2025 Leelanau County Real Estate Market Update: Prices Rise, Sales Volume Surges

2025 Leelanau County Real Estate Market Update:
Prices Rise, Sales Volume Surges

If you’ve been waiting for Leelanau County real estate to “cool off,” 2025 politely declined. Prices rose, sales volume surged, and more homes sold than the year before. Using figures from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors® MLS, here’s what actually happened in the Leelanau County residential real estate market in 2025 and what it means moving forward.

Total Residential Sales Volume Climbs Sharply

Total residential sales volume in Leelanau County reached $326,403,770 in 2025, a +15.83% increase over 2024.

That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident, especially in a higher-rate environment. It reflects strong demand, confident buyers, and sellers successfully closing at higher price points.

Bottom line: capital is still flowing into Leelanau County real estate.

Total Homes Sold Increased by Nearly 11%

This is the stat that cuts through the noise.

  • 2024 total homes sold: 338

  • 2025 total homes sold: 375

  • Year-over-year change: +10.95%

More homes sold and higher prices means demand isn’t just holding—it’s expanding.

Why this matters:

  • Buyers weren’t just browsing—they were committing.

  • Inventory that hit the market moved.

  • The increase in sales volume wasn’t driven only by luxury closings.

In short: this was real market activity, not statistical inflation.

Median Home Price Reaches $680,000

The median home sales price rose to $680,000 in 2025, an 11.57% increase year-over-year.

Median price tells us what the typical Leelanau County home is doing, and this confirms price strength across the market—not just at the high end.

What it signals:

  • Strong competition for well-priced homes

  • Continued upward pressure from limited inventory

  • Sellers rewarded for correct pricing and preparation

Leelanau County remains a supply-constrained market, and the data shows it.

Average Home Price Shows Healthy, Slower Growth

The average home sales price increased to $870,410, up 4.40% from 2024.

This slightly slower growth compared to the median price is actually good news.

Translation:

  • Fewer extreme outlier sales skewing the numbers

  • A more balanced mix of primary, second-home, and luxury transactions

  • A maturing, stabilizing market—not a declining one

Stability at elevated price levels is a sign of confidence, not weakness.

What This Meant for Buyers and Sellers in 2025

Sellers:

  • Demand is proven, not speculative.

  • Homes are selling—375 of them, to be exact.

  • Pricing strategy matters more than ever.

Overpricing will get noticed faster than it used to. Buyers are motivated, but they’re not reckless.

Buyers:

  • Waiting for a major pullback in Leelanau County has historically been a losing bet.

  • Negotiation opportunities exist, especially on stale or improperly priced listings.

  • Quality homes continue to attract competition.

The smartest buyers in 2025 weren’t timing the market—they were choosing the right property.

Why Leelanau County Continues to Outperform

Leelanau County’s long-term strength comes from fundamentals that don’t change quickly:

  • Limited supply and strict zoning

  • Persistent second-home and cash-buyer demand

  • Lifestyle-driven purchases, not short-term speculation

  • Buyers thinking in decades, not rate cycles

2025 reinforced what locals already know: this market plays the long game.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Leelanau County?

Market stats are useful—but strategy is everything. Whether you’re preparing to sell, evaluating timing, or trying to buy without overpaying, local insight matters.

If you want a straightforward, data-driven read on your situation (no sugarcoating, no national-portal nonsense), feel free to reach out.

Data based on information from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors® MLS. Reliable but not guaranteed. Does not include fractional ownership.

Need Expert Real Estate Advice? Contact Jonathan Oltersdorf Today!

For personalized insights into Leelanau County real estate, reach out to Jonathan Oltersdorf at Oltersdorf Realty, LLC.

