Belanger Creek – Lot 7. This private, quiet parcel offers a tranquil creekside building site with Belanger Creek flowing along the rear of the lot. Situated just 3 miles from the Village of Suttons Bay, it’s tucked at the end of a paved cul-de-sac and offers underground utilities, including natural gas and high-speed cable internet. Residents enjoy 8.5 acres of common open space, 2,100 feet of creek frontage, shared pond frontage, and building restrictions that maintain high-quality construction. Outbuildings are allowed on this parcel. Adjacent parcels are also available to purchase.
2164 N Belanger Creek Drive, Suttons Bay - NEW LISTING
Belanger Creek – Lot 8. This private, quiet parcel offers a tranquil creekside building site with Belanger Creek flowing along the rear of the lot. Situated just 3 miles from the Village of Suttons Bay, it’s tucked at the end of a paved cul-de-sac and offers underground utilities, including natural gas and high-speed cable internet. Residents enjoy 8.5 acres of common open space, 2,100 feet of creek frontage, shared pond frontage, and building restrictions that maintain high-quality construction. Outbuildings are allowed on this parcel. Adjacent parcels are also available to purchase.
2155 N Belanger Creek Drive, Suttons Bay - NEW LISTING
Belanger Creek – Lot 6. Wonderful building site offering bay views and shared creek frontage on Belanger Creek! Situated just 3 miles from the Village of Suttons Bay, it’s tucked at the end of a paved cul-de-sac and offers underground utilities, including natural gas and high-speed cable internet. Residents enjoy 8.5 acres of common open space, 2,100 feet of creek frontage, shared pond frontage, and building restrictions that maintain high-quality construction. Adjacent parcels are also available to purchase. Gently sloping topography offers various building options!
1881 N Blue Water Court, Suttons Bay - NEW LISTING
Situated towards the end of a quiet dead-end private road, this premier building site delivers the kind of water view you've been searching for! With 31 acres of preserved common space, peaceful countryside surroundings, and panoramic Suttons Bay sunrise water views, this is easily one of the best water view lots in the area. The value goes beyond the water view, owners benefit from lower township tax rates, a paved private road, and developer-installed underground electric, gas, cable, and high-speed internet. A shared propane system and common drain field are already in place, saving you real time and real money when planning your dream home. Less hassle and fewer surprise costs. Located just minutes from Suttons Bay, Leland, and Omena, you get privacy without isolation — wineries, marinas, golf, and dining are all within easy reach. If you’ve been waiting for the right view in the right location, this is it!
Leelanau County Vacant Land Market: 2016–2025 Trends, Pricing Power, and What It Means for Buyers & Sellers
Leelanau County Vacant Land Market: 2016–2025
Trends, Pricing Power, and What It Means for Buyers & Sellers
If you’re looking at vacant land in Leelanau County, the data tells a very clear story: land is scarce, demand is persistent, and pricing power has shifted decisively toward well-located parcels.
Using Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS data from 2016 through 2025, here’s what actually happened—and why it matters if you’re buying or selling land in Leelanau County today.
Vacant Land Sales: Fewer Deals, Not Fading Demand
From 2016 through 2019, vacant land sales were fairly stable, averaging roughly 200–240 parcels per year. Then came the pandemic-era surge:
2020: 327 parcels sold
2021: 412 parcels sold (the decade high)
That spike wasn’t random. Buyers rushed to secure land for future homes, investment, or lifestyle properties as remote work became normal and Leelanau County jumped onto the national radar.
Since then, sales volume has cooled:
2022: 278 sales
2023: 168 sales
2024: 197 sales
2025: 193 sales
Here’s the key takeaway most people miss:
📉 Lower unit sales do not mean lower demand.
They mean less inventory and more selective buyers.
Dollar Volume Tells the Real Story
Now look at the money.
Even with fewer parcels changing hands after 2021, total dollar volume stayed strong:
2021: $71.1M (record year)
2022: $47.8M
2023: $31.2M
2024: $36.7M
2025: $46.9M
In fact, 2025 dollar volume nearly matched 2022, despite 85 fewer parcels sold.
That means:
➡️ Average land prices are significantly higher than pre-2020
➡️ Buyers are paying more per parcel, especially for buildable, view, waterfront, or well-located tracts
Translation: cheap land is the unicorn. You might hear about it, but you won’t see it.
Inventory: The Silent Constraint
The inventory chart is the mic-drop moment.
