West Michigan Housing Market July 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2026
Inventory expands as median prices rise;
sales ease slightly along Lakeshore
WEST MICHIGAN, Mich — Active residential listings across Allegan, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties continued to climb in July, while closed sales and the overall dollar amount of sold listings declined year over year, according to data compiled by the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS®.
Total dollar volume reached $244 million, down 8% from July 2025, while the median sale price rose 11% to $392,000 across the three-county region. Closed sales decreased 3.7% to 556. The data is 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 expanded, with active listings up 7% to 1,098, giving buyers more options in the market. Homes also spent more time on the market, with average days on market rising 19% to 21 days.
“Buyers are seeing more options in today’s market as inventory continues to grow,” said WMLAR CEO Jon Broadbooks. “At the same time, home values remain strong, reflecting steady demand.”
The numbers:
| County | Sales | Median Sales Price | Dollar Volume | Active Listings | Avg. Days on Market |
| Allegan | 135 (up 45% vs July 2025) | $392,000 (up 11% vs July 2025) | $66 million (up 52% vs July 2025) | 262 (up 6.1% vs July 2025) | 26 (stable vs July 2025) |
| Muskegon | 176 (down 9.3% vs July 2025) | $259,000 (down 6.8% vs July 2025) | $53 million (down 16% vs July 2025) | 405 (up 6.3% vs July 2025) | 21 (down 28% vs July 2025) |
| Ottawa | 245 (down 19% vs July 2025) | $435,000 (up 1.2% vs July 2025) | $125 million down 21% vs July 2025) | 431 (up 8% vs July 2025) | 17 (down 29% vs July 2025) |
Mortgage rates remained a key factor in buyer activity. As of July 30, 2026, the national average mortgage rate was 6.66%, according to Freddie Mac, compared to 6.72% one year earlier.
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.