📞 Office Phone: 231-271-7777
📧 Email: jonathan@oltersdorf.com
🌐 Website: www.oltersdorf.com

3911 N Hareld Drive, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD NORTH LAKE LEELANAU RANCH HOUSE

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/14/2025
$1,800,000 - 3911 N Hareld Drive, Lake Leelanau, MI – Newly Built Ranch Home with Incredible Sunset Water Views & Boat Dockage on North Lake Leelanau!

Custom built in 2019, this stunning ranch lake house sits high above North Lake Leelanau, offering sweeping 180-degree sunset water views and an expansive lakeside concrete patio designed for unforgettable outdoor gatherings with family and friends! Located on a professionally landscaped 1 acre lot in desirable Leland Township, the property includes a custom permanent stairway to the water, InstaDock system with patio extension, and a solar-powered boat hoist - ideal for enjoying the “Up North” lake lifestyle. The 2,283 sq ft main level offers living/ kitchen/dining areas with 24’ tall vaulted ceilings and a beautiful stone fireplace with a 150-year-old barn wood beam mantel, hardwood and tile flooring, Cambria quartz countertops, and GE Profile appliances, The spacious main floor master suite features a curb-less walk-in shower and walk-in closet, while the 2,283 sq ft unfinished lower level offers 9’6” ceilings, egress window, and insulated walls providing for easy future expansion. Additional highlights include an oversized extra deep, insulated, and finished garage, underground sprinklers, and extensive premium landscaping.  A rare opportunity to own one of the most dramatic sunset viewpoints on North Lake Leelanau with township & road commission approved permits for permanent stairs connecting to the seasonal dock on the lake. Don’t wait……sunsets, water access, and endless Leelanau memories are calling!

6339 E Horn Road, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD EAST LELAND FARMHOUSE ON ACREAGE

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 9/3/2024
6339 E Horn Road, Lake Leelanau, MI – 2,440 Sq Ft Farmhouse + 47 Acres in East Leland!  
$990,000 - Asking Price

A nature lover’s paradise! This 3 bedroom, 2,440 sq ft farmhouse is located on a sprawling ~47 acre wildlife sanctuary containing a variety of hardwoods, wooded wetlands, bubbling springs & streams, dry agricultural land, orchards, 2-3 ft deep seasonal pond fed by underground springs, and various areas of reforestation projects! Step inside to the 1886 era farmhouse which features 3 large bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a cozy wood burning stove, spacious kitchen & dining areas, natural gas generator, gas forced air furnace, 29.6’ x 21’ attached 2+ car garage, plentiful attic & basement storage, and solar panels that have resulted in a negative electric bill for the owners. Approximately 40 acres of this extremely unique property has been placed in conservancy ensuring its natural beauty will remain intact in perpetuity. The ~7.38 acres around the house are unencumbered and separate from conservation easement to be used according to the owners wishes and local zoning laws. See maps and conservation easement attached. Situated in a one-of-a-kind location in East Leland, directly across the street from public waterfront access on North Lake Leelanau!

2022 Leelanau County Waterfront Home Sales

2022 Leelanau County Year-End Waterfront Home Sales Data

Leelanau County Private Waterfront Home Sales data 2005-2022 for houses with direct private water frontage on Lake Michigan, West Bay, West Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay, Omena Bay, Northport Bay, Big Glen Lake, Little Glen Lake, Glen Lake, North Lake Leelanau, South Lake Leelanau, Lake Leelanau, Little Traverse Lake, and Lime Lake. This includes Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Omena, Northport, Leland, Lake Leelanau, Cedar, Maple City, Glen Arbor, and Empire. The data includes only homes with private direct water frontage. This excludes condominiums and homes with shared access, creek frontage, river frontage, and pond frontage, and also excludes fractional ownership.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS. Undisclosed sales are not included in the data. This is for basic review purposes only. All attempts for accuracy have been made but cannot be guaranteed.

