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

24.07 Acres – E Valley Road, Maple City – SOLD

SOLD MAPLE CITY VACANT ACREAGE

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 11/1/2024
E Valley Road, Maple City, MI – Vacant 24.07 acre parcel offering rolling hardwoods and no restrictions!
$268,000

Beautiful 24.07-acre wooded parcel, offering rolling terrain, majestic hardwoods, and complete freedom without deed restrictions. Several building locations are possible, near the road for easy access, or create a secluded retreat nestled deeper into the mid-point of the property on a ridge overlooking your own peaceful valley. This amazing parcel offers endless possibilities for outdoor recreation, including prime hunting land, just in time for the season. Situated on a paved county road in the heart of Leelanau County, this convenient location is just 13 miles from vibrant Downtown Traverse City and only 2.5 miles from the charming small towns of Maple City and Cedar. You’ll also be within 15 miles of the picturesque towns of Empire and Glen Arbor. Positioned on the south side of E Valley Road, this property is located just west of 1241 E Valley Road (between S Tower Road and S Kasben Road). A completed perc test/site survey confirm suitable soils for an on-site septic system.

Lot 26 - W Harbour Ridge, Maple City - SOLD

SOLD “HARBOUR RIDGE” VACANT LOT

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 8/27/2021
Lot 26 - W Harbour Ridge, Maple City, MI - 2.63 Acre Building Site

Asking Price: $54,000

Very nice 2.63 acre building site in Harbour Ridge centrally located in Leelanau County located close to the National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan!

2016 Leelanau County Home Sales: January to September

The 2017 3rd quarter (January 1 – September 30) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017 to the same time period in 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

2017 Leelanau County Home Sales Volume has increased a +11.29% compared to this time last year and total houses sold has increased +7.04% over last year. Average sales price has increased +3.97% and Median Sales Price has increased +0.16%.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS from 2011-2017. 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

2017 Leelanau County Home Sales: January - June

The 2017 2nd quarter (January 1 – June 30) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017 to the same time period in 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

2017 Leelanau County Home Sales Volume has increased a +14.96% compared to this time last year and total houses sold has increased +5.43% over last year. Average sales price has increased +9.03% and Median Sales Price has increased +0.72%.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS from 2011-2017. 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

2017 Leelanau County Home Sales January-March

The 2017 first quarter (January 1 – March 31) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017 to the same time period in 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

2017 Leelanau County Home Sales Volume has increased a +22.41% compared to this time last year and total houses sold has increased +5.71% over last year. Average sales price has increased +15.79% and Median Sales Price has increased +2.98%. The first quarter is by far the slowest 3 months of real estate sales in Leelanau County, especially with upper price ranges and waterfront property on West Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and Lake Leelanau.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS from 2011-2017. 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

2016 Leelanau County Year-End Home Sales

2016 Leelanau County Home Sales
Year-End Totals

The 2016 year end (January 1 – December 31) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 to the same time period in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

2016 Leelanau County Home Sales Volume increased +24.16% over last year's numbers, Units Sold increased +16.01%, Average Sales Price increased +7.20%, and Median Sales Price increased +3.51%.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2010-2016. 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

2016 Leelanau County Home Sales: January - September

The 2016 3rd quarter (January 1 – September 30) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016 to the same time period in 2015,2014,2013,2012, and 2011. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

Compared to this time last year 2016 Leelanau County Home Sales Average Price has increased +8.40%, Median Sales Price is up +5.35%, Total Sales Volume is up +28.84%, and Total Units sold has increased +18.85%

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2011-2016. 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

5447 S Maple City Road, Maple City - SOLD

SOLD LIME LAKE WATERFRONT HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/6/2016
5447 S Maple City Road, Maple City, MI - Ranch with 108' of Private Frontage on Lime Lake
Asking Price: $349,000

Direct waterfront year-round home features 108’ of sandy bottom water frontage on beautiful Lime Lake, a spacious living room with gas fireplace, 3 large bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 2 car finished attached garage, a composite waterside deck, and shed!  Setback nicely from the roadway this 290’ deep lot enjoys beautiful southeastern facing views and walk out frontage ideal for a primary home or vacation retreat centrally located in Leelanau County close to national parkland & Lake Michigan!

2016 Leelanau County Home Sales January-June

The 2016 2nd quarter (January 1 – June 30) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016 to the same time period in 2015,2014,2013,2012, and 2011. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

Compared to this time last year 2016 Leelanau County Home Sales Average Price has increased +14.26%, Median Sales Price is up +14.54%, Total Sales Volume is up +22.32%, and Total Units sold has increased +7.05%

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2011-2016. 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

2016 Leelanau County Home Sales January - March

The 2016 first quarter (January 1 – March 31) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016 to the same time period in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

2016 Leelanau County Home Sales Volume has decreased a -0.70% compared to this time last year and total houses sold has decreased -5.47% over 2015's total houses sold. Average sales price has increased 5.05% and Median Sales Price has increased +2.54%. The first quarter is by far the slowest 3 months of real estate sales in Leelanau County, especially with upper price ranges and waterfront property on West Grand Traverse Bay & Lake Michigan.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2011-2016. 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