From 2016 to early 2020, Leelanau County routinely had 1,000–1,300 active vacant land listings. Then the market changed—fast.
2021: Inventory collapsed
2022–2025: Inventory remained historically low, bouncing between roughly 250–450 active listings
That’s a 60–75% reduction compared to pre-pandemic levels.
And here’s why that matters:
Fewer sellers are willing to let land go
Builders and long-term owners are holding
Desirable parcels are absorbed quickly when priced right
Low inventory is the real reason prices are holding—not speculation, not hype.
What This Means if You’re Buying Vacant Land
If you’re a buyer in Leelanau County:
You need to move faster than pre-2020 norms
“Waiting for prices to crash” hasn’t been a winning strategy
Buildable land with utilities, road frontage, or views is still commanding premiums
Smart buyers are focusing on:
Parcels with realistic building potential
Zoning and setback clarity
Long-term utility, not just acreage count
What This Means if You’re Selling Vacant Land
If you own vacant land, this is not the market to underprice—or overprice.
The data suggests:
Well-positioned parcels sell, even in slower years
Pricing accuracy matters more than ever
Buyers are sophisticated and expect strong value, not guesswork
The biggest mistake sellers make?
❌ Relying on outdated comps from pre-2020 inventory levels.
The Bottom Line on Leelanau County Vacant Land
From 2016 to 2025, Leelanau County’s vacant land market transformed:
Fewer listings
Fewer total transactions
Higher average prices
Sustained demand
This is no longer a high-volume land market—it’s a precision market. The winners are the buyers and sellers who understand the numbers, not the noise.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling vacant land in Leelanau County, the data doesn’t just help—it protects you from costly assumptions.
Thinking About Vacant Land in Leelanau County?
Whether you’re looking for a home site, an investment parcel, or you’re sitting on land and wondering what it’s worth in today’s market, having a hyper-local perspective matters.
I track this data closely because in a market like Leelanau County, details decide outcomes.
If you want a straight answer—not a sales pitch—I’m always happy to talk land.
Need Expert Real Estate Advice in Leelanau County or Suttons Bay? 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
Lot 10 - Blue Water Court, Suttons Bay - SOLD
Lot 61 S Skye Hill Drive, Traverse City - SOLD
Lot 6 – N Indian Camp Road, Northport – SOLD
Dreaming of a peaceful waterfront location to build your vacation retreat or forever home in Leelanau County? Hitting the market for the first time since 1961, this ~1.18-acre vacant parcel offers 104 feet of private, direct frontage on Grand Traverse Bay—complete with unique views of Gull Island. The land is level, untouched, adorned with mature towering trees, and is accessed by a private dead-end road. A recently completed soil evaluation (perc test) confirms suitability for a traditional on-site septic system. High-speed fiber internet was installed along the road in spring 2025. With no known deed restrictions, you’ve got the freedom to bring your vision to life. Situated just 2.5 miles south of the charming Village of Northport and within a short drive of all the amenities of Traverse City! Vacant building sites on Grand Traverse Bay are becoming quite hard to find, don’t miss out on this one!
1955 N Blue Water Court, Suttons Bay - NEW LISTING
Affordable 1.16-acre building site in a well-planned centrally located Leelanau County development! Situated just minutes from Suttons Bay and Lake Michigan access, this quiet neighborhood on a private dead end road includes 31 acres of common space and peaceful countryside views. Added value comes with lower township tax rates, underground electric, cable and high-speed internet, plus a shared propane and drainfield system already installed - saving you time and money. Reasonable restrictions on this lot (lot #2) allow for outbuildings and only require a 1,600 finished sq ft home above grade, giving you flexibility without unnecessary costs. Perfect topography for a walkout home!
Lot 134 – N Cherrywood Ct, Northport – SOLD.
Nice location tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac within Cherry Home Shores! This beautiful, 0.26 acre affordable wooded building site offers level terrain, perc test/site survey showing suitable conditions for a septic system and is situated just ~1400 feet from sandy beach access on Grand Traverse Bay! Cherry Homes association amenities include hiking trails, 4 waterfront parks with shared access to Grand Traverse Bay, clubhouse with tennis/basketball courts, playground, and dues of only $65/year! No short-term rentals are allowed. All association info can be found at: https://cherryhomeshores.com/
Lot 16 - S Walden Court, Suttons Bay - SOLD
SOLD SUTTONS BAY VACANT PARCEL
SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 6/18/2025
$60,000 – Lot 16, S Walden Court, Suttons Bay, MI - Hard to find vacant lot on Stony Point Peninsula within the popular “The Points” subdivision.
