Northern Michigan Real Estate Market Update: July 2026
The Northern Michigan real estate market continued to show strong activity in July, with higher home prices, increased sales volume, and more transactions compared with July 2025. While market conditions vary by county and price range, the latest data from Aspire North REALTORS® shows a continued upward trend across much of the region.
Five-County Market Shows Continued Growth
In July 2026, the five-county area of Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, and Kalkaska recorded 304 single-family home sales, compared with 295 sales in July 2025 and 210 sales in July 2024. Total dollar volume reached $208.5 million, up from $168.3 million in July 2025.
The July 2026 five-county statistics include:
- 304 homes sold
- $208,544,249 in total sales volume
- $686,000 average sale price
- $451,687 median sale price
- 70 days average on market
Compared with July 2025, the average sale price increased approximately 20%, while the median sale price increased approximately 14%. Total sales volume also increased by nearly 24%.
This represents a notable shift from just a few years ago. In July 2022, the five-county area recorded 299 sales with an average sale price of $467,211 and a median of $359,900.
A Look at the Five Counties
Each county continues to show its own unique market characteristics:
| County | Homes Sold | Average Sale Price | Median Sale Price | Avg. Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Traverse | 157 | $667,020 | $462,500 | 61 |
| Leelanau | 45 | $966,760 | $675,000 | 73 |
| Benzie | 30 | $584,279 | $432,500 | 50 |
| Antrim | 49 | $747,100 | $370,000 | 101 |
| Kalkaska | 23 | $268,760 | $246,000 | 86 |
Leelanau County continued to lead the region in average and median sale prices, while Grand Traverse County accounted for the largest number of sales.
Leelanau County Remains a High-Value Market
Leelanau County continues to stand out in the Northern Michigan market. In July 2026, 45 residential properties sold, with an average sale price of $966,760 and a median sale price of $675,000. Total July sales volume was more than $43.5 million.
Looking at year-to-date numbers provides an even broader perspective. Through July 2026, Leelanau County recorded:
- 196 homes sold
- $927,818 average sale price
- $635,000 median sale price
- $181.85 million in total sales volume
During the same period in 2025, 174 homes had sold with an average price of $830,401 and a median price of $652,500.
The data shows that more homes have sold year-to-date in 2026 while the average sale price has also increased, demonstrating continued strength in the Leelanau County market.
Wexford & Missaukee Counties See Increased Activity
The July numbers also show increased activity in the Wexford and Missaukee County market.
Together, the two counties recorded 78 single-family home sales in July 2026, compared with 49 in July 2025 and 56 in July 2024. Total sales volume reached $21.9 million, compared with $12.9 million in July 2025.
The July 2026 market included:
- 78 homes sold
- $21.9 million in sales volume
- $280,762 average sale price
- $254,000 median sale price
- 79 days average on market
The increase in the number of sales is particularly notable, with transactions up nearly 59% from July 2025.
What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?
The July data reinforces an important point: Northern Michigan is not one single real estate market.
Prices, inventory, buyer demand, and days on market can vary significantly from one county—and even one community—to another.
For sellers, the continued strength in average and median prices can be encouraging, but proper pricing remains essential. Homes that are positioned appropriately for their specific market and condition are better positioned to attract qualified buyers.
For buyers, the increase in sales activity means opportunities are still available, but understanding local pricing trends is critical when evaluating a property and determining how competitive an offer should be.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
The five-county data shows how dramatically the Northern Michigan housing market has evolved over the past several years. In July 2019, the five-county area recorded 406 sales with a median sale price of $240,000. By July 2026, the number of sales was lower at 304, but the median sale price had increased to $451,687.
The latest numbers suggest that while transaction volume has not returned to the levels seen several years ago, property values and total market dollar volume remain substantially higher.
Your Local Market Experts
Real estate decisions are highly local. Whether you're considering buying, selling, investing, or simply wondering what your home may be worth, current market data can help you make a more informed decision.
The REALTORS® at Aspire North REALTORS® are here to help you understand what the numbers mean for your specific community and your individual real estate goals.
Want to know what the July 2026 market means for your home? Connect with an Aspire North REALTOR® for a personalized market analysis.
Market data is based on information 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 data. Market data may not include listings not published at the seller's request, listings from brokers who are not members of the Association or Multiple Listing Service, unlisted properties, or unlisted rental properties.