Jonathan Oltersdorf, Oltersdorf Realty, LLC
Phone: 231-271-7777
E-mail: jonathan@oltersdorf.com

1021 N Sunset Shores Drive, Lake Leelanau - SOLD

SOLD NORTH LAKE LEELANAU WATERFRONT HOME

LISTED & SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 7/14/2022
1021 N Sunset Shores Drive, Lake Leelanau, MI – 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Home with 100’ of Direct Frontage on North Lake Leelanau!
Asking Price: $1,550,000

Enjoy spectacular western facing sunset water views from this 4 bedroom, 3 bath waterfront home with 100 feet of direct private frontage in a rarely available location on desirable North Lake Leelanau! Situated on an deep & peaceful 0.56 acre parcel, the well maintained 1.5 story home features an open great room with cathedral ceilings & floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors, a beautiful stone gas fireplace, wet bar, delightful wood cedar walls and ceilings, and water views throughout! Step outside to the absolutely charming and roomy guest house apartment suite accessed via a custom metal spiral staircase which offers cathedral ceilings, 2 walls of large windows, an abundance of natural light, cedar walls & ceilings, private ¾ bath & wet bar, and a private balcony. With over 1,180 sq ft of wrap around decking, a spacious waterside lawn, and a private dock (included), there is no shortage of entertaining areas ideal for swimming, boating, relaxation, and evening bonfires. A seldom find, offering expansive sunset water views and sandy lake bottom frontage! Neighborhood drain field system with SAD district is in the final planning stages which would allow potential hook-up of the subject property.

1800 N Eagle Highway, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD LAKE LEELANAU HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 1/31/2022
1800 N Eagle Highway, Lake Leelanau, MI – 4 Bedroom & 5 ½ Bathroom Home + 1176 SqFt Detached Workshop on 6.84 Acres!
Asking Price: $695,000

Built in 2002 this charming Cape Cod home is nestled on ~ 6.84 private partially wooded acres within Leland Township!  Features include over 3,229 sq ft of finished living area, a living and formal dining rooms accented by hardwood flooring, a beautiful fireplace and custom built-ins, large open kitchen with breakfast bar, informal dining area and brick flooring, 4 large bedrooms each with private en-suite bathrooms, 2 main level master suites including one with a private den, and an additional 2,087+ sq ft of unfinished floor area offering potential for additional future living space! The home’s maintenance free vinyl exterior is enhanced by the private wooded setting, beautiful gardens, 240 sq ft covered front porch and rear yard deck.  Quality construction includes in-floor radiant heating, ground water heat pump system, a/c, 400 amp electrical service, 2 car attached heated garage and ~ 1,176 sq ft insulated and heated detached workshop! Centrally located in a convenient setting close to many Leelanau County Villages! The home was built as a B&B making the amenities ideal for a primary home or vacation retreat!

2021 Leelanau County Waterfront Home Sales Data

2021 Leelanau County Year-End Waterfront Home Sales Data

Average Sales Price: +35.24%
Median Sales Price: +23.47%

Leelanau County Private Waterfront Home Sales data 2004-2021 for houses with private water frontage on Lake Michigan, West Bay, West Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay, Omena Bay, Northport Bay, Big Glen Lake, Little Glen Lake, Glen Lake, North Lake Leelanau, South Lake Leelanau, Lake Leelanau, Little Traverse Lake, and Lime Lake. This includes Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Omena, Northport, Leland, Lake Leelanau, Cedar, Maple City, Glen Arbor, and Empire. The data includes homes with private direct water frontage and "across the road" private waterfront. This excludes condominiums and homes with shared access, creek frontage, river frontage, and pond frontage, and also excludes fractional ownership.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS. Undisclosed sales are not included in the data. This is for basic review purposes only. All attempts for accuracy have been made but cannot be guaranteed.