Lot 69 – E Cherry Park Drive, Northport – SOLD
SOLD NORTHPORT VACANT LOT
SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 5/29/2025
$40,000 – Lot 69 – E Cherry Park Drive, Northport, Northport, MI – Vacant Parcel within 1300’ of Sandy Grand Traverse Bay Access!
Nice location tucked away on a quiet street within Cherry Home Shores! This beautiful, 0.36 acre affordable wooded building site offers easy level terrain, perc test/site survey showing suitable conditions for a septic system and is situated just ~1300 feet from sandy beach access on Grand Traverse Bay! Cherry Homes association amenities include hiking trails, 4 waterfront parks with shared access to Grand Traverse Bay, clubhouse with tennis/basketball courts, playground, and dues of only $65/year! No short-term rentals are allowed. All association info can be found at: https://cherryhomeshores.com/
E Lake Bluffs, Traverse City - SOLD
SOLD TRAVERSE CITY VACANT PARCEL
SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 2/21/2025
E Lake Bluffs Drive, Traverse City, MI
$41,600 Ask Price
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.
9.70 Acres – E Wood How Lane, Northport - SOLD
SOLD NORTHPORT ACREAGE
LISTED & SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 9/16/2024
9.70 Acres – E Wood How Lane, Northport, MI – Beautiful wooded building site at the northern end of Leelanau County!
$180,000
This quiet and tranquil 9.70 acre mature wooded parcel provides unmatched privacy with the convenience of a county-maintained roadway and enjoys flat and rolling terrain ideal for building a new home with a walk out basement! Newly installed Fiber Optics line has just been installed on E Wood How Lane. Soil tests by LCHD have been completed and on file for installation of a Septic System. Natural gas is available on N Lighthouse Point Road. Wonderful area of quality homes just 6 miles north of the Village of Northport and nearby numerous Lake Michigan beaches, and hiking trails! The parcel backs to lots within the Cherry Homes Development, an adjoining vacant lot and home within Cherry Homes Development is currently available (mls 1924231).
Lot 2 - Blue Water Ridge, Suttons Bay - SOLD
SOLD SUTTONS BAY VACANT LOT
SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 6/21/24
Lot 2 - Blue Water Ridge, Suttons Bay, MI - Affordable 1.16 acre building site located just 2 miles north of the Village of Suttons Bay!
$32,000
Lot 134 N Cherrywood Court, Northport - SOLD
SOLD NORTHPORT VACANT BUILDING SITE
SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 4/26/2024
Lot 134 N Cherrywood Court, Northport, MI
$24,900
Lots 12 & 13 – N Evgor Pt, Suttons Bay – SOLD
SOLD SUTTONS BAY WATER VIEW LOT
LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 4/26/2024
Lots 12 & 13 – N Evgor Pt, Suttons Bay, MI – 4.50 Acre Water View Lot
$375,000
Introducing an extraordinary one-of-a-kind 4.50 acre building site that offers incredible year-round elevated panoramic water views of Suttons Bay & Stony Point Peninsula! Situated in a premier private location at the very end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this lot is tucked away up high surrounded by newer homes within the "Bayscape Hills" development. Features include underground natural gas, electric, high-speed cable internet/tv connections, and a soil evaluation is on file, indicating suitability for a traditional on-site septic system. With reasonable building requirements of 1,500 minimum sq ft (see full restrictions attached), you have the freedom to build a residence that perfectly suits your requirements. Conveniently located a mere 3 miles away from the charming year-round Village of Suttons Bay, this perfect building site grants you the blend of privacy, acreage, and gorgeous elevated bay views!
2114 N Belanger Creek Drive, Suttons Bay - SOLD
Direct pond frontage and partial Bay views provide a wonderful setting to design your Leelanau County dream home! Located within 3 miles of the year-round Village of Suttons Bay this exciting development offers very private 1 to 3 acre parcels, 8.5 acres of common open space, a paved private road, 2100 ft of Belanger Creek frontage, and underground utilities including natural gas and cable high speed internet.
W View Ridge, Glen Arbor - SOLD
SOLD GLEN ARBOR VACANT LOT
SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/19/2023
W View Ridge, Glen Arbor, MI - Off Market 4.01 Acre Vacant Parcel
$85,000