📈 Market Snapshot — What’s Happening in the North Shore
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According to the latest data for the North Shore, the median sale price rose to $1,000,000 in October 2025, up 7.5% year-over-year.
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Sales volume is up: in the past 12 months there have been 2537 homes sold, a jump of 6.5% compared with last year even though the number of available listings is down 7.2% over the same period. Indicating a very strong sellers market where more homes are selling even though their is less available.
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Days on market remain unchanged: the median is 43 days, same as last year — indicating that even with rising prices, well-positioned homes continue to move at a predictable pace.
Bottom line: Demand remains strong, supply remains constrained, and value is rising. This is very much a sellers’ market, especially for well-priced, well-presented homes.
🏡 What’s Driving the Surge — Luxury, Lifestyle & Limited Inventory
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The upper-end of the market continues to break records. In communities like Winnetka, Kenilworth, Wilmette and Lake Forest, “trophy homes” are selling fast and for high prices, contributing significantly to overall median-price growth.
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Limited availability, especially under the $2 million mark, continues to tighten the market. Many homes are reportedly selling almost as soon as they hit the market, and several are finding buyers while on the private networks before listing hits MLS.
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As Millennials have become the largest cohort in the country and are hitting their key family formation years, I am seeing buyers increasingly motivated by lifestyle, top-tier public and private schools, lake access, and proximity to downtown Chicago with the quiet, stable suburban environment all boost demand.
🔍 What Sellers & Investors Should Know Right Now
For Sellers:
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Homes that are “move-in ready,” properly staged, and well-priced relative to comparable homes are getting top dollar and often multiple offers.
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Given tight inventory, the window for premium pricing remains open. Sellers should lean into quality presentation and smart timing. Winter months bring fewer listings and historically is not fruitful for finding a buyers, but given the extreme lack of inventory, there are many buyers searching so for sellers who need to sell this winter may still be productive and possible to fetch near market value prices.
For Investors (or Buyers):
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Entry-level buyers may find it tougher to compete, rising median prices and shrinking inventory mean fewer affordable deals. But for those targeting long-term appreciation, especially in luxury segments or in highly desirable school-district towns, the market fundamentals remain strong.
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Off-market and private-listing networks may be a key channel; some of the best North Shore homes are selling before hitting public MLS, making relationships with local agents important.
🧭 Strategic Takeaways — What I Would Do If I Were You (Given My Background)
Given the analytics and my experience, here is what I would recommend:
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For a seller/investor client holding North Shore property: now could be a strong time to list, especially if the property is well maintained, has updated mechanical systems, and is priced strategically. The upward trend and limited supply favor well-prepped listings.
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For a buyer/investor client seeking acquisition: if targeting long-term value (or rental demand), consider premium homes in communities like Winnetka, Lake Forest, or Kenilworth just be prepared for competition, quick decisions, and the possibility of bidding well above asking price and/or waiving contingencies.
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For value-add opportunities (flips or rehab): homes needing moderate renovations might still yield upside, but factor in likely competition and account for where in the price spectrum the improvements will land the property. Background in inspections, warranties, and mechanical systems could add real value in evaluating and negotiating these deals to secure them and provide a path of least risk with a seller.
📬 What’s Next — Why Staying Connected Matters
Supply dynamics in the North Shore will remain tight for the foreseeable future, especially if interest rates stay stable to moderate, and if demand remains strong among families looking for suburban homes with premium schools and lake access. With the number of client's I have reaching out saying that 2026 is the year they move to the suburbs and the extreme undersupply of listings and lack of land to build, I see no slow down for the foreseeable future.
If you have specific questions about an area, property type or real estate in general, let me know.
-Geoff
