West Michigan Housing Market August 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2026
Lakeshore home buyers had more choices in August;
but prices continue to increase in some markets
WEST MICHIGAN, Mich — Active residential listings across Allegan, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties continued to increase in August, while median sale prices remained strong and closed sales showed varying trends across the three-county region, according to data compiled by the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS®.
Total dollar volume reached $234 million, down 4.4% from August 2025, while the median sale price rose 2% to $369,000 across the three-county region. Closed sales totaled 522, down 7% year over year.
The data are drawn from WMLAR’s multiple listing service, the region’s most comprehensive database of property transactions as reported by the association’s 1,200 REALTOR® members.
Inventory continued to expand, with active listings rising 12% to 1,170, giving buyers more options in the market. Homes spent an average of 25 days on the market, a 4% decrease from August 2025.
“For years, buyers have been clamoring for more choices when they look for homes,” said WMLAR CEO Jon Broadbooks. “Now we are seeing more options for them, but ever-present demand is still driving overall price increases along the Lakeshore.”
Mortgage rates remained a key factor in buyer activity. As of August 27, 2026, the national average mortgage rate was 6.66%, according to Freddie Mac, compared to 6.56% one year earlier.
“We are seeing uncertainty in the bond market driving increases in interest rates,” Broadbooks said. “In the past we have seen consumers surge into the market when they perceive interest rates are likely to increase, so it will be interesting to see if that dynamic plays out in the month ahead.”
| County | Sales | Median Sales Price | Dollar Volume | Active Listings | Avg. Days on Market |
| Allegan | 123 (down 1.6% vs August 2025) | $369,000 (up 2% vs August 2025) | $62 million (down 1% vs August 2025) | 286 (up 16% vs August 2025) | 25 (down 4% vs August 2025) |
| Muskegon | 157 (down 25% vs August 2025) | $275,000 (up 3% vs August 2025) | $54 million (down 16% vs August 2025) | 438 (up 11% vs August 2025) | 25 (down 11% vs August 2025) |
| Ottawa | 242 (up 7% vs August 2025) | $415,000 (down 8% vs August 2025) | $118 million (up 0.1% vs August 2025) | 446 (up 10% vs August 2025) | 26 (up 4% vs August 2025) |
About WMLAR
The West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS® represents nearly 1,400 real estate and related service professionals engaged in all aspects of the real estate business. Based in Grand Haven, Mich., the association serves Allegan, Ottawa and Muskegon counties.
For more information, contact WMLAR CEO Jon Broadbooks at jon@wmlar.com, or at (616) 846-6240.
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