August 2026 Real Estate Sales Report: Higher Prices and Strong Dollar Volume Across Northern Michigan
The August 2026 real estate statistics from the Aspire North REALTORS® market area show a market that continues to demonstrate strong home values and significant dollar volume, even as the number of sales varies from county to county.
Across the Five County Area of Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim and Kalkaska, 280 single-family homes sold in August 2026, generating more than $184.5 million in sales volume. The average sale price rose to $658,941, while the median sale price reached $450,000.
Five County Area: Prices Continue to Climb
Compared with August 2025, the Five County Area saw:
- 280 homes sold, compared with 296 in August 2025 — a 5.4% decrease.
- $184.5 million in total sales volume, up 9.7% from $168.2 million.
- Average sale price of $658,941, up 15.9% from $568,409.
- Median sale price of $450,000, up 3.6% from $434,500.
- Average days on market of 72 days, down from 76 days last year.
The county-level numbers tell an interesting story. Grand Traverse County recorded the most sales with 121 transactions and more than $75.3 million in dollar volume. Leelanau County continued to lead the area in average sale price at $993,600, with a median sale price of $690,000. Benzie County reported an average sale price of $615,735, Antrim County $616,323, and Kalkaska County $345,842.
Where Did Sales Occur?
| County | Homes Sold | Average Sale Price | Median Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Traverse | 121 | $622,688 | $490,000 |
| Leelanau | 49 | $993,600 | $690,000 |
| Benzie | 35 | $615,735 | $385,000 |
| Antrim | 48 | $616,323 | $387,500 |
| Kalkaska | 27 | $345,842 | $290,000 |
| Five County Total | 280 | $658,941 | $450,000 |
The Market Continues Its Long-Term Price Growth
The longer-term August data provides important perspective.
In August 2016, the Five County Area recorded an average sale price of $264,844 and a median sale price of $190,200. In August 2026, those figures have increased to $658,941 and $450,000, respectively.
The year-to-date statistics reinforce this trend. Through August 2026, the Five County Area has recorded 1,649 residential units sold, with an average selling price of $599,055 and a median selling price of $430,000. The median sale price is higher than every year shown in the report dating back to 2014.
This illustrates how dramatically Northern Michigan real estate values have changed over the past decade.
Wexford & Missaukee Counties Show Increased Sales Activity
The Two County Area of Wexford and Missaukee Counties also saw notable changes in August.
A total of 65 single-family homes sold in August 2026, compared with 55 in August 2025 — an increase of approximately 18%. Total dollar volume increased from $16.3 million to $19.3 million, also an increase of approximately 18%.
The average sale price remained nearly unchanged at $296,231, compared with $296,397 last year. However, the median sale price decreased from $275,000 to $237,100.
One particularly notable change was the time it took homes to sell. Average days on market dropped from 85 days in August 2025 to 56 days in August 2026.
That combination — more sales, substantially faster market time and higher overall dollar volume — points to increased transaction activity in the Wexford and Missaukee County market.
Leelanau County Remains a High-Value Market
Leelanau County continues to stand out as one of the region's strongest markets by price.
In August 2026 alone, 49 residential properties sold, with an average sale price of $993,600, a median sale price of $690,000, and total sales volume of $48.7 million.
Looking at the year-to-date numbers through August, Leelanau County has recorded:
- 245 units sold, compared with 228 in 2025.
- $940,975 average sale price, up from $826,194.
- $650,000 median sale price, compared with $652,500 in 2025.
- $230.5 million in total sales volume, compared with $188.4 million in 2025.
The year-to-date dollar volume is up more than 22%, while the number of units sold has increased approximately 7.5% from the same period last year.
What These Numbers Mean
August's statistics demonstrate that Northern Michigan's real estate market continues to evolve rather than move in one uniform direction.
The Five County Area experienced fewer transactions than August 2025, but the homes that sold did so at substantially higher average prices, resulting in nearly $16.3 million more in total sales volume.
Meanwhile, Wexford and Missaukee Counties experienced an increase in the number of homes sold and a significant reduction in average days on market. Leelanau County continues to see strong prices and growing year-to-date sales volume.
For buyers, sellers and real estate professionals, these differences emphasize why local market knowledge matters. County-level and price-point trends can vary considerably, making it important to look beyond broad headlines when evaluating a property or making a real estate decision.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the fall market, the August numbers provide a strong snapshot of where Northern Michigan real estate stands: home values remain elevated, sales activity varies by market, and local conditions continue to shape the buying and selling experience.
Aspire North REALTORS® will continue to provide market data and resources to help consumers and real estate professionals better understand the communities we serve.
Market statistics are based in whole or in part on data supplied by Aspire North REALTORS® or its Multiple Listing Service. The Association and its Multiple Listing Service do not guarantee or assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information. Market data may not include listings not published at the seller's request, listings of brokers who are not members of the Association or MLS, unlisted properties, or unlisted rental properties.
