Northern Michigan Real Estate Market Update: October 2026

11.10.2026

By Heather Sauer

Home Values Continue to Rise Across Northern Michigan as Sales Activity Remains Steady

Northern Michigan's real estate market continues to demonstrate resilience as we move toward the end of 2026. October market statistics show increasing home values, growing dollar volume, and steady transaction activity across the region.

While each county has its own unique market conditions, the latest numbers reveal an overall trend: home values are continuing to climb, and Northern Michigan remains a desirable place to call home.

Let's take a closer look at what the October 2026 real estate statistics tell us.

Five-County Region: Home Prices Continue Their Upward Trend

Across Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, and Kalkaska counties, the October 2026 housing market recorded 281 single-family home sales, compared to 276 during October 2025.

The region also experienced growth in both average and median sale prices.

October 2026 vs. October 2025:

Homes Sold: 281, up from 276.
Average Sale Price: $595,418, compared to $578,090.
Median Sale Price: $450,000, compared to $425,000.
Total Sales Volume: $167.3 million, up from $159.6 million.
Average Days on Market: 76 days, compared to 83 days.

The median sale price increased nearly 6% year over year, while the average sale price increased approximately 3%.

One particularly interesting trend is the continued strength of the upper-end market. In October 2026, 34 homes sold for $1 million or more across the five-county region, compared to 30 during the same month last year.

These numbers demonstrate continued demand across multiple price points, with particularly strong activity in higher-value properties.

FULL REPORT

Leelanau County: Strong Home Values and Continued Market Activity

Leelanau County continues to stand out for its higher home values and strong real estate market.

During October 2026, the county recorded:

37 Homes Sold
Average Sale Price: $848,547
Median Sale Price: $565,000
Total Sales Volume: $31.4 million

Looking at year-to-date statistics through October, Leelanau County recorded 324 residential sales, compared to 329 during the same period in 2025.

Despite slightly fewer transactions, the average sale price increased from $862,220 in 2025 to $923,537 in 2026. That's an increase of approximately 7%.

The median sale price, however, moved from $670,000 to $649,000, illustrating why looking at both average and median prices provides a more complete picture of the market.

Year-to-date sales volume reached approximately $299.2 million, compared to $283.7 million in 2025.

Leelanau County continues to demonstrate the strength and value of its real estate market, even as the number of transactions remains relatively consistent.

FULL REPORT

Wexford and Missaukee Counties: A Notable Increase in Sales

The Wexford and Missaukee County markets experienced particularly strong growth in October.

Combined, the two counties recorded 64 single-family home sales, compared to 50 in October 2025. That's a 28% increase in the number of homes sold.

Additional highlights include:

Average Sale Price: $295,540, up from $265,359.
Median Sale Price: $275,000, up from $204,500.
Total Sales Volume: $18.9 million, compared to $13.3 million.
Average Days on Market: 75 days, compared to 78 days.

Wexford County accounted for 43 of the 64 sales, while Missaukee County recorded 21.

The increase in both sales activity and sale prices points to a stronger October market compared to the previous year.

FULL REPORT

Looking at the Bigger Picture: Northern Michigan Real Estate Through October

When we step back and look at the broader regional numbers, the long-term appreciation in Northern Michigan real estate becomes even more apparent.

Across the five-county region, year-to-date residential statistics through October show:

2026 Average Sale Price: $605,138
2025 Average Sale Price: $559,973
2026 Median Sale Price: $430,000
2025 Median Sale Price: $405,000

The average sale price has increased approximately 8% year over year, while the median sale price has increased approximately 6%.

For additional perspective, the median sale price across the region was $210,000 in 2017. Today, it stands at $430,000.

That represents more than a 100% increase over the past nine years.

These long-term trends highlight how much the Northern Michigan real estate market has evolved and the continued value homeowners have seen in their properties.

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

For Sellers:

Rising home values and continued buyer activity create opportunities for homeowners considering selling. However, pricing remains one of the most important factors in a successful sale. Understanding comparable properties, current market conditions, and buyer expectations can help position your home competitively.

For Buyers:

Although prices have increased, the market continues to offer opportunities across different price ranges and communities. With average days on market ranging from 67 to 87 days across the five counties, buyers may have opportunities to explore their options, evaluate properties, and make informed decisions.

Having a knowledgeable REALTOR® by your side can help you navigate the market, understand local trends, and make confident decisions.

Your Northern Michigan Real Estate Market Starts Here

From the waterfront communities of Leelanau County to the growing communities throughout Grand Traverse, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska, Wexford, and Missaukee counties, Northern Michigan continues to offer a diverse and evolving real estate market.

Whether you're thinking about buying your first home, selling a property, investing in real estate, or simply curious about what your home might be worth, understanding the local market is the first step.

The numbers tell an important story, but every community, neighborhood, and property has its own unique market conditions.

Looking to make a move? Connect with an Aspire North REALTOR® who knows Northern Michigan and is ready to help you navigate your next real estate decision.

Aspire North REALTORS® — The Michigan REALTOR® Difference. Right By You.

Market statistics are based on data supplied by the Aspire North Association of REALTORS® and its Multiple Listing Service. Statistics reflect reported transactions and may not include all real estate activity in the region. Average and median prices are market indicators and do not represent the value of any individual property.

Heather Sauer

Heather Sauer is the Human Resource Manager for Aspire North Realtors, bringing a strong background in human resources, leadership, and business strategy. She began her career in retail management while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University, later transitioning into human resources at Target, where she served as an Executive Team Leader of Human Resources. During this time, she earned her MBA from the Northwood University DeVos Graduate School.

After relocating to Traverse City, Michigan, Heather continued her HR career with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), managing more than 30 client accounts and partnering closely with leadership teams on employee relations, compliance, and organizational development. In the fall of 2023, she expanded her professional experience into business development and entrepreneurship.

In addition to her role at Aspire North Realtors, Heather is also an independent travel agent, helping individuals, families, and groups plan seamless, memorable travel experiences. Her passion for service, organization, and relationship-building carries through both her HR and travel work.