“While some segments of the market experienced a slowdown during the second half of 2025, the ultra-luxury lakefront market really accelerated,” Abreu says. “We saw unprecedented sales in multiple North Shore communities.” The region accounted for all five of the Chicago-area’s highest-priced home sales last year, including a record-breaking $34.5 million transaction in Winnetka, the most expensive residential resale in Chicago-area history. Represented by @properties Christie's International Real Estate agent Jena Radnay, the 1.9-acre lakefront estate traded privately, highlighting the growing role of off-market transactions across the North Shore. Privately marketed listings are becoming increasingly common, particularly for significant properties where discretion and targeted exposure are priorities, according to Maggio. 2026 OUTLOOK “We are already seeing a great deal of activity from buyers,” says Abreu. “Many of the buyers who were active in 2025 are still in the market, and a new group has joined them. At the same time, we began 2026 with historically low inventory levels.” According to Abreu, unless there is a significant and unexpected shift in supply or demand this spring, the fundamentals remain intact: strong buyer interest, limited availability, and sustained price growth in one of the Chicago area’s most sought-after luxury markets.
WORDS BY BELLA PAREDES
*Source: BrokerMetrics/MRED LLC, North Shore, Residential Properties, 2025 vs. 2024
Vice President of Brokerage Services for @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s Highland Park, Glencoe and Bannockburn offices. “However, instead of seven or eight offers, a ‘hot’ listing might receive two or three. Some buyers are expressing less interest in entering aggressive bidding wars and are pulling back when they know there is competition." After hearing about multiple-offer scenarios and missed opportunities, many buyers are entering the market more educated and ready to act, adds Maggio. “Agents are focused on helping their buyers understand pricing dynamics, contract terms, and what it truly takes to win in a competitive environment so there is no hesitation when the right home becomes available,” Maggio notes. STRENGTH AT THE TOP Nowhere was the strength of the North Shore market more evident than at the very top. In 2025, there were 28 transactions for homes priced above $5 million, a 100% increase from 2024.
ASPIRE ON THE SHORE // 5
Powered by FlippingBook