Jonathan Oltersdorf, Oltersdorf Realty, LLC
Phone: 231-271-7777
E-mail: jonathan@oltersdorf.com

8350 E Horn Road, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY HOME ON ACREAGE

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 6/3/2021
8350 E Horn Road, Lake Leelanau, MI – Charming Newer Home + Guest Cottage on 4.9 Acres!
Price: $410,000

Absolutely charming countryside cottage situated on a partially wooded 4.9 acre private parcel! This custom high-quality energy efficient home built in 2017 features one floor living, 2 bedrooms & 1 bath, an open great room with vaulted wood ceilings, white kitchen cabinets with granite countertops, luxury vinyl flooring throughout, attractive covered front porch, rear deck & patio, Pella windows, SmartSide siding & trim, and an adorable 1 bedroom & 1 bath freestanding guest cottage with a fantastic rental history! Wonderful setup for a low-maintenance year-round primary home, seasonal Leelanau County 2nd home, or utilize entirely as a vacation rental property! Beautiful tranquil setting that you instantly appreciate as soon as you pull into the driveway. Located just minutes from Suttons Bay, Leland, and Lake Leelanau!! Extra-large septic system offers potential for a future home expansion! *Sq footage is a combined total of the house and the guest cottage. Main house is 816 sq ft, guest apartment is 192 sq ft.

35 Acres – S Lake Leelanau Drive, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY TOWNSHIP ACREAGE PARCEL

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 3/23/2021
35 Acres – S Lake Leelanau Drive, Lake Leelanau, MI – Water View Vacant Acreage
Asking Price: $259,000

Beautiful heavily wooded and rarely available acreage located within Suttons Bay Township! This property features western facing sloping topography with sunset water views from the back of the property/ridgetop, several potential building sites, access to natural gas and cable at the road, no restrictions, and includes 1 remaining land division. Quiet location just 6 miles to Suttons Bay and 2 miles to Lake Leelanau.

7492 S Lakeview Road, Traverse City - SOLD

SOLD SOUTH LAKE LEELANAU WATERFRONT HOME

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 12/16/2020
7492 S Lakeview Road, Traverse City, MI - Home with 293’ on South Lake Leelanau!
Asking Price: $995,000

Unique opportunity to own a South Lake Leelanau boathouse with living space above! This 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath boathouse sits on 293’ of direct private frontage with 3.31 wooded acres just 10 minutes from Downtown Traverse City in southern Leelanau County! Western facing sunset water views in Leelanau County!

7500 S Lakeview Road, Traverse City - SOLD

SOLD SOUTH LAKE LEELANAU WATERFRONT HOME

7500 S Lakeview Road, Traverse City, MI 49684
Asking Price: $995,000

2,246 sq ft ranch home with 300 ft on South Lake Leelanau and 7.00 acres of land! Great location on the east side of South Lake Leelanau within an easy drive of downtown Traverse City. Photos provided by the Northern Great Lakes REALTORS® MLS.

4.08 Acres S Lake Leelanau Drive, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD SOUTH LAKE LEELANAU WATERFRONT LOT

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 7/27/2020
4.08 Acres S Lake Leelanau Drive, Lake Leelanau, MI – 185’ on South Lake Leelanau
Asking Price: $449,500

Rarely available 4.08 acre estate sized parcel with 185’ of direct western facing private frontage on South Lake Leelanau! Build your Leelanau County dream home on this exceptionally deep partially wooded parcel with access at the road to natural gas, cable, and an approved location for an alternative on-site septic system! Perfect sandy bottom frontage ideal for boating, swimming, and recreation!

4037 E Yule Tree Lane, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD LAKE LEELANAU LOG HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 3/25/2020
4037 E Yule Tree Lane, Lake Leelanau, MI - Log Home on 2.5 Acres
Asking Price: $265,000

This charming log home is nestled within a wonderfully private, wooded, and gently sloping 2.5 acre parcel! Built in 2003 this home features full log exterior walls, great room with cathedral ceiling and a woodstove, hardwood flooring, maple cabinetry, 3 bedrooms, loft, Pella windows, full partially finished walkout basement plumbed for a 3rd bathroom, a wonderful 17ft covered front porch, and a 2 car detached garage. Picturesque central Leelanau location near Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau beaches while also offering the feeling of seclusion with this “Up North” style home! 

