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inter housing activity is poised to reach its peak since the pandemic, according to Alejandro Trujillo of RE/MAX Premier. “We still see a solid pool of buyers,” he says, noting that sellers recognize they can command comparable prices now as they would in spring. Trujillo predicts 2026 will mirror this year, maintaining a robust seller’s market.
In Chicago, the median sale price last month was $360,000, a negligible 0.06% drop from the previous year. November 2024’s median stood at $362,250. Inventory tightened further, with 3,762 homes on the market—a 23.9% decline YoY. Although closed sales fell 11% from November 2024, homes moved 13.6% faster, spending 57 days on the market versus 66 the year before.
Trujillo attributes the uptick in buyer interest to the stagnation of mortgage rates. He advises buyers to remain flexible on location: neighborhoods like River North, the Loop, and South Loop offer more inventory at attractive prices, while current hotspots include Lincoln Park, Lake View, and Old Town. “A fixer‑upper can be a smart move right now,” he suggests, encouraging buyers to consider areas outside the most sought‑after districts.
The Chicago Sun‑Times examined what a buyer can acquire near the city’s median price. Five representative listings illustrate the range of options:
| Address | Price | HOA | Size | Beds/Baths | Year Built | Highlights |
|---------|-------|-----|------|------------|------------|------------|
| 2800 N. Pine Grove Ave., Unit 8A, Lake View | $360,000 | $491 | 705 sq ft | 2 / 1 | 1893 | 10‑ft ceilings, quartz kitchen, Bosch appliances, upgraded plumbing, new windows, tankless water heater |
| 2801 N. Oakley Ave., #202, Bucktown | $359,000 | $295 | 1,000 sq ft | 1 / 1 | 2008 | Open‑concept condo, fireplace, recessed lighting, built‑in surround sound, stainless‑steel appliances, balcony |
| 400 S. Green St., #406, West Loop | $359,900 | $432 | 1,138 sq ft | 1 / 1 | 1910 (converted 1986) | Timber loft, exposed beams, 12‑ft ceilings, wood‑burning fireplace, in‑unit laundry, updated kitchen |
| 6318 S. Greenwood Ave., #1, Woodlawn | $364,900 | $386 | 2,056 sq ft | 4 / 3 | 1903 | Duplex condo, hardwood floors, new kitchen with marble backsplash, quartz countertops, walk‑in closet, lower‑level family room |
| 635 N. Dearborn St., #1403, River North | $365,000 | $795 | 925 sq ft | 2 / 2 | 2003 | Two‑bedroom condo, floor‑to‑ceiling windows, in‑unit laundry, parking, 24‑hour door staff, updated fitness center |
These properties showcase the diversity of Chicago’s market: from historic lofts with original character to modern condos with contemporary amenities. Buyers looking near the median price can find units ranging from 705 to 2,056 square feet, with 1–4 bedrooms and 1–3 bathrooms, all built between 1893 and 2003.
In summary, the winter market remains active, inventory is low, and homes are selling faster. Sellers can still achieve spring‑level prices, while buyers who stay flexible on location and consider fixer‑ups may secure favorable deals. The five sample listings demonstrate that, even at the median price point, Chicago offers a wide array of options across its diverse neighborhoods.
