If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Livingston County, one of the biggest questions right now is simple: What's happening in the market?
The short answer: home values continue to rise, inventory remains limited, and buyers are still actively competing for well-priced homes.
Here's a closer look at what we're seeing across Livingston County as we move through 2026.
Home Prices Continue to Climb
Despite higher mortgage rates than we've seen in recent years, home values throughout Livingston County have remained remarkably strong.
Over the three-month period ending in April 2026, the county's median sale price increased approximately 5.5% year-over-year, reaching about $411,000.
Local communities continue to show strong appreciation as well:
Brighton remains one of the county's most sought-after markets, with median home prices around $446,000.
Howell continues to offer some of the best value in Livingston County, with median prices near $375,000, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers and families looking for more space at a lower price point.
Hartland has also experienced steady growth, with average home values around $393,000, representing an increase of roughly 4.6% compared to last year.
The continued appreciation across the county reflects strong demand, desirable communities, highly rated schools, and Livingston County's convenient location between Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Metro Detroit.
Inventory Remains Tight
One of the biggest factors driving home prices is the ongoing inventory shortage.
While new listings continue to hit the market, available homes remain limited throughout Brighton, Howell, Hartland, Pinckney, South Lyon, and surrounding communities.
Instead of hundreds of active listings competing for buyers, most Livingston County towns currently have only dozens of homes available at any given time.
This lack of inventory creates a competitive environment where buyers must act quickly when the right property becomes available.
For sellers, this limited supply continues to provide a significant advantage, especially when homes are priced correctly and presented well.
Homes Are Selling Quickly
The pace of the market remains strong.
So far in 2026, the average home in Livingston County is spending roughly two weeks on the market before going under contract.
That quick turnaround demonstrates that buyers are still actively searching and ready to make offers when they find a home that meets their needs.
While buyers may be more selective than they were during the peak frenzy of 2021 and 2022, desirable homes that are properly priced continue to generate strong interest and move quickly.
For homeowners considering a sale, timing remains favorable.
Mortgage Rates and What They Mean for Buyers
Mortgage rates continue to be one of the biggest topics in real estate conversations.
As of early June 2026, 30-year fixed mortgage rates are hovering in the mid-6% range, generally around 6.5% to 6.6%.
While many buyers are hoping for rates to fall significantly, most industry forecasts suggest rates are likely to remain above 6% throughout much of the year.
At the same time, experts continue to project home price growth of approximately 3% to 5% during 2026.
What does that mean for buyers?
Waiting for a dramatic drop in interest rates may not provide the savings many people expect. If home values continue rising while rates remain relatively stable, buyers who delay could ultimately face higher purchase prices later in the year.
Every buyer's situation is different, but today's market increasingly rewards those who are prepared and ready to act when opportunities arise.
What This Means for Livingston County Buyers and Sellers
The Livingston County housing market remains healthy and competitive.
For sellers, strong home values, limited inventory, and motivated buyers continue to create favorable conditions.
For buyers, while mortgage rates remain elevated compared to recent years, the market continues to offer opportunities—especially in communities like Howell where affordability remains stronger than some neighboring areas.
Whether you're considering buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or simply curious about your home's current value, understanding local market trends is key to making informed decisions.
Thinking About Making a Move?
If you'd like to discuss the current Livingston County market, learn what your home may be worth, or explore available homes in Brighton, Howell, Hartland, Pinckney, South Lyon, or the surrounding area, we're here to help.
PAT LOTZ REAL ESTATE GROUP
📲 Call/Text: 734-637-3668
