North Idaho Real Estate Market Report
Q3 2026
North Idaho’s housing market entered fall with its year-to-date gains intact, even as September activity eased from last year’s pace. Through the third quarter, closed sales increased 5.1% and pending sales rose 6.4%, demonstrating continued demand following the height of the summer selling season.
Results varied across the region. Kootenai County remained the primary driver, with residential sales up 4.7%, dollar volume up 14.7% and homes selling faster than last year. Bonner County also recorded gains in both residential sales and volume, while Shoshone County posted modest growth. Hayden and Hayden Lake saw fewer transactions but higher dollar volume and substantially shorter marketing times, suggesting a shift toward higher-value sales. Boundary County was quieter, with fewer residential transactions but a slight increase in total volume.
Inventory remained constrained across the broader market. New listings were up 3.3% year to date, yet the number of available homes at the end of September was 4.7% lower than one year ago. The median sales price rose 4.3% to $565,400, and sellers received an average of 98.1% of list price. Waterfront sales volume also increased in both Kootenai and Bonner counties during North Idaho’s peak lake and recreation season.
As summer gave way to fall, the market began its customary seasonal transition. Buyers active after the start of the school year tend to be more intentional, while lower inventory can help prepared sellers stand out. The fourth quarter begins with steady demand, limited supply and measured appreciation, although conditions continue to vary considerably by location and property type.
Autumn in North Idaho has a way of bringing home into sharper focus. As the lakes grow quieter, the hills turn gold and the first fires are lit, buyers and sellers begin thinking about what they want from the seasons ahead. Whether a move is planned before winter or only beginning to take shape, it is a natural time for thoughtful conversations and informed decisions.