When people think of luxury real estate in the United States, they usually picture waterfront homes, penthouses, ranch estates, or historic brownstones. What rarely comes to mind is a form of property that exists in nearly every city—and is becoming increasingly scarce nationwide.
Cemetery plots across the U.S. are emerging as some of the rarest and most constrained properties available today. In major metropolitan areas and even mid-sized cities, prices for premium plots can rival—or exceed—the cost of residential homes.
This reality was highlighted in a CBS Sunday Morning segment featuring reporter Luke Burbank and the founder of Plot Brokers, while examining Los Angeles’ cemetery property market. While the reporting focused on LA, the underlying trends apply nationwide.
Cemetery Plots: Small Spaces, Big Value
At first glance, a cemetery plot may seem simple. But like traditional real estate anywhere in the country, value is driven by core fundamentals: location, surroundings, availability, and demand.
Across the U.S., premium plots—those with scenic views, mature landscaping, quiet surroundings, or distinctive features—can sell for six figures. In fully sold-out cemeteries, especially those in densely populated regions, family plots have reached seven figures.
Although cemeteries technically retain ownership of the land, buyers purchase permanent burial rights—an asset that carries both emotional importance and long-term value.
Yes, Location Still Matters Everywhere
No matter the city or state, cemetery properties follows the same rule buyers know well: location matters. Nationwide, buyers often consider:
- Scenic or peaceful surroundings
- Proximity to walkways, entrances, or landmarks
- Privacy and overall atmosphere
- Accessibility for visiting family members
In high-demand cemeteries, even internal factors—such as foot traffic or crowding during peak visiting times—can influence pricing. What may sound unusual mirrors the same supply-and-demand dynamics found in traditional housing markets.
Why More Americans Are Planning Ahead
Many people wait until a loss occurs before thinking about burial arrangements. But increasingly, families are planning decades in advance.
Some buyers secure plots early to lock in better locations. Others purchase family plots to ensure loved ones can be laid to rest together. In regions where cemeteries are nearing capacity, early planning often provides both peace of mind and financial clarity.
As one visitor interviewed in Los Angeles put it, “It isn’t cheap these days.” That sentiment now resonates well beyond Southern California.
Why Plot Brokers Is a Nationwide Authority
Plot Brokers is the leading licensed cemetery property brokerage firm in the United States, specializing exclusively in cemetery property transactions. The firm helps families navigate a market that is highly regulated, deeply personal, and often misunderstood.
Plot Brokers offers clients nationwide:
- Expert valuation of cemetery plots
- Access to private and off-market listings
- Assistance with transfers, documentation, and cemetery approvals
- Discreet, respectful guidance for buyers and sellers
While the company’s roots include deep experience in Los Angeles, its reach and expertise extend across major U.S. markets, where similar supply constraints and demand patterns exist.
“This is still real estate,” the CEO of Plot Brokers says. “Just on a much more personal level.”
A Legacy That Extends Beyond One City
Cemeteries across America serve as cultural, historical, and communal landmarks. From small-town memorial parks to iconic urban cemeteries, they represent permanence in a world where space is increasingly limited.
For many families, purchasing a cemetery plot is not simply a transaction—it’s legacy planning. It’s about honoring family history, ensuring future certainty, and securing a lasting place of remembrance.
As the CEO of Plot Brokers famously remarked during the CBS segment, “If you can’t be close to the rich and famous while you’re living, you might as well do it while you’re dead.” While said in the context of Los Angeles, the idea reflects a broader truth: cemetery property, wherever it exists, holds meaning far beyond square footage.
You can watch the full CBS Sunday Morning segment on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZRWSU7GwVM
[Article Summary]
CBS reporter Luke Burbank interviewed cemetery plot broker CEO about the high cost of burial plots in Los Angeles. Nicknamed the “subterranean condo king,” he explained that while the cemetery owns the grave, buyers purchase the right for burial, with prices influenced by location, scenery, traffic, and proximity to celebrities. Visitors to Hollywood Forever Cemetery were also interviewed, discussing their reasons for visiting and in some cases, purchasing plots there. While the segment focused on Los Angeles, it highlighted nationwide trends in cemetery property, including rising demand, limited supply, and the role of location in pricing. The piece illustrated how cemetery plots function much like traditional real estate, despite their unique emotional and regulatory considerations.