News Summary
Milwaukee’s housing market has been recognized as the most resilient among major U.S. metropolitan areas, with a 12% increase in home sales from the previous year. Despite national cooling trends, the market remains competitive, highlighted by rising home prices and limited inventory. Homeowners are hesitant to sell, holding onto low mortgage rates secured during the pandemic. Milwaukee’s proximity to Chicago continues to attract buyers, marking it as a prime location for real estate investment.
Milwaukee’s housing market has been ranked as the most resilient among major U.S. metropolitan areas according to a Redfin analysis. This analysis, which evaluates year-over-year changes in various housing metrics as of June 2025, reveals that Milwaukee’s home sales increased by 12% from 2024 to 2025. The median home sale price per square foot in Milwaukee has risen by 8.2%, indicating robust demand for housing in the area.
In addition to sales and prices, Milwaukee’s housing inventory has increased modestly by 3.2%. Unlike many other regions across the country, Milwaukee’s market is not classified as a buyer’s market, indicating that demand continues to outpace supply.
Real estate professionals in the region highlight that homes are still selling quickly, although the dramatic bidding wars characteristic of the pandemic days, where homes were fetching $80,000 over asking prices, have waned. A recent illustration of this trend involved a South Milwaukee home that received seven offers and sold for $50,000 over its $256,000 listing price. Such examples reflect the continuing appeal of Milwaukee real estate amidst a national slowdown in housing sales.
The current inventory shortage can be attributed to homeowners retaining low mortgage rates secured during the pandemic. Many are hesitant to sell their homes and part with these advantageous rates. Furthermore, construction of new homes in the Midwest has not kept pace with demand, compounding the inventory challenges faced by potential buyers.
While the typical U.S. home takes approximately 40 days to sell, Milwaukee’s market is tightening, suggesting a competitive environment for prospective buyers. In stark contrast to Milwaukee’s situation, Las Vegas is identified as the fastest-cooling housing market, with a reported 10.2% decrease in year-over-year sales.
The Redfin analysis included data from the 50 most populous U.S. metropolitan areas, placing Milwaukee just behind Chicago as another strong Midwest market. Other regions exhibiting resilience in the housing market include Philadelphia, New York, and Detroit. Conversely, cities such as Sacramento, Denver, and Miami are experiencing significant cooling trends.
Milwaukee’s geographical proximity to Chicago remains a powerful attraction for homebuyers, bolstering its status as a desirable place to live and invest. This continued interest is exemplified by the recent sale of the Malt House, a landmark building in Milwaukee’s Brewery District, which sold for $19.2 million.
As Milwaukee’s housing market flourishes amidst a national trend toward cooling, it remains a focal point for both individuals seeking new homes and investors looking for promising opportunities. The city’s strong sales figures and rising prices, combined with its enduring appeal, indicate a market that is both active and competitive, defying the challenges faced by many U.S. metropolitan areas.
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Additional Resources
- Redfin: Metros Heating and Cooling August 2025
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Housing Market Hotter Than Any Other
- BizTimes: Malt House Apartment Building Sold for $19 Million
- Urban Milwaukee: Large Pabst Apartment Complex Sold
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Spring Home Sales Season Arrives
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee
- Google Search: Milwaukee Housing Market
- Google Scholar: Milwaukee Real Estate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee
- Google News: Milwaukee Real Estate
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
