Is now the right time to sell in Lakeshore East?

Now that summer is in full swing and fall is just around the corner, conditions are aligning for a well-timed sale in Lakeshore East. With heightened activity, a premium location, and steady buyer interest, the season offers both visibility and opportunity.

If you’re looking to sell your home in Chicago but are unsure about the timing, we at Wurl Luxury Group have the expertise to break down the numbers and guide you in making smart, strategic decisions. With our deep knowledge of Lakeshore East Chicago real estate, we’ll ensure your property is positioned to capture the right buyer at the right time, and guide you through a successful and seamless sale.

The LSE real estate market: Market trends you need to know

As of June 2025, Lakeshore East has shifted into a neutral market, meaning there’s a balance between buyers and sellers—a change from the seller’s market seen this time last year. If you’re preparing to sell your home in Chicago, this type of market shows both opportunity and competition, and navigating this dynamic requires expert representation by the best Realtors.

Here are some of the things you can expect:

• Steady demand and stable pricing mean you can enter the market with confidence. As of May, 2025, the median home sold price is $568,000, or roughly $459 per square foot, reflecting a 3.5% increase year-over-year.
• A comprehensive marketing strategy is essential to make your home stand out. In June, 2025, there were 142 active listings in Lakeshore East — a 7.5% increase from May, suggesting more sellers are entering the market as summer begins.
• Plan for flexibility and more engaged negotiations. 68% of homes sold below asking price, with only 9% sold above asking price. This indicates buyers are value-conscious and discerning, but pricing competitively and marketing effectively can attract strong offers.
• Prepare to move fast. In June 2025, 13 homes were sold in under 30 days. That’s 59% of homes for sale at Lakeshore East. Around 23% of homes were sold within 30 to 90 days, and 18% of homes took longer than 90 days to sell. Buyers are acting fast so you must be prepared to do the same. If you’re still living in the property, ensure your relocation timeline aligns with a potential sale. You may also want to explore post-sale contingencies that give you the flexibility to remain in the home while finalizing your move.

Consider seasonal patterns

At The Wurl Luxury Group, we know that while summer is traditionally Lakeshore East’s busiest season, more activity doesn’t always mean faster sales or stronger prices.

Recent data illustrate the trend:

• In June 2025, homes averaged 47 days on market, compared to just 28 days in June 2023.
• July has historically been the slowest month, with homes lingering for 51 days on average in 2024.
• August 2024 proved the exception — delivering the season’s highest median price at $577,000 and the fastest sales pace at just 33 days on market.

As summer winds down and fall begins, we help sellers find a powerful window of opportunity. Late August through early November can be especially strategic. Buyers at this stage are motivated to move before year-end, and with fewer competing listings, well-presented homes stand out. With our deep knowledge of Lakeshore East Chicago luxury real estate, we’ll help you position your property to capture attention, minimize market time, and secure stronger offers in this transitional season.

How does your property stack up in the market?

For those with condos for sale in Lakeshore East Chicago, understanding where your property fits in the current market can help you close a successful deal.

• Larger layouts are driving demand: Three- and four-bedroom residences saw price growth of 17.8% and 35.5% year-over-year.
• Smaller condos saw slight declines: One- and two-bedroom units dipped by 6.9% and 6.0%.
• Well-positioned homes with strong presentation continue to attract quicker offers.

Partner with us at the Wurl Luxury Group. As one of the best teams of Realtors in Chicago, we have the expertise to navigate market conditions and match your home with the perfect buyer.

External influences enhance Lakeshore East’s desirability

There are more good reasons to expect a profitable sale in Lakeshore East. The neighborhood’s status as a prestigious and highly connected community gets an even bigger boost with the ongoing infrastructure investments in the area. The Metra Electric Line, CTA’s Red and Purple Modernization projects, and city-led improvements downtown all strengthen buyer confidence, assuring them they’re investing in a connected, walkable urban lifestyle.

It’s also crucial to consider wider economic forces that shape buyer sentiment and behavior.

• Interest in smaller or entry level condos for sale in Lakeshore East may be tempered by a broader market slowdown, especially among first time buyers.
• Higher rates may limit buying power for some buyers, impacting smaller condo sales more than luxury cash-driven transactions.
• Economic uncertainty can delay buyer decisions, potentially extending time on market for units not priced competitively.

That said, Lakeshore East often attracts luxury and international buyers who are generally less sensitive to short-term volatility. For sellers in this space, fundamentals like location, design, and lifestyle continue to drive value, regardless of temporary market headwinds.

This is where our expertise comes in. We have the reach, network, experience, and market savvy to maximize your buyer pool and connect your property with the right buyer, whether locally, regionally, or internationally.

Consider your personal circumstances

Deciding to sell your home in Chicago means weighing more than just market data. Financial goals, lifestyle shifts, and property strategy all come into play, especially in a neighborhood as desirable as Lakeshore East.

• Financial goals

  Selling your home in Chicago is sometimes less about the market and more about personal financial goals. Whether it’s freeing up cash for a new investment, paying off debt, or just making the most of the equity you’ve built, a sale can make a lot of sense—regardless of the market type. With the right pricing strategy and a strong presentation, you can still come out ahead and get the most out of your home’s value.

• Property holding costs

  Ongoing expenses like maintenance, taxes, and association fees can add up over time. If you’re no longer living in the unit full-time, listing sooner can help reduce carrying costs. Enhancing the property’s appeal before going to market can also shorten time on market and minimize these expenses.

• Market timing

  While it’s tempting to wait for a seller’s market, that approach comes with risks. Inventory levels can rise, interest rates may shift, and buyer demand can fluctuate, particularly for smaller condos. Sellers who act decisively and competitively can stay ahead of these changes and capitalize on current seasonal traffic.

• Emotional factors

  Relocation, downsizing, or changing life priorities are often the real reasons behind a decision to sell. Timing your sale around these personal milestones can be just as smart as waiting for ideal market conditions.

SELL YOUR HOME IN CHICAGO WITH CONFIDENCE

When approached with clear priorities and the right guidance, selling in Lakeshore East can be both timely and rewarding. Strategic pricing, strong visual marketing, and expert representation remain key to standing out in today’s landscape.

At The Wurl Luxury Group, we guide sellers through the Lakeshore East, Chicago, real estate market with clarity, purpose, and discretion. Led by Ksenia Wurl, a globally connected luxury advisor, we pair strategic insight with boutique service to position your property for the right buyer, at the right time.

Let’s explore your options today! Contact us at 312.890.5428 or send us an email and find out how we can help you achieve your real estate goals.