797 Dalton Shores Drive, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD NORTH LAKE LEELANAU WATERFRONT HOUSE

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 6/20/2019
797 Dalton Shores Drive, Lake Leelanau, MI – New Construction with 116’ on North Lake Leelanau
Asking Price: $1,300,000

New Construction! Built in 2019 this new craftsman style home features 116’ of private direct waterfrontage on desirable North Lake Leelanau, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2300+ sq ft, and situated on a 1 acre lot. *Photos provided by the Northern Great Lakes realtor MLS.

10 Acres – S Schomberg Road, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD LAKE LEELANAU VACANT PARCEL

LISTED & SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 5/24/2019
10 Acres – S Schomberg Road, Lake Leelanau, MI – Vacant 10 Acre Wooded Parcel
Asking Price: $79,000

Beautiful wooded & rolling 10 acre vacant building site adjacent to other large parcels and situated on a paved county maintained road in central Leelanau County, just 6 miles south of Leland and close to popular Lake Michigan beaches! Health department site survey on file. The property is located on the east side of S Schomberg Road at the Zeits Road intersection (2.5 miles south of M-22).

103 W Main Street, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD LAKE LEELANAU 4-PLEX

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 8/24/2018
103 W Main Street, Lake Leelanau, MI - 4-Plex Apartment Building & Additional Commercial Parcel
Asking Price: $335,000

Unique 3,084 sq ft 4 unit apartment building centrally located in downtown Lake Leelanau within Leland Township! This low maintenance income property offers stable rental history with 4 individually metered apartments, sewer, new roof, basement, and includes an adjacent 45’x42’ parcel with an existing workshop. Units include one 2 bedroom, two 1 bedroom’s, and a studio.  Fantastic investment opportunity in central Leelanau County!

19 Acres – S Schomberg Road, Lake Leelanau - SOLD

SOLD LAKE LEELANAU VACANT PARCEL

 SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 8/24/2018
19 Acres - S Schomberg Road, Lake Leelanau, MI - 19 Acre Vacant Parcel
Asking Price: $122,300

Gorgeous hardwoods encompass this 19 acre parcel located in Leland Township offering rolling topography, countryside views, and a land division to pass with! *Photos provided by the Northern Great Lakes Realtors.

2041 S French Road, Lake Leelanau – NEW LISTING

Within a tranquil 5 acre wooded setting this charming home offers character, privacy, and a wonderful layout with over 3600 sqft of finished living area, living room with cathedral ceilings, 4 large bedrooms including a main floor master suite, 3 baths, 2 car attached garage, and detached barn. Numerous quality home updates include newer mechanicals, porcelain tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring, impressive maintenance free aluminum metal roof, commercial grade gutters, and a new 600 sq ft brick paver patio! An ideal central Leelanau County location in the Leland School district and within 10 minutes of 4 quaint Villages and N Lake Leelanau and Good Harbor beaches!  5 acres includes a 2 acre buildable lot to the north, home is also available on 3 acres without the adjacent parcel for $369,000.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS NEW LISTING!

N Hoeft Road, Lake Leelanau - SOLD

SOLD LAKE LEELANAU ACREAGE

 LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 6/29/2018
N Hoeft Road, Lake Leelanau, MI - 55 Acre Water View Parcel
Asking Price: $350,000

Beautiful Leelanau County 55 acre parcel featuring wonderful elevated Lake Michigan & North Lake Leelanau water views from multiple locations, a variety of rolling and sloping topography, mixture of hardwoods and existing cherry trees, and ideal privacy at the end of a paved county maintained road! Health Department Site Survey/Soil Test on file.  A fantastic Leland Township location close to Leland, Lake Michigan Beaches, Lake Leelanau, and Suttons Bay!