as straightforward as flipping houses due to the long sales process. Walton explained that some listings remain on her platform for years without selling. Furthermore, the secondary market for cemetery plots is influenced by state legislation and cemetery-specific regulations, which can vary significantly.

Walton also mentioned that many sellers are selling plots acquired decades ago, resulting in a profit due to the original purchase price.

In summary, cemetery plot flipping is a dark but understandable trend. As demand for burial spaces continues to rise, so do the prices of these plots. However, the process of selling them is often lengthy and fraught with restrictions, making it a challenging endeavor for those looking to profit from this unique market.