2015 Leelanau County Year End Home Sales

The 2015 year end (January 1 – December 31) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 to the same time period in 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

2015 Leelanau County Home Sales Volume decreased -0.23% over 2014's record setting figures and total units/houses sold was up +1.00%. The average sales price has decreased -1.21% and median sales price increased +3.63% over last year. Overall 2015 was a great year for real estate sales in Leelanau County but the unbelievable growth in Grand Traverse County in 2015 is hard to ignore.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2010-2015. 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

Leelanau County & Traverse City Home Inventory 2003-2016

LEELANAU COUNTY
HOME INVENTORY
All Residential Listings 2003-2016

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY (TRAVERSE CITY)
HOME INVENTORY
All Residential Listings 2003-2016

Single family home inventory and condominium inventory continues to decline throughout Leelanau County, Grand Traverse County, and within the City of Traverse City. As of February, 2016 Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County (Traverse City) home inventory is at a 10+ year low.

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

Leelanau County Waterfront Home Sales 2011-2015

Total Sales Volume in $ Millions

Total Number of Houses Sold

Inland Lakes, Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan

Leelanau County Waterfront Home Sales 2011-2015 for houses with private water frontage on all Inland Lakes, Grand Traverse Bay, and Lake Michigan. This includes Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Omena, Northport, Leland, Lake Leelanau, Cedar, Maple City, Glen Arbor, and Empire.

2015 Leelanau County Home Sales: January - September

January - September : Leelanau County 2015 Home Sales Volume

January - September : Leelanau County 2015 Home Sales Units Sold

January - September : Leelanau County 2015 Home Sales

The 2015 3rd quarter (January 1 – September 30) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015 to the same time period in 2014,2013,2012,2011, and 2010. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

2015 Leelanau County Home Sales Volume has increased +4.39% over 2014's record setting figures and total units sold has increased +2.06% over 2014's total houses sold. Average sales price has increased +2.26% and Median Sales Price has increased +3.14%.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2010-2015. 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

2015 Leelanau County Home Sales: January - June

The 2015 2nd quarter (January 1 – June 30) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015 to the same time period in 2014,2013,2012,2011, and 2010. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

2015 Leelanau County Home Sales Volume has decreased a -7.13% over 2014's record setting figures although total units sold has increased +3.06% over 2014's total houses sold. Average sales price has decreased -9.89% and Median Sales Price has decreased -2.84%.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2010-2015. 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

2015 Leelanau County Home Sales: January - March

The 2015 first quarter (January 1 – March 31) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015 to the same time period in 2014,2013,2012,2011, and 2010. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

2015 Leelanau County Home Sales Volume has decreased a -5.11% over 2014's record setting figures although total units sold has increased +2.86% over 2014's total houses sold. Average sales price has decreased -7.75% and Median Sales Price has increased +3.60%. The first quarter is by far the slowest 3 months of real estate sales in Leelanau County, especially with upper price ranges and waterfront property on West Grand Traverse Bay & Lake Michigan.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2010-2015. 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

2014 Leelanau County Year End Home Sales

 

The 2014 year end (January 1 – December 31) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 to the same time period in 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

2014 Leelanau County Home Sales Volume has increased +0.74% over 2013's record setting figures and total units/houses sold are down -6.12% over last year's numbers, mostly due to record low housing inventory, especially in the lower price ranges <$200,000. The average sales price has increased +7.31% and median sales price has increased +10.00% over last year.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2010-2014. 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

Leelanau County - Highest Real Estate Sales of 2014

Leelanau County - Highest Real Estate Sales of 2014

2015 has arrived! Let’s go back and look at the highest real estate sales in Leelanau County that occurred during 2014. This list includes houses, vacant land, and commercial real estate listings. The final overall 2014 sales statistics will be posted on this blog once they are finalized by our MLS in a few weeks so please check back!

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service in 2014. 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.

Click Here to View Listings & Photos

Address Ask Price MLS # Type County Township # Acres Waterfront
12935 S W Bay Shore Drive $6,950,000 1780895 OFF Leelanau Elmwood 4.76 Y
12687 E Magic Carpet Court $3,498,000 1729488 RES Leelanau Leelanau 3.7 Y
5207 N Manitou Trail $3,900,000 1738096 RES Leelanau Leland 14 Y
2011 N Wardens Point Road $2,175,000 1784025 RES Leelanau Leland 1.58 Y
5196 N Manitou Trail $1,495,000 1787137 VAC Leelanau Leland 2 Y
5833 W Northwood Drive $1,595,000 1777456 RES Leelanau Glen Arbor 1.4 Y
1 South Beach $1,500,000 1786814 RES Leelanau Glen Arbor
Y
3410 N Manitou Trail $1,497,000 1787973 RES Leelanau Leland 1.3 Y
1229 N Leland Estates Drive $1,325,000 1788870 RES Leelanau Leland 5.19 Y
13380 S W Bay Shore Drive $1,285,000 1747879 MU Leelanau Elmwood 11.45